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Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

International Studies, BA

Explore other cultures, experience new perspectives and visit other countries. You can look forward to these experiences and more as an International Studies major.

You will see the world through interdisciplinary lenses. Our curriculum provides a broad background in international affairs, with courses in economics, world languages, geography, history, political science, religious studies, sociology and anthropology. Courses foster original research and critical thinking through student participation and intensive faculty-student interactions.

You’ll gain valuable real-life experience through study abroad, global service learning and internships. Students also participate in WVU programs, such as Model United Nations, Peace Corps Prep, debate, Student Government Association and various student organizations.

Your Degree Plan The WVU Difference Learn by Doing Careers and Outcomes Admission Requirements Tuition and Aid Take the Next Steps

Your Degree Plan

Intro

Student listens to discussion at Model UN.

This interdisciplinary program includes courses in political science, languages, geography, history, sociology, anthropology, economics and other topics. You'll gain valuable real-life experience through study abroad, global service learning and internships.

Tailor this major to your interests by focusing your coursework in one of these areas:

  • Global Connections

  • Security and Diplomacy

Take advantage of special options related to this major:

  • Honors

    Expand your curiosity — and enhance your curriculum — through the WVU Honors College. Two programs are offered: Honors Foundations for first- and second-year students and Honors EXCEL for third- and fourth-year students.

    Explore Honors

The WVU Difference

What sets this program apart from its competitors?

  • Global service learning opportunities.
  • Study abroad and internship partnerships.
  • Some departmental scholarships available.
  • Extremely successful acceptance rate for nationally competitive scholarships, such as the Fulbright, Boren and Critical Language scholarships.
  • Internationally competitive Model United Nations.
  • Only U.S. school to attend The European International Model United Nations.
  • Earn academic credit through Eberly internship courses.
  • 500+ scholarships awarded annually by the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.
  • Academic Enrichment Program offers funding for activities that complement, extend and enhance your academic experience.
Scholarships

Over 92% of WVU freshmen receive grants or scholarships (2022-2023).

Learn more

Learn by Doing

Learning happens outside the classroom. Get involved.

This flexible major provides a core background in international affairs, and then enables you to focus on a regional area of emphasis (i.e., Africa/Middle East, the Americas, East Asia and Europe) or a global affairs area of emphasis (i.e., international business, international environment and development, diplomacy and international security or intelligence and national security).

This major can be closely integrated with study abroad programs, internships, global service learning, international conferences and Model United Nations.

Through the ASPIRE Office, you can apply for nationally competitive scholarships, such as the Boren, Fulbright, Gilman and Critical Language Scholarships.

Connect with other students who share your academic interests as a member of:

View all of the student organizations you can join.

Live, study and pursue outside-the-classroom learning in a residence hall community that shares your interests:

Outside of the Evansdale Crossing building.

What you learn outside of the classroom is just as important as what you learn during class. We’ll help you follow your curiosity.

Careers and Outcomes

How does this degree prepare students for a career?

Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $101,770

Possible job titles include: Research and Development Manager (R&D Manager), Research Associate, Research Scientist, Research Specialist.

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Political Scientists

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decision-making, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $132,350

Possible job titles include: International Affairs Vice President, State-Federal Relations Deputy Director, Technical Director.

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Marketing Managers

Plan, direct or coordinate marketing policies and programs, such as determining the demand for products and services offered by a firm and its competitors, and identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies with the goal of maximizing the firm's profits or share of the market while ensuring the firm's customers are satisfied. Oversee product development or monitor trends that indicate the need for new products and services.

Has a Bright Outlook

Median Salary: $157,620

Possible job titles include: Brand Manager, Business Development Manager, Marketing Director, Marketing Manager.

Explore Career

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $115,730

Possible job titles include: Economic Analyst, Economist, Professor, Professor of Economics.

Explore Career

Lawyers

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Has a Bright Outlook , May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $145,760

Possible job titles include: Assistant Attorney General, Associate Attorney, Attorney, Lawyer.

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Area, Ethnic and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

May require a Graduate Degree

Median Salary: $86,030

Possible job titles include: American Studies Professor, Assistant Professor, Professor, Women's Studies Professor.

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Secondary School Teachers

Teach students in one or more subjects, such as English, mathematics or social studies, at the secondary level in public or private schools. May be designated according to subject matter specialty.

Median Salary: $65,220

Possible job titles include: English Teacher, Math Teacher (Mathematics Teacher), Social Studies Teacher, Teacher.

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Intelligence Analysts

Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.

Median Salary: $91,100

Possible job titles include: Criminal Intelligence Analyst, Criminal Research Specialist, Intelligence Analyst, Supervisor Intelligence Analyst.

Explore Career

Where Graduates are Working

  • Intelligence community
  • The Department of State
  • The Department of Defense
  • The World Bank
  • Global non-governmental organizations
  • Non-profit organizations
  • The Brookings Institution
  • The Center for Strategic and International Studies
  • The Cohen Group
  • Deloitte
  • Ntrepid Corporation

Graduate Studies

Graduates have studied international relations and public policy at universities such as:

  • Syracuse
  • Georgetown
  • George Washington
  • American
  • University of California San Diego
  • London School of Economics

Graduates have attended law school at universities such as:

  • WVU
  • American University
  • George Washington University
  • University of Pittsburgh

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to WVU's International Studies major, first-time freshmen must meet WVU's first-time freshman admission requirements. Interested in transferring? Review the transfer admission requirements.

Tuition and Aid

How much does International Studies at WVU cost? And how can you save?

Tuition and Fees

Estimated rates are available on our tuition website. Anyone who is not a current West Virginia resident, including international students, will be charged non-resident rates.

View Tuition and Fees

Scholarships

Estimate your eligibility for merit scholarships at WVU Morgantown.

Find Scholarships

Net Price Calculator

Estimate your cost of attendance and eligibility for financial aid and scholarships at any WVU System campus.

Visit the Net Price Calculator

Ways to Save

Here are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending WVU in addition to university scholarships.

Financial Aid

The most important step toward funding your future with financial aid for the International Studies major is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

How to Complete the FAFSA

Transfer Articulation Agreements

To simplify the transfer process, we have formal agreements with certain institutions. These agreements outline the courses you should take to prepare for transferring to WVU.

Review the full list of transfer articulation agreements to see if your institution is listed.

Learn How to Transfer Course Credits

Ready to take the next step?

Learn how to join the WVU family.

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