What Is International Studies? International Studies is an interdisciplinary major in the College of Arts and Science requiring 30 credits. It draws from Political Science, History, Economics, Foreign Language, and other areas of study, to provide students with a lens for understanding our complex and ever changing world. Our International Studies program emphasizes developing cross-cultural perspectives and helps students develop skills necessary for careers in today’s market. Major requirements are broadly constructed and flexible to allow students to pursue their interests within our framework. Students have the opportunity to study with faculty from a variety of departments, find internships, and even study abroad.

M. Nathaniel Barnes, Liberian Ambassador to the United States, with Professor ulligan and IS students during campus visit.

International Studies students with author/scholar Samantha Powers

Why International Studies? As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, an appreciation of different cultures, as well as political and economic trends, are essential for Iona graduates to achieve professional and personal success. Employers are increasingly looking for graduate with strong analytical skills who are able to understand and evaluate the impact of political, economic, and cultural events. Government agencies, international organizations, private corporations, nonprofit groups, and professional and trade organizations want employees with a global perspective. The International Studies Major furnishes students with the tools to follow and assess current political and economic events and changes, while providing an historical and cultural background, essential to understanding such events.

What can I do with an International Studies Major?

The strength of our interdisciplinary major is that you are not limited in the career paths you choose. An International Studies Major would prepare you for work in some of the following fields:

• Government (Federal, State, or Local)
  You may seek jobs in public policy, research, intelligence service such as the FBI, foreign service, diplomacy, translation or interpretation, or even elected office.
• Business
  Possible options include banking and finance related institutions, consulting, foreign firms operating within the United States, customs, import/export companies, and retail.
• Tourism
• Law
  International Studies would help to prepare you for a career as a lawyer, legal assistant, or paralegal. You could be employed by private law firms, international corporations, government, public interest agencies, international organization, or nongovernmental organizations.
• Journalism
  You might choose to pursue a career in reporting, research, news programming, circulation, or sales in print, electronic, or broadcast media.
• Education
  Teaching, social work, interpretation, civil service, religious and volunteer organizations are all possibilities with an International Studies major.

Why International Studies at Iona College?

What We Offer Students

In addition to our dedicated full-time faculty, we offer students:

• A variety of courses in American government, law, public policy and public administration, political theory, foreign policy, international law, research methods, international economics, geography, foreign language, sociology, and history
• A thriving internship program where students can receive credit for working in both the public and private sectors
• A program that provides students with the skills and training necessary to join companies or agencies specializing in international relations or trade
• Independent research and writing opportunities
• Simulations, Model United Nations, Model Congresses, Mock Trials
• Small classes that are designed to help students develop their thinking, writing, speaking, debating, and research skills
  

For Further Information

If you have questions or would like further information, please contact the Director of International Studies, Tricia Mulligan, at :

(914) 633-2429 OR TMulligan@iona.edu

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