International Studies

Spin the globe, pick a place... your future can take you anywhere

Part politics, part economic, part foreign language, part cultural study: the International Studies major is truly interdisciplinary, providing students with a rock-solid foundation for careers in an increasingly globalized world.

Explore the intricate workings of the world community with possible courses such as:

International Business
Economic Development
Franco-American Relations in Trade and Culture
The Age of World War- Europe 1914-1945
Russian History Since 1861
United States Foreign Policy
Comparative Politics of China and Japan

Along with a broad overview of international relations, you can also choose a specific location to study in detail. Oglethorpe offers particular strengths in the area of Asian politics, with a number of courses devoted to European and Latin American politics and history as well.

Make sure your passport is up-to-date, as every International Studies major is required to study abroad. Thanks to Oglethorpe’s partnerships with a variety of overseas learning institutions, you’ll have a number of affordable, accessible options for life-changing adventures and world exploration

Real-World Experience
Life After Oglethorpe
Degree Requirements & Courses

As a metropolitan hub and the leading cultural center of the southeast, our location in Atlanta means unparalleled opportunities in International Studies. Atlanta is home to influential organizations like the Carter Center and the World Affairs Council of Atlanta; consulates for a number of countries; and headquarters of multinational businesses, like Coca-Cola.

International Studies majors complete internships at organizations like Amnesty International; Brazil Soccer; the Carter Center; the Coca-Cola Company; Georgia Council for International Visitors; Gray Ghost Ventures (a global investing firm funding entrepreneurs in low-income communities); Honduras Consulate; Jewish Healthcare International; the Istanbul Center; the Israeli Consulate; New York Life Insurance; the U.S. Embassy in Honduras; and the World Affairs Council of Atlanta.

All Oglethorpe students are encouraged to explore their interests and pursue independent research, even at the undergraduate level. For students in the International Studies program, that research can have real-world implications: one student, Udara Soysa ’09 authored a short book titled “Terrorizing Terrorists: Understanding the Successful Counter-Insurgency in Sri Lanka.” And alumna Devon Simon is looking into publishing her dissertation on terrorism, completed at the University of Aberystwyth.

A degree in International Studies is a great preparation for careers in business, education, government service, international banking and finance, nonprofit organizations and NGOs and law.

Interested in working for the Foreign Service? A degree in International Studies is an excellent first step.

Many graduates also go on to pursue a Master in International Affairs, further enhancing their career prospects.

One alum attended the School of Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins, and is now a Foreign Service officer specializing in China. Another attended the Joseph Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver and is now a research consultant at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Another is an archivist for the state of Mississippi. Yet another is training to become a police officer.

See degree requirements and course descriptions in the University Bulletin.

Learn about yourself and the world

Plan your perfect trip with help from the advisors in Global Education. They’ll coach you through the easy steps to study abroad and answer your questions about the unique travel experiences offered through our global study partner, LeadAbroad. Some trips even offer course credit, so you can enjoy global adventures and still graduate on time!