International Studies, Bachelor of Arts
A major in International Studies must meet or exceed the requirements for a major as specified by the College of Arts and Sciences. Beyond the core courses and foreign language classes, the curriculum for INST majors is constructed of those courses that have an international focus in disciplines such as history, political science, information technology, geography, sociology, management, marketing, economics, philosophy and religion, English, and related courses in the fine arts and humanities.
INST majors can choose either a general curriculum INST degree or choose a concentration in Global Strategic Studies, Area Studies or International Management and Business Leadership.
All coursework taken for the International Studies major must be completed with a grade of "C-" or better.
Bachelor of Arts International Studies Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS -34 Hours Required | ||
| Minimum of “C-“required | ||
| Fundamental Skills | 15 | |
Writing – 6 hrs. | ||
| ENGLISH COMPOSITION I | ||
| COLLEGE RESEARCH AND INFORMATION LITERACY | ||
Oral Communication – 3 hrs. | ||
| PUBLIC SPEAKING FUNDS | ||
or CMST 2120 | ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE | |
Quantitative Literacy – 3 hrs. | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL THINKING | ||
or MATH 1130 | QUANTITATIVE LITERACY | |
or MATH 1140 | QUANTITATIVE REASONING FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS | |
or MATH 1300 | COLLEGE ALGEBRA WITH SUPPORT | |
Data Literacy – 3 hrs. | ||
Select one from the following: | ||
| DATA LITERACY AND VISUALIZATION | ||
| ELEMENTARY STATISTICS | ||
Until Fall 2028, students can satisfy this requirement with an approved data literacy course, or any approved natural or social science general education course. | ||
| Breadth of Knowledge | 13 | |
Social Science – 3 hrs. | ||
Humanities – 3 hrs. | ||
Natural & Physical Science (must complete a lab) – 4 hrs. | ||
Arts – 3 hrs. | ||
| Individual and Social Responsibility | 6 | |
Cultural Knowledge – 3 hrs. | ||
Civic Knowledge and Engagement – 3 hrs. | ||
| MAJOR REQUIREMENTS | ||
| **Course will satisfy UNO's General Education requirement | ||
| ^Course requires pre-requisite(s) | ||
| International Studies Major - 33 Hours Required | ||
| Required Coursework | 12 | |
| GLOBAL CHALLENGES (**) | ||
| TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES (^) | ||
| SENIOR E-PORTFOLIO (Required in last semester) | ||
| WORLD REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY (**) | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (**) | ||
| Select from two of the following classes | 6 | |
| INTRODUCTION TO ANTHROPOLOGY (**) | ||
| CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY | ||
| GLOBAL INDIGENOUS ART (**) | ||
| AFRICAN POLITICS (**) | ||
| GLOBALIZATION OF BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (**) | ||
| INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION (**) | ||
| INTERGROUP DIALOGUE (**) | ||
| INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION: THEORY AND PRACTICE (** ^) | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO INFORMATION SECURITY (**) | ||
| SURVEY OF ECONOMICS (**) | ||
| PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS (MICRO) (**) | ||
| PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS (MACRO) (**) | ||
| GLOBAL EXPLORATIONS: MEDIEVAL TO EARLY MODERN WORLD (**) | ||
| GLOBAL EXPLORATIONS: THE MODERN WORLD | ||
| HISTORY OF LATIN AMERICA: PRECONQUEST TO THE PRESENT (**) | ||
| RUSSIA: FROM THE CRIMEAN WAR TO THE PRESENT (**) | ||
| HISTORY OF CHINA: FROM THE MANCHU CONQUEST TO THE PRESENT (**) | ||
| JAPAN: FROM WARRING STATES TO THE MODERN DAY (**) | ||
| HISTORY OF MODERN AFRICA | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO GLOBAL MIGRATIONS | ||
| LATIN AMERICA: AN INTRODUCTION (**) | ||
| MUSIC IN LATIN AMERICAN CULTURE (**) | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO EAST ASIAN PHILOSOPHY (**) | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS (**) | ||
| RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD (**) | ||
| RELIGION AND HUMAN RIGHTS (**) | ||
| THE MODERN MIDDLE EAST | ||
| GLOBAL RELIGIOUS ETHICS: THE BASICS | ||
| INTRODUCTION TO SUSTAINABILITY (**) | ||
| GENDER AND GLOBAL POLITICS (**) | ||
| 3000-4000 Level coursework in International Studies to be determined in consultation with advisor | 15 | |
| International Studies Major World Language Requirement | 16 | |
The International Studies major requires two years of one world language or the equivalent of levels 1110-2120. The BA World Language requirement is also satisfied with this major. | ||
| College Breadth (choose one option) | 15-30+ | |
| Option 1: Complete any UNO minor or undergraduate certificate - 15+ hours | ||
| Option 2: Additional General Education Requirements - 18+ hours | ||
Additional quantitative literacy - e hours | ||
Additional Social Science Gen. Ed. from another Discipline - 3 hours | ||
Additional Humanities Gen. Ed. from another Discipline - 3 hours | ||
Additional Nat. and Physical Science w/ or without Lab - 3-5 hours | ||
| Option 3: CAS comprehensive major (50+ hours) OR any second UNO major (30+ hours) | ||
| Bachelor of Arts Language Requirement | 0 | |
| See Major. | ||
| ELECTIVES | ||
| Elective hours as required to reach a total of 120 hours | ||
Bachelor of Arts International Studies - No Concentration Four Year Plan
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ENGL 1150 | ENGLISH COMPOSITION I | 3 |
| INST 2130 | GLOBAL CHALLENGES | 3 |
