Major or Double Major

The International Studies major or double major is an interdisciplinary program that combines rigorous preparation in the humanities and social sciences, competence in a field of science or technology, and the global perspective of WPI's projects.  Under the broad umbrella of the International Studies, students create their own programs to accommodate their interests and career goals.  Students plan a course of study that may focus on a thematic issue, an analytical approach, or a region of the world (often known as area studies).  International Studies majors are well prepared for careers in business, law, government, public affairs, and science and technology.

Graduates of WPI's International Studies major have gone to graduate school in law, public health, international affairs, medicine and veterinary medicine.  Others have worked for international businesses, the Peace Corps, the U.S. military, and a variety of technology firms in the private sector.

Students planning an International Studies minor should also consider the double-major.  The major requires the same "core" of three courses as the minor.  Almost all courses taken for the Humanities and Arts Requirement or the Social Science requirement may also count towards the minor.  Thus, for many people, the double major is possible by taking a reasonable number of additional courses and completing a Major Project.  The basic requirements are as follows:
 
 

International Studies Major	Units
International Core       International history course (e.g. HI 1341)      Cross-cultural course (such as HU 3411)     HU 4411, Senior Seminar in International Studies	1
International Fields      Historical Analysis     Language, Literature and Culture     Social Sciences	4
Major Project	1
Science, Technology, Mathematics	2
Electives (from other major or from free electives)	2
Total	10

(At WPI, each "Unit" equals three courses.  Each course is 1/3 unit, or 3 credit hours). 

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International Fields

The International Fields require one unit (three courses) in each area, and one additional unit in one of them.  Students thus concentrate in either History; or Language, Literature, and Culture, or the Social Sciences.  These are merely examples, and the courses you choose could be different. 

History Example
 

International Fields	Units
Historical Analysis  HI 1321 Intro to European Social History HI 2324 Industry and Empire in British History HI 2321 Europe from French Rev to World War I HI 2322 Europe Since World War I HI 3341 Topics in Imperial and Postcolonial History HI 3321 Topics in Modern European History	2
Language, Literature, and Culture EN 2243 Modern British Literature EN 3224 Shakespeare Seminar AR 1111 Introduction to Art History	1
Social Sciences SS 2406 Cross-Cultural Psychology SS 1202 Sociological Concepts and Comparative  SS 1320 Topics in International Politics	1
Total International Fields	4

 

Language, Literature, and Culture Example
 

International Fields	Units
Historical Analysis  HI 1313 Intro to Foreign Policy and Diplomacy HI 2316 American Foreign Policy  HI 2322 Europe Since World War I	1
Language, Literature, and Culture 6 Spanish or German Courses at the intermediate or advanced level or above.	2
Social Sciences SS 1120 Introductory Macroeconomics  SS 2125 Development Economics BUS 1900 Business in an International Environment	1
Total International Fields	4

 

Social Sciences Example
 

International Fields	Units
Historical Analysis  HU1412 Introduction to Asia HI 2343 East Asia: China at the Center HI 3343 Topics in Asian History	1
Language, Literature, and Culture RE 2721 Religion and Culture RE 2723 Religions of the East PY 2717 Philosophy and the Environment	1
Social Sciences SS 1320 Topics in International Politics  SS 1110 Introductory Microeconomics  SS 1120 Introductory Macroeconomics SS 2117 Environmental Economics SS 2125 Development Economics  SS 2312 International Environmental Policy	2
Total International Fields	4

If you are considering graduate programs in international affairs, keep in mind that these programs often require macro-economics and micro-economics as well as proficiency in a foreign language as prerequisites for admission.  See the links to graduate programs in international studies to check their requirements.  

Unique Opportunities for Study Abroad

International Studies majors must have an international educational experience.  This is usually an Interactive Project, but a Humanities and Arts Seminar/Practicum or Major Project at one of WPI's global project centers is also possible.  Indeed, many International Studies majors go off-campus several times, once for their Interactive Project and, again, to a different center for their Major Project.  International Studies Major Projects have been completed in London, Madrid, Bangkok, Ecuador, Namibia, and on campus.

Students may also wish to consider some of the new courses offered each year in International Studies. The official requirements for the major are in the on-line undergraduate catalog. 

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Planning Your Major Program

To help plan your International Studies major, use the International Studies Major Planning and Approval Form. Bring this form to an academic advisor in International Studies to discuss possible programs of study that meet your needs and interests. 

How to Declare

To declare the major or double major, you should meet with any of the members of the International Studies Associated Faculty.  After discussing the plans outlined on your Major Planning and Approval Form with an academic advisor, you are welcome to complete the online Major Declaration Form.