Undergraduate

International Studies, B.A.

Explore the history, cultures, politics, and economies of the world. Study abroad and develop fluency in one of eight languages.

Croft student, Aahba Mantri, drinking coffee with two other students on the porch of the Croft building

About the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies

The Croft Institute for International Studies is home to the major in international studies— an interdisciplinary program that focuses on the intensive study of the languages, cultures, and economies of the world. With small classes, dedicated professors, and a strong community, Croft prepares students to become global citizens—aware of the world and engaged in an international community.

Croft offers a curriculum that includes surveys of East Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, at the lower-division level, and specialized topics classes at the upper-division level. Students choose both a thematic and a regional concentration. Croft is responsive to global trends and the diverse interests of students, offering innovative courses on the issues that will shape the 21st century. Students develop both qualitative and quantitative analysis skills and learn how to conduct innovative, original research.

To major in International Studies at the University of Mississippi, students must apply and be formally admitted to the Croft Institute by completing the UM Special Programs and Scholarships Application.

After acceptance to UM, students must complete a separate application and be formally accepted into the Croft Institute for International Studies.

Foreign Language

International Studies majors learn one foreign language offered through Croft and take courses in that language every semester. The Croft Institute for International Studies relies on the Department of Modern Languages to ensure that its students receive high-quality, oral proficiency-oriented language instruction. Students choosing Arabic or Chinese are encouraged to apply for the Flagship program.

When you graduate, you can live, study, and do business in your chosen language.

Study Abroad

Students are required to study abroad, for either a semester or a whole year, in a country whose language they have been studying at Croft. Students enroll in both language courses and topics courses on their region and theme. Many students have the opportunity to enroll in courses with students from their host communities. The semester or year spent abroad is the experience of a lifetime, a time of intense personal and intellectual growth.

Senior Thesis

All international studies majors write a senior thesis in their final two semesters. They work closely with a faculty mentor to plan and carry out a substantial research project.

On this Page…

    Program Information

    Degree

    B.A. in International Studies

    Required Credit Hours

    120

    Program Type

    Major

    Minor

    Program Location

    Oxford

    Duration

    4 years

    What is International Studies?

    Hear from our faculty and students about the International Studies program at Ole Miss.

    Choosing an Optional Minor or Double Major

    International Studies students may select an optional minor or double major based on their interests or career goals. Given the intensive language instruction, it is common to double major in their selected foreign language. 
    • Assistant Director of Admissions at Tulane University School of Architecture
    • Legal Clerk for the Federal Court System in Oxford, MS
    • Global Media Relations Specialist for FedEx
    • Project Engineer Associate at Lockheed Martin
    • Resident of General Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine
    • Emergency Management Specialist for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    • Assistant Professor at the Copenhagen Business School
    • Senior Program Associate, Afghanistan and Asia for Internews Network
    • Program Coordinator for Working Landscapes
    • Associate Director of Berkeley Research Group LLC
    • Research Manager at DeltaMV in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    • Producer at Fox Business Network
    • Deputy Country Representative for USAID: United States Agency for International Development in Bogota, Columbia
    • Interim Chief Executive Officer for Dekel Holdings in Panama City, Panama
    Sederia Gray portrait

    Why Choose a B.A. in International Studies at Croft?

    “Croft has afforded me the opportunity to learn about the diverse world that we live in through study abroad programs, lecture series, and top caliber instruction.  My company competes in an international market with global competitors.  The lessons I learned at the Croft Institute prepared me for my corporate career.  Not only did I gain invaluable knowledge in international studies, but I formed long lasting friendships.  The opportunities to expand your knowledge and cultural experience are endless at the Croft Institute.”

    Sederia Gray

    Global Media Relations for FedEx in Washington, D.C.

    Next Steps

    Explore Affordability

    We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.

    Apply to the University of Mississippi

    Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?