WPI offers a minor, major and double major in International Studies:

Minor

The International Studies minor is ideal for students who go off-campus for their Interactive Project or for an educational exchange program.  The minor prepares students for work and study abroad through "core" courses and international electives.  After an experience overseas, students take a senior seminar in which they reflect on what happened to them while they were abroad, why it happened, and how it might be understood.  They also consider ways of translating their experiences into future personal and professional opportunities.

Most International Studies minors complete the "Interactive Project Option" by doing a project at one of WPI's Global Project Centers at London, Venice, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Denmark, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Zurich, Australia, Africa and elsewhere. (At WPI, each "Unit" equals three courses, or 9 credit hours). 
 

International Studies Minor  Interactive Project Option	Units
International Core	1
International Electives	1
International Interactive Project	1
Total	3

Students who complete an educational exchange overseas may also do the International Studies minor.  For example, many students on exchange programs to Germany pursue this option.  
 

International Studies Minor  Exchange Program Option	Units
International Core	1
International Electives	2
Total	3

Both options include the same International "Core" of one unit, or three courses.  This requires an international history course (such as HI 1341), a cross-cultural course (such as HU 3411), and the Senior Seminar in International Studies (HU 4411).  Electives may be taken from among any of the international courses at WPI. 

Tracks

The International Studies minor integrates a student's courses, projects, and overseas experiences. Since the background and goals of each student are different, these requirements are flexible. Below are various "tracks" or sample programs which illustrate how students with experience at some of WPI's global project centers might shape the minor to meet their goals.  These tracks are not requirements.   You could combine your courses and projects in ways other than those described here.  

• Africa Track, Namibia, South Africa
• Asia Track, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Taipei
• Australia Track, Melbourne
• Denmark Track, Copenhagen 
• German Track, Darmstadt, Munich
• London Track, IQPs and Humanities Projects
• Spanish Track, Costa Rica, Madrid, Mexico, Puerto Rico
• Venice Track, Venice

For further information, consult the official requirements for the International Studies Minor in the on-line catalog.  Students may also wish to consider some of the new courses offered each year in International Studies.

 

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Minor Planning and Approval Form 

To help students plan and complete a minor in International Studies, we have developed the International Studies Minor Planning and Approval Form.  This is the form you will use to plan your minor and also to have your minor approved so that it will appear on your transcript and diploma. To plan your minor, download and print the International Studies Minor Planning and Approval Form (PDF).  Then fill out the top section of the form with your planned course of study for the minor program.  You will need to have this form signed by a member of the International Studies Associated Faculty who will serve as an academic advisor for the minor. 

 

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Major or Double Major

The International Studies Major or Double Major combines rigorous preparation in the humanities and social sciences, competence in a field of science or technology, and the global perspective of WPI's curriculum. International Studies majors have done their senior projects (Major Projects) in London, Madrid, Namibia, Ecuador, Sri Lanka, and Thailand as well as on campus. Find out more...

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