| MATH 1120 | INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICAL AND COMPUTATIONAL THINKING or QUANTITATIVE LITERACY or QUANTITATIVE REASONING FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS or COLLEGE ALGEBRA WITH SUPPORT | 3-4 |
| World Language 1110 | 5 | |
Attend Durango Days; other campus events. Set up a Handshake account and take the Pathway U career assessment. Attend the Student Involvement & Volunteer Fair to explore student organizations. Make advising appointment for spring: Sept-Oct. Work with your advisor to develop your Pathway in Stellic. | ||
| Credits | 14-15 | |
| Spring | ||
| ENGL 1160 | COLLEGE RESEARCH AND INFORMATION LITERACY | 3 |
| GEOG 1000 | WORLD REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY | 3 |
| CMST 1110 or CMST 2120 | PUBLIC SPEAKING FUNDS or ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE | 3 |
| World Language 1120 | 5 | |
Attend campus events such as major exploration week to get an idea of interests and career paths. Schedule a resume review with UNO Career Services. Visit faculty office hours and ask about undergraduate research opportunities. Make advising appointment for summer and fall: February – March. | ||
| Credits | 14 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| PSCI 2210 | INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS | 3 |
| INST requirement | 3 | |
| World Language 2110 | 3 | |
| General Education Course or Elective | 4 | |
| General Education Course or Elective | 3 | |
Attend the Career & Internship Fair to start networking with employers. Look for volunteer, research, or part-time work to gain experience. Join a student organization or club related to your field or interests. Make advising appointment for spring: Sept. - Oct. | ||
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| INST requirement | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| World Language 2120 | 3 | |
| General Education Course or Elective | 3 | |
| General Education Course or Elective | 3 | |
Attend a career fair for informational and networking purposes. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile with new experiences. Investigate and apply for summer internships, research, or study abroad programs. Make advising appointment for summer and fall: February – March. | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| INST 4140 | TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES | 3 |
| International Studies 3000-4000 Course | 3 | |
Apply for a paid internship or research assistantship. Attend a mock interview workshop or use online interview tools with Career Services. Start researching and visiting graduate programs or professional schools. Visit Career Center, continue updating resume. Make advising appointment for spring: Sept-Oct. | ||
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| International Studies 3000-4000 Course | 3 | |
| International Studies 3000-4000 Course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3-4 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
Request letters of recommendation from faculty for jobs or grad school. Attend the All-Majors Career Fair with a plan to network. Meet with your advisor or submit for a graduation check-in to review remaining degree requirements. Make advising appointment for summer and fall: February – March. | ||
| Credits | 15-16 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| International Studies 3000-4000 Course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
Check in with Career Center for networking tips. Finalize graduate school applications or job search strategy. Attend a career fair and start applying for full-time jobs. Prepare for interviews and salary negotiations with Career Services. Make advising appointment for spring: Sept. - Oct. | ||
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| INST 4990 | SENIOR E-PORTFOLIO | 0 |
| International Studies 3000-4000 Course | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
*International Studies electives are selected in coordination with an academic advisor. | ||
| Elective | 1 | |
Complete your final advising check before graduation. Polish your resume, cover letters, and LinkedIn profile. Stay connected by joining alumni networks and professional organizations. Apply for graduation via MavLink. | ||
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 120-122 | |
College Breadth: Students should plan on using at least 15 hours of "Electives" to fulfill Option 1, 2, or 3, of the College of Arts and Sciences' breadth requirement.
Upper Level Credits: Students need 27 upper level credits throughout the degree with at least 18 upper level credits within the major. Electives may need to be selected at the 3000-4000 level to reach these minimums.
Additional Information About this Plan:
University Degree Requirements: The minimum number of hours for a UNO undergraduate degree is 120 credit hours. Please review the requirements for your specific program to determine all requirements for the program. In order to graduate on-time (four years for an undergraduate degree), you need to take 30 hours each year.
Placement Exams: For Math, English, World Language, a placement exam may be required. More information on these exams can be found at https://www.unomaha.edu/enrollment-management/testing-center/placement-exams/information.php
Transfer credit or placement exam scores may change suggested plan of study.
GPA Requirements: 2.0
Note: This plan provides a general guide, but your specific courses, experiences, and career goals may differ. Work with your academic advisor to ensure you’re meeting degree requirements and consult with career advisors to explore internships, research opportunities, and post-graduation plans. Regular check-ins will help you stay on track and make the most of your time at UNO!