International Studies
Interdisciplinary Studies
Why Major in International Studies at Allegheny College
We prepare globally-minded graduates for international-facing careers. Explore global issues and how nations and regions interact around the world. Examine the influence of history, international politics, economy and development, and culture. Study a language and study abroad. Do it through an interdisciplinary lens.
Unusual Combinations
Students often combine International Studies with:
Division
- Interdisciplinary Studies
Program Type
- Major
Number of Credits
54 for major
Where International Studies Alumni Work Today
Global Risks and Investigations Consultant
FTI Consulting
Daniela Cuellar ‘16
Officer
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Christine La Rochelle ‘10
Foundations Relation Manager
World Wildlife Fund
Hillary Bennett ‘06
Economic Policy Project Fellow
Bipartisan Policy Center
Warren Payne ‘95
Assistant Vice President, Management Liability
Global Indemnity Group
Beth Snyder Simpson ‘89
Executive Director, Eastern Europe Regional Office
Tetra Tech
Ellen Yount ‘87
Students are asked to approach issues in a more holistic manner, which greatly improves their critical thinking. You’ll broaden your perspective and be pushed out of your comfort zone. Class of 2019, J.D. Candidate at Villanova Law
Your Four-Year Journey
Year 1: Understanding
In year one, the goal is to take Introduction to International Studies and introductory economics and political science courses. You’ll also start or deepen your study in a language! Over four years, you will craft your trajectory with a highly personalized major.
Featured courses:
- INTST 110 – Introduction to International Studies
- ECON 100 – Introduction to Microeconomics
- POLSC 130 – World Politics
Year 2: New Approaches
By the end of year two, it is essential to find a regional focus: East Asia, Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East and North Africa! Your language proficiency will intensify as you look into study abroad programs. Many students also pursue an internship in the summer after their second year.
Featured courses:
- POLSC 248 – Human Rights
- ARAB 130 – Introduction to Arab Cultures
- FRNCH 370 – Writing and Public Life
Year 3: Delving Deeper
Completing the remaining coursework and the Senior Comp are on the agenda in the fourth year. The Senior Comp is a two-semester process. In the first semester, you’ll identify a topic, the faculty you’ll work with, and begin research. In the second semester, you’ll continue to research and write your Senior Comp, including a part in the language you studied. Some students are even selected or chosen to present their project!
Year 4: The Comp
Completing the remaining coursework and the Senior Comp are on the agenda in the fourth year. The Senior Comp is a two-semester process. In the first semester, you’ll identify a topic, the faculty you’ll work with, and begin research. In the second semester, you’ll continue to research and write your Senior Comp, including a part in the language you studied. Some students are even selected or chosen to present their project!
Research and Internships
International Studies students get immersed by:
- Applying for a microgrant to pursue independent projects
- Getting housed in the Max Kade International Wing, promoting cross-cultural exploration
- Studying abroad to learn about different world regions
Apply for funding for conferences, travel funding for the senior comp, or student-group activities that support international studies.
- International House: Open only for Students majoring or intending to major in IS.
- Special-interest housing is open to any student with a strong interest in world cultures or the languages of Arabic, Chinese, French, German or Spanish.
Study away from campus during your junior year and earn transfer credits that apply to your degree.
Faculty and Staff
Associate Professor
Ph.D., State University of New York; M.A., Georgia State University; B.A., Beijing Language and Culture University
Email: gwu@allegheny.edu
Phone: 814-332-4307
Professor
Email: smattiac@allegheny.edu
Phone: 814-332-3349
Featured News
Two Allegheny College Alums Provide Clean Energy To Appalachia
For over a decade, Laura Nagel ’07 and Dan Conant ’07 have relentlessly contributed to clean energy in West Virginia by providing a full-service solar development and installation service known as Solar Holler. The idea for the company started as Conant’s Senior Comprehensive Project, which proposed that clean energy needs to come to communities where […]
Program Contact
Sami Alkyam
Assistant Professor of Arabic; Chair of International Studies
Related Programs
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Address:
520 North Main Street
Meadville, PA 16335
Contact:
814-332-4351
info@allegheny.edu
admissions@allegheny.edu
