B.A. Program in International Studies, 57 Credits

Program Description

Central Connecticut State University offers fully accredited interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate degree programs in International Studies with specializations leading to the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science degrees for students in arts and sciences.

Approved by the Board of Governors for Higher Education, which also designated CCSU a Center of Excellence in International Education in 1986, the International Studies program provides dual competency. Students complete their degree with training in a particular academic discipline or field, as well as gain a strong background in International Studies with a focus on the language and culture of one particular world area. Specializations are available in African Studies, East Asian Studies, Latin American Studies, Slavic and East European Studies, Middle East Studies, and European Union and West European Studies. The curriculum also requires attaining intermediate-mid proficiency in a foreign language associated with the chosen area of specialization.

International Studies majors must complete at least four years of study with dual competencies in international studies and a traditional academic subject or area, as well as a substantial international experience. All international studies majors must complete at least one semester of in-depth exposure to another way of life.

Ideally, International Studies majors will spend one academic year abroad. CCSU provides significant opportunities for overseas study through its linkage agreements with universities around the world. For students who are unable to complete a study abroad experience, faculty will assist them to develop a local multicultural experience related to the students’ academic track or regional experience.

Program Requirements

Core Curriculum, 12 Credits

IS 225	The World as a Total System
IS 475	Senior Project

Two of the Following:

GEOG 120	World Regional Geography
HIST 122	World Civilization II
PS 104	The World's Political Systems

Regional Specialization, 18 Credits

Courses from history, language and literature, and the social or behavioral science of particular world regions, as approved by the faculty advisor. Students will be encouraged to select a region coinciding with existing CCSU Area Studies programs, though a specialization from other world regions can be selected if desired and courses are available.

Directed Electives, 9 Credits

Courses in either the Regional Specialization or a related area, those designated International, or those labeled International Studies, as approved by the faculty advisor.

Modern Language, 18 credits

Courses or demonstrated competency in a single modern language related to the regional specialization in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding equal to completion of the 226 level. If intermediate-mid level competency are established with fewer than 18 credits, free electives may be substituted.

Structured International or Multi-cultural Experience

At least one semester of faculty supervised, in-depth exposure to another way of life is required. Ideally, students will spend one academic year abroad, as part of the CCSU Study Abroad Program. As an alternative, International Studies faculty will assist students to develop local multi-cultural experience related to the student’s academic track or regional specialization.

1615 Stanley Street, New Britain, CT 06050  860.832.CCSU or toll free instate 1-888-733-2278