Description | Skills | Experience | Sample Careers/Work Settings | Salary
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Description of Major

In today’s globally connected community, people are now more than ever joined together in a world of possibilities and challenges. In every facet of our individual and collective lives we shape this world just as we are deeply influenced by what transpires in its furthest corners. International Studies (IS) is an interdisciplinary program at NC State University that prepares graduates to embrace a world where global linkages exist alongside boundaries and separations. To do this, students choose from one of the major’s concentrations, including Africa, Europe, Latin America, East and Southeast Asia, South Asia and the Middle East, International Economy and Environment, International Relations, and International Cultural Studies. Within each concentration, students choose from a list of classes that span an array of academic departments. All International Studies majors participate in three of the major’s core courses, learn to speak a foreign language, and carry out a study abroad. In this way, International Studies students learn to navigate cultural diversity, the economic dynamics of global trade, and the ever-shifting geo-political lines that shape our globalizes world.

Courses include:

To obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies students are required to complete at least 33 semester hours of coursework. These include three core courses, a 300-level foreign language class, five courses in a student’s concentration, and six credit hours of advised electives. In addition, students must earn at least six credit hours in an approved study abroad program. Students who choose to double-major may count toward their International Studies degree three internationally-themed courses from their other major. Students may also count one course from their minor toward a major in International Studies. The International Studies website offers a complete description of International Studies courses and other major requirements: International Studies.

The Undergraduate Catalog shows a listing of International Studies courses, and the degree audit shows the curricula requirements for this major. If you are interested in expanding your career options, consider double-majoring and/or adding a minor.

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Skills You Develop In This Major

• Understand and interact with people who are culturally diverse.
• Gain and develop language skills.
• Analyze global trends, their underlying causes, and possible consequences.
• Carry out independent research.
• Report findings in writing and in public presentations
• Establish a high level of self-reliance through international travel.

Gaining Career-Related Experience

You are strongly encouraged to gain career-related experience prior to graduation in the form of an internship, summer job, or co-op. Students are strongly encouraged to accompany their International Studies major with activities that build their work experience and establish a network of contacts for their future career. These activities include internship, summer job, faculty-directed research, or co-op. International Studies faculty and advisors will work with students to identify which activities might best suit them, how students might build on these activities to craft a trajectory of success, and how students might reinforce their experiences in the classroom.

Co-op is a program of alternating semesters of work and school. Paid work terms of increasing responsibility enable students to graduate with the minimum equivalent of one year of relevant work experience. Full-time enrollment during the semester prior to the first work term is required. You can begin co-op after completion of at least two semesters (30 credit hours) at NC State (one semester for transfers and graduate students). An NC State transcript must show grades and admission to a degree program. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 (3.00 for graduate students) is required. The Co-op Office web site lists the Orientation Schedule, which is the first step to program participation.

Internships are typically full-time during the summer or (for some) part-time during the semester. You can start interning or seeking summer jobs related to your field, whenever you are ready. The University Career Center provides services to help you get started.

Participate in ePack, the Career Center's on-line system that connects employees with students through internship postings, on-campus interviews, information sessions, and resume searches. You may activate your ePack account at any time.

Internship Example

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Sample Career Titles and Possible Work Settings

The following lists provide a brief sampling of the kind of jobs and work environments you might find with a degree in this major. These titles and work settings are by no means an exhaustive listing. Because the world of work is always changing, over time job titles and work settings can change. The below listing is provided in hopes of giving you initial insight into a particular career field that would employ the skills and knowledge gained through this major.

Sample Career Titles	Sample Work Settings
Peace Corps Volunteer	Humanitarian Aid
Teacher of English as a Foreign Lanaguage	International Language School
Family Support Service Provider	Refugee Resettlement Agency in the United States
Business/Financial Consultant	International Consulting Firm
Administrative/Legislative Aide	U.S. Congress
Grade School Teacher	Teach for America/Teach for All

Careers Needing Advanced Degrees

• International Lawyer
• Professor of International Studies
• International Public Health
• College/University International Student Adviser

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Salary

Baccalaureate - $ 34,000 median starting salary and $53,000-80,000 median mid-career salary
From The Wall Street Journal

The salary listed above is an average starting salary based on skills and experiences gained at the Bachelors level. Keep in mind that salary level typically increases with additional experience and/or educational degrees.

Furthermore, you may have the opportunity to mold an entry-level position into your dream job and subsequently increase your salary as you learn more, add responsibilities and gain experience.

NC State Related Organizations & Clubs

International Studies Club

International Business Club

Euro Connection

Office of International Services

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Site last modified March 9, 2010
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