B.A. in International Studies
Become a globally aware and engaged citizen and prepare for the rapidly changing workplace.
International Studies at the University of Mississippi is an interdisciplinary major that allows students to focus on a specific region throughout the world (East Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Middle East) and a thematic area (business, culture, politics, or health), thus providing them with an understanding of how the contemporary world works. Majors will intensively study a foreign language and study abroad for at least one semester.
Key Benefits
The Croft Institute for International Studies provides students with an interdisciplinary curriculum and the mastery of a new language. The time abroad provides deeper appreciation of today's global society and the great diversity of people and cultures. Croft builds a foundation of skills including writing, speaking, analytical thinking, multitasking, creativity, and perseverance that prepare graduates to compete at the global level.
Graduate Outcomes
No two Croft graduates are the same. Thanks to the program's flexibility, students gain a wide range of skills, which make them competitive for careers in a variety of fields. A Croft graduate might be the director of finance and operations for an international non-profit organization, work for the U.S. Department of State, or be an account manager for a European sustainable energy consulting firm.
Experiences Offered
All Croft students study abroad, either for a semester or a whole year, in a country where their chosen language is spoken. During their time abroad, Croft students learn how to adapt to an unfamiliar environment and how to build relationships across barriers of language and culture.
B.A. in International Studies Faculty
Faculty from departments across the College of Liberal Arts at the University of Mississippi teach the courses for the Croft curriculum. Listed below are the faculty have joint appointments with the Croft Institute. All the Croft Institute's faculty work hard to provide a supportive environment and superior education to the students in the International Studies major. They are readily accessible to students and combine their scholarly pursuits with a strong interest in teaching, involving Croft students in their research and encouraging student research whenever possible.
Course Requirements
A major in international studies for the B.A. degree consists of 44 semester hours, including Inst 101, 110, 111, 200, 381, 421, 422, 431, and two out of the following five: Inst 201, 203, 205, 207, and 209. This must include the 200-level course corresponding to the student's regional concentration. Students must take 6 hours at the 300 level or above in one geographic region and 6 hours at the 300 level or above in a single thematic concentration, and 9 hours in a 300-level elective course approved for the major. With the exception of certain students who have already studied for at least one full semester or more in their geographic region of concentration, all students must spend at least one semester in an approved study abroad program. Students exempt from the study abroad requirement are exempt from the Inst 110 and 111 requirements.
Introductory course (3 credit hours) - one course:
- Inst 101 Introduction to International Studies
Core courses (6 credit hours) - two of the following courses, --
including the course corresponding to the student's regional -- concentration:
- Inst 201 African Studies
- Inst 203 East Asian Studies
- Inst 205 European Studies
- Inst 207 Latin American Studies
- Inst 209 Middle Eastern Studies
Regional courses (6 hours) - two additional approved courses in --
one geographic region
Thematic courses (6 credit hours) - two approved courses both --
drawn from one of the following areas:
- Global economics and business
- Global health
- International governance and politics
- Social and cultural identity
Research Methods course (3 credit hours):
- Inst 381
Elective course (9 credit hours):
- three additional course selected from upper-division courses --
approved for the major
Intercultural Communication (2 credit hours, Z-graded) - two --
courses
- Inst 110 - Intercultural Communication: Pre-departure
- Inst 111 - Intercultural Communication: Re-entry
Senior thesis (6 credit hours) - two courses
- Inst 421 Research Seminar I
- Inst 422 Research Seminar II
OPI Language Proficiency Exam (0 credit hours, Z-graded)
- Inst 431 Oral Proficiency Interview
Admissions Requirements
Students must be admitted into the Croft Institute to pursue the major in international studies. High school seniors apply through the University of Mississippi Special Programs and Scholarship Application and current UM students should request an application from the Croft Institute.
Patrick Woodyard
The co-founder & CEO of Nisolo, Patrick graduated from the Croft Institute in 2010, where he studied global economics & business, Latin America, and Spanish. His experience using business as a force for good has led him across the globe--ranging from Kenya and Uganda to Argentina and Peru. Patrick created Nisolo with the vision to push the fashion industry in a more sustainable direction by positioning Nisolo as one of the first footwear and accessories brands to deliver a superior yet ethically produced product to consumers.
Why international studies at UM?
"The Croft Institute played a pivotal role in preparing me for my career. Today, I am the CEO of a multinational fashion brand working throughout Central and South America. My thematic and regional concentrations at the Croft Institute have lined up quite nicely with my career choices and have helped me in all of the obvious ways."
Student Organizations
Join the Croft Senate for shared governance model within the Croft Institute for International Studies.