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