Department of Political Science

Dept. of Political Science
SUNY College at Oneonta
419 Fitzelle Hall
Oneonta, NY 13820

(607) 436-3522
diverv@oneonta.edu

WHY MAJOR IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES

Increasingly complex local, national, and international problems require interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches for resolution. The International Studies program provides students with broad training in the social sciences, humanities, and languages. Its hallmark is flexibility to craft a course of study that includes a strong liberal arts education core that equips students with critical thinking, writing, and cultural competency for entry level international employment. International Studies, coupled with extensive language training, study abroad and an internship, lays the foundation for a successful career or further education in the field of international studies. This does not preclude more traditional fields such as political science, geography or history. The major opens opportunities to students for employment in government services, non-governmental organizations, international organizations, and transnational corporations.

International Studies Program

The International Studies program is administered through the Department of Political Science with formal advising conducted through faculty with specializations in the international arena. Students also obtain advising from non-political science faculty. The program builds itself around the social sciences, broadly defined, and includes significant coursework in the humanities, especially languages, literature, and culture. The hallmark of the program is its flexibility and students work with their advisors to design carefully their program of studies based on career goals. Students who major in International Studies earn a minimum of 33 credits, including courses in International Relations; Diplomatic/Foreign History; Economics; and Geography. Students are strongly encouraged to study abroad, conduct an internship relevant to the major, and acquire language skills.

Study Aboard, Internships, and Other Opportunities

The faculty of the program work closely with the Office of International Education (Oneonta) and the SUNY Office of International Programs to identify study abroad, internship, and international opportunities. Students have studied in Australia, Japan, Russia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Morocco, South Africa, and Canada. Short-term study-abroad programs, usually undertaken in the winter and summer terms have taken students to India, Ghana, South Africa, and throughout Europe. Several students have also participated in our annual award-winning Model United Nations program and interned with the Center for International Development (SUNY) and the British American Security Information Council.

Recognition of International Studies Students

Sigma Iota Rho
International Studies students who meet academic requirements are inducted annually into Sigma Iota Rho, the national honor society for International Studies.
Academic Achievement
Each year, a student is selected for the Academic Achievement Award.

View College Catalog for International Studies degree requirements.