International Studies (B.A.)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Student Learning Outcomes

56-58 Major Hours, 120 Degree Hours

Timothy J. Schorn, JD, LLM, PhD, Director
Dakota Hall 110
605-658-6759
timothy.schorn@usd.edu

MAJOR:

International Studies, B.A.

MINOR:

International Studies

International Studies helps students become internationally literate and familiar with diverse cultures, ideas, languages, politics, history, literature and more. The interdisciplinary program prepares students for employment in education, business, government, journalism and other fields that increasingly seek graduates with both a liberal arts education and international understanding.

Students in this major must also complete requirements for a degree in the College of Arts & Sciences .

International Studies Scholarship

Please contact the department for information about available scholarships and awards.

Program Requirements (12 hours)

Required modern foreign language Courses (20-22 Hours):

Completed through a major or a minor in a single modern foreign language or 14 hours in one modern foreign language and 8 hours in a second modern foreign language.

Program Electives (24 hours or 18 hours for double major)

B.A. to Public Administration, MPA Accelerated program (fast-track)

Students in Political Science, Criminal Justice, International Studies, or Legal Studies degree programs who are interested in public service careers may apply to the fast-track of the Master of Public Administration program. Students would apply to the USD Graduate School during the spring of their junior year and be admitted to the USD Graduate School contingent on receipt of their undergraduate degree. After completing 90 hours (senior status), students may take 12 graduate hours that will count toward their undergraduate degree and also count toward the NASPAA accredited Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree. After receiving their undergraduate degree and satisfactory progress in the four graduate courses, students would continue to pursue coursework leading to the MPA degree. Additional information about the accelerated degree can be found on the accelerated program catalog page for the M.P.A. in Public Administration.

Double Major (50 hours)

Students who choose to receive a double major may reduce the number of International Studies electives by six credit hours. With the exception of courses in a modern foreign language, requirements may not apply to more than one major, i.e. double-counting of a course is not permitted.

Four-Year Program Guides and Costs

USD encourages students to take 15 credits per semester or 30 credits within the year in order to graduate in 4 years. To help students complete their academic degree program in four years, we provide a sample academic plan. Please work with your academic advisor to confirm your plan.

International Studies, B.A. 4-year plan guide

Location Matters for Non-Licensure Track Programs

This program is not designed or advertised to lead to a professional license or certification required for employment.

USD is permitted to operate under the terms of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) policies and standards in offering online courses/degree programs to residents in 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Online courses/programs may also be offered to residents of California (a non-SARA state) because it does not regulate out-of-state public institutions.

Additionally, this program is authorized to offer supervised field study experiences (internship, externship, clinical, rotation, practicum, independent study, study away, etc.) in South Dakota. Please be aware that there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota. Please contact a program representative if you have questions regarding supervised field study.

Distance education courses or programs will not be offered outside of the United States without prior written approval from the University, which may be withheld for any reason. If you are taking distance courses while physically located outside of the United States, it is your responsibility to confirm the following: (a) if the country will recognize an online degree; (b) the availability of supervised field study opportunities in the country; and (c) if the country charges any additional taxes, withholdings or fees associated with online distance education programs.

For more information, please visit USD’s State Authorization page or contact your admissions counselor.