Center for International Studies

Derrick Hall Room 101
T: 512.245.2339
www.txstate.edu/internationalstudies

Demand for globbaly aware graduates with knowledge of international business, cultural and area studies, and language skills continues to increase. Globalization has created a need for people with cultural understanding and international perspective in business, law, diplomacy, and communications technology, NGO's and other fields. The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (B.A.I.S.) prepares students for these and other opportunities.

In addition to its academic programs, the Center offers students internship, service learningand study abroad opportunites.

Peace Corps Prep

Peace Corps Prep is a certificate program for undergraduates who wish to build on the four competencies (training/experience in a work sector, foreign language skills, intercultural competence, and professional and leadership development) that Peace Corps looks for in its applicants. The certificate also gives students a competitive edge when applying for Peace Corps service. The program is open to all majors. While the program does not guarantee acceptance into the Peace Corps, undergraduates will gain skills that are an advantage in the application process, and in other international development work. Being part of the program demonstrates to any future employer that participating students think and act with global understanding and cultural awareness.

Academic Advising

Majors receive advising assistance from the College of Liberal Arts Academic Advising Center, and a full time academic program coordinator at the Center. The Center works with the Office of Career Services to prepare students for internationally focused careers in various fields, and with the College of Liberal Arts Academic Advising Center to ensure students' timely graduation.

Graduation Requirements

All B.A.I.S. majors are required to maintain a TXST GPA of 2.75, a major GPA of 3.00, complete the Texas State general education core curriculum, the International Studies Core, and the International Studies major courses. Additionally, all undergraduate students pursuing the B.A.I.S. degree are required to complete a global academic experience. The requirement can be fulfilled by an education abroad course or an International Studies Internship, IS 4387, that entails international work, service, or group research. The Center’s director and academic coordinator will work closely with B.A.I.S. majors to find the best options for faculty-led or independent international study. B.A.I.S. majors are not required to complete a minor. Students must meet all course prerequisites. Please see the College of Liberal Arts, and the Degrees and Programs sections of this catalog for specific information on the general education core curriculum, and special requirements for the B.A.I.S.

B.A.I.S. majors are required to complete the special requirements in science, modern language, and English Literature. For B.A.I.S. majors, the list of approved additional science courses under that section is expanded to include statistics. Approved statistics courses are:

QMST 2333Business Statistics3
SOCI 3307Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences3
GEO 3301Research Methods in Geography3
PS 3315Quantitative Research in Political Science3
CJ 3347Statistics For Criminal Justice3
HP 3302Biostatistics3
MATH 2358Discrete Mathematics I3
MATH 3305Introduction to Probability and Statistics3

International Studies Core

All B.A.I.S. majors are required to complete 27 hours of core courses:

ECO 2314Principles of Microeconomics3
ECO 2315Principles of Macroeconomics3
GEO 1310World Geography3
GEO 3303Economic Geography3
HIST 2310Western Civilization to 17153
or HIST 2311 History of World Civilization to the 17th Century
HIST 2312History of World Civilization from the 17th Century3
or HIST 2320 Western Civilization, 1715 to Date
IS 4380International Studies Seminar3
PS 3351Introduction to International Studies3
Modern Language of one advanced (3000- or 4000-level) course in the same language that was completed for the additional BA requirements3
Total Hours27

Courses in International Studies (IS)

IS 4380. International Studies Seminar.

A senior-level seminar that explores international topics through reading, writing, research and group discussion. Students will be expected to produce a significant research paper. This course is required for all International Studies majors and should be taken in the senior year of undergraduate study. (MULT).

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Multicultural Content|Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

IS 4387. International Studies Internship.

A semester-long work and study experience in a local, national, or foreign setting. Internships must be approved by the director of the Center for International Studies. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 10 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

IS 4390. Problems in International Studies Research.

The instructor and student create an in-depth research project on a topic of interest to both participants.

3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter

IS 4687. International Studies Internship.

A semester long work and study experience in a local, national, or foreign setting. Internships must be approved by the director of the Center for International Studies. Repeatable once for credit. Prerequisite: Minimum 3.0 Texas State GPA.

6 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 10 Lab Contact Hours.
Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter