Major Specializations

As an International Studies major, you will choose a subject-area specialization that aligns with your interests and career goals. With 14 major specializations to choose from, you can explore global issues, regional studies, and critical fields that shape the world today. Each specialization equips you with the knowledge and analytical skills needed to engage with international challenges, preparing you for careers in diplomacy, security, business, and beyond. Your choice of specialization will help shape your perspective on global interactions and open doors to exciting opportunities around the world. 

We currently offer the following specializations:

• African Studies
• Development Studies
• East Asian Studies
• Globalization Studies
• Human Rights
• Information Security
• International Conflict & Peace
• International Relations and Diplomacy
• Latin American Studies
• Middle East Studies
• Security and Intelligence
• Slavic and East European Studies
• Western European Studies
• World Business and Economy

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science?

With an International Studies major, you can choose to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS). All specializations have the option for a BA and BS, and there are quite a few similarities between the two. However, the BS requires a 3-course Data Analysis series, while the BA requires only one Data Analysis course. To learn more about degree requirements and required courses, visit our major pages.

Foreign Language Requirement

All International Studies majors must be proficient in a language other than English. Proficiency can be reached in many ways, but we define it as credit for one language series: 1101, 1102, 1103, and 2000 (one level above 1103) or their equivalents. Given each student’s language experience, this requirement can be met in many ways:

• Language placement test  
  • If you place in 1102, you only need to take 3 more semesters: 1102, 1103, 2000
  • If you place into 1103, you need 2 more semesters: 1103 and 2000 level
  • If you place into 2000 then you only need to take 2000
  • If you place out of 2000, then your language requirement is met and you no longer need to take a language class to meet your International Studies degree requirements
• Validation
• Transfer to OSU: AP rest results, CCP credit, other credits

Notes

• American Sign Language is accepted (1101, 1102, 1103, 2000 level).
• Latin is not accepted. You must choose a language of international circulation.
• If you want to start a language from the beginning, please email our office: Language name, course  level (1101) and course 4-6 digit number, time/date etc.  Ensure you keep that blocked on your schedule.

Exceptions

Non-English speaking high school graduates or Non-US high school graduates from an English language high school fluent in a foreign language must:

• have an international English language test on file (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo English Test, Cambridge English Qualifications, CELPIP etc) or provide OSU Admission with it (if not already listed in your record) OR
• contact Center for Languages, Literatures and Cultures (link) and discuss Validation for your particular language (if no test exists) (read this message and open each link to determine which is the best solution for your case).

US high school graduates fluent in a foreign language must provide verification from the Center for Languages, Literatures and Cultures for the level of  proficiency indicating if you meet the International Studies major 2000 level proficiency requirement.

• African languages (Somali, Swahili and others): contact Dr. Fouts, Salome <fouts.25@osu.edu and clarify that you are an IS majors who needs credit/test for the 2000 level course (with 1103 as a prerequisite)
• Chinese, Japanese, Korean
• Other languages: visit Center for Languages, Literatures and Cultures (link)
• Languages not taught at OSU (ALTA test or other): Center for Languages, Literatures and Cultures