About International Studies

About the International Studies Program

The International Studies major and minor combine different subjects to help students see the world from different perspectives. They cover various areas of study and important global problems to explain how the world is linked and changing. Students and faculty in the major know that studying only one subject is not enough to understand how the world works. That is why this major helps students learn about different parts of the world and how things have changed over time.

One female and three male professors (Drs. Bea Maldonado, Blake Scott, Max Kovalov, and Malte Pehl, respectively) standing behind a table with a rack of mini flags of countries from around the world.

Drs. Bea Maldonado, Blake Scott, Max Kovalov, and Malte Pehl of the International Studies Program at the Majors-Minors Fair on the Cistern.

When students choose the International Studies major, they gain skills to become responsible global citizens. The world is becoming more connected, and issues that affect the whole world also touch local communities. Soon, almost every job will involve something international. Solving big global problems requires people who comprehend the entire world, and these individuals will be highly valuable and make positive contributions to their communities.

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The International Studies Program combines various subjects and learning methods. After completing the core courses, students will know how to research global events and become specialists in a specific region of the world or a global issue. They will become proficient in a foreign language and gain valuable experience by studying or working in another country.

International Studies Major

International Studies will teach students to see the world from a global viewpoint and understand important trends and problems by studying international events. It focuses on understanding different parts of the world and significant issues from various fields and throughout history.
Catalog and Course Information
International Studies, Africa Concentration
International Studies, Asia Concentration
International Studies, Europe Concentration
International Studies, Global Studies Concentration
International Studies, Latin America and the Caribbean Concentration
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International Studies Minor

The International Studies minor (INST) is an optional program with a series of classes introducing you to a global community. Finishing this program will give you a strong base of knowledge if you are considering a career in government, businesses, or nonprofit organizations.
Catalog and Course Information
Minor in International Studies
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International Studies Faculty and Staff
Mission and Vision Statement

The International Studies major focuses on the political, economic, socio-historic, and cultural dimensions of changes that have and are taking place around the world. International Studies will help students to develop a global perspective regarding vital trends and issues as they learn to analyze international affairs.

The International Studies major is both an interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary program. It emphasizes knowledge of regions across disciplines and time, providing students with the skills necessary to become global citizens. Students who complete the major will have acquired a firm grasp of methodologies appropriate to the study of international phenomena, in-depth expertise in a particular region of the world or international theme, competence in a foreign language, and globally relevant experience through study or internship abroad programs.

Alumni Impact

International Studies alumna Maggie Panetta ’17 earned the Young Alumnus Award Honor from the College of Charleston Alumni Association. A dedicated humanitarian professional, Maggie serves as a program officer for grant coordination and post-award management for the International Rescue Committee.