International Studies
The world is changing quickly and countries and cultures are increasingly interconnected. Students who graduate today will work in environments that involve communication with people all around the globe. To be prepared for this global environment, students need to acquire an understanding of other cultures through multicultural study, language proficiency development and experience abroad. The international studies major combines these elements with the study of an academic major to provide students with the best preparation available to live, work and participate in a global environment.
The Program
The international studies program is offered concurrently with a student's primary major. It provides students with the opportunity to internationalize their major by combining special requirements to obtain the international studies major as a complement to their academic field of study. Students complete 27 credits of course work including an integrative senior project and demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language and participate in an experience abroad to graduate with a major in international studies.
The Curriculum
In addition to the courses required for their primary major, students seeking the international studies major are required to take courses that have an international focus. In addition to the required 15 credit core, nine credits of electives also are required and will be chosen with the help of the student's advisor. An integrative senior project that ties international study to the primary degree completes the degree.
Language Preparation
Knowledge of a foreign language is an important part of the program of study. At North Dakota State University, students can study French, German and Spanish. Additional language study is available through the Tri-College University in languages such as Norwegian, Japanese and Chinese. Foreign language proficiency equivalent to completion of two years of college language study is required. This requirement can be met either through appropriate course work or through a testing procedure in the Department of Modern Languages.
Study Abroad
An important part of the international studies major is participation in a study, work or research experience abroad at least 10 consecutive weeks in length. NDSU offers university-sponsored study abroad programs in countries such as Denmark, France, Germany, Mexico, Chile, Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden. Opportunities also are available in countries all over the world through NDSU's membership in the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) and other study abroad programs, as well as programs through other universities. Students also can do research or work abroad through a variety of programs available internationally. Assistance with finding an overseas study program is available in the Office of International Students and Study Abroad Services.
Selective Admission
In order to be eligible to participate in the international studies major, students must have sophomore standing with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5. Eligible students also must have initiated advanced-level course work in their academic major and completed one year of college foreign language study.
Additional information about the international studies major is available through the department of a student's academic major, the International Studies Director, the Department of Modern Languages and the Office of International Students and Study Abroad Services. Faculty or staff in each of these areas is available to help students plan their programs.
Memorial Union
Room 116
(Campus Map)
Contact Information
Department of Modern Languages
NDSU Dept. 2345
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
DEPT PHONE: (701) 231-7887
DEPT EMAIL: ndsu.modernlanguages@ndsu.edu
DEPT WEBSITE: www.ndsu.edu/modernlanguages
or
International Student and Study Abroad Services
NDSU Dept 2862
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
DEPT PHONE: (701) 231-7895
DEPT WEBSITE: www.ndsu.edu/international/
DEPT EMAIL: ndsu.studyabroad@ndsu.edu
or
Office of Admission
North Dakota State University
Ceres 114
Dept #5230, PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050
Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/admission/
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