Established in 2007, the International Studies Program (Bachelor of Arts degree) at the University of Central Arkansas is intended for students who are interested in studying global topics and problems primarily from a social science perspective. Students are exposed to a variety of courses in the fields of international relations and comparative politics within the discipline of political science, as well as a variety of courses within the disciplines of economics, finance, geography, history, philosophy, and world languages. There is also a foreign language component to the program. Students are required to be proficient in at least one second language. Students may choose to pursue either a major or a minor in International Studies (see link to “degree requirements and checklists” below).
Students who choose to major or minor in International Studies within the Department of Political Science are required to select one of three different concentrations: (1) International Politics & Diplomacy; (2) International Political Economy & Development; and (3) Regional Studies (see link to “concentrations and courses” below). The concentration in International Politics & Diplomacy emphasizes the political relations and interactions between and among countries in the international system, as well as the behaviors of sub-national groups that operate within countries and transnational groups that operate across the borders of countries. The concentration in International Political Economy & Development emphasizes the economic relations and interactions between and among countries in the international system, including the role of global institutions such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and the World Trade Organization. Finally, the concentration in Regional Studies emphasizes the development and transformation of political, economic, and cultural systems within specific regions of the world, including Asia, Africa, Europe, Middle East, and Latin America.
The International Studies Program will prepare students to enter into one of many increasingly important and competitive careers in the 21st century, including business, diplomacy, intelligence, and economic development. Students may choose to pursue employment with the United States government, including the State Department, Defense Department, Commerce Department, National Security Agency, and Central Intelligence Agency. Students may also choose to work for an inter-governmental organization (IGO), such as the United Nations, World Trade Organization, and Organization of American States. In addition, students may choose to seek a job in the private sector for a multinational corporation (MNC) or a non-governmental organization (NGO). The International Studies Program will also prepare students to enter graduate programs in a variety of disciplines, including business, economics, geography, history, and political science. For students interested in international studies, foreign languages, and study abroad programs, there are a number of government- and private-funded scholarships and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as other international studies-related programs (see link to “fellowships, scholarships, and language/study abroad/summer programs” below).
International Studies – Degree Requirements and Checklists
International Studies – Concentrations and Courses
International Studies – Fellowships, Scholarships, and Language/Study Abroad/Summer Programs
International Studies – Graduate School (M.A. and M.S.) Programs
International Studies – Graduates
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the International Studies Program.
Dr. Mark Mullenbach
Director, International Studies Program
Department of Political Science
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, Arkansas 72035
E-Mail: markm@uca.edu
Phone: 501-450-5693