Institutions like Stanford and the University of Chicago have long offered degrees in international studies. The intent at the UA, as at those universities, is to prepare students in multiple disciplines with direct international applications. What you do after you leave the UA depends on many variables: the languages you study, the functional track you choose, the quality of your capstone thesis and, above all, how well you do academically. Though the program is only three years old, IDS/IS recent graduates are attending law school overseas, completing fellowships prior to entry into the Foreign Service, working in the financial community and running non-profit organizations. Over time, it is our expectation that IDS/IS majors will pursue a range of work in governments, the private sector, academia, and non-governmental organizations.

Currently (1999) there are approximately 75 IDS/IS majors. Students in the program have formed their own group, the International Studies Student Association (ISSA), and it is expected that ISSA will be very active as a professional and social vehicle to enhance the quality of the IDS/IS experience. We do not want to build a huge academic program. The emphasis will remain on mentoring, creative design of individual degrees, and student "ownership" of their programs.

Not at this time. The time may come when the UA develops a minor in international studies, but staffing needs and the complexity of a minor in any IDS program precludes that idea for the moment.

Yes, and several IDS/IS students are currently doing just that. You should be aware that NO double-counting of credits is allowed between the IDS degree and the other discipline. Therefore, any double major will require more credit hours than are normally obtained in an undergraduate degree. Normally, that implies more time as well.

No, but many students who are already accomplished in a second language use the IDS/IS program to gain fluency with a third. Given the increasing functional and professional utility of foreign language ability, it makes sense to do so in most cases.

Become familiar with the information on this web page - the basics of the program. Then, if you think you might want to pursue the degree, make an appointment to talk with Wayne Decker, Director of International Studies and Fellowships.

Working with Arts & Sciences advising (Modern Languages 347), Dr. Decker and an International Studies Track Advisor to whom you will be referred by Dr. Decker, you will need to complete three documents. A brief yet polished proposal should summarize your reasoning for majoring in IDS/IS, an application will present a course plan for the remainder of your time at UA, and a short "change of major" form will complete the package. Completed packages are sent to the Dr. Randy Richardson, Acting Vice President for Undergraduate Education, for approval.

We expect all IDS/IS majors to have significant international educational experience prior to graduation. Normally that means a study abroad experience, but work abroad and internships are sometimes appropriate. The emphasis is clearly on language acquisition and on the development of a familiarity with regional concerns. Normally a student's study abroad experience reflects both his/her regional specialization and functional track (political economy, development, culture, science & technology policy). You will have help in selecting an appropriate international study experience and we will make every effort to guide you toward sources of financial assistance.

Our hope is that a student's thesis will integrate the various disciplines that comprise his or her individual IDS/IS program, that it will be a culminating synthesis of an undergraduate education. The thesis is very important. A one-credit proseminar will focus on topic selection, writing a prospectus, and selection of an appropriate faculty thesis advisor. The thesis should be your very best work in college, an effort in which you take great pride and that will assist you in launching your professional life.

No. The IDS/IS program has many Honor's College majors, but there is absolutely no such requirement. IDS/IS seeks ambitious students with a variety of strengths, the most important being a willingness to work hard, a strong sense of initiative, the willingness to take risks and a social conscience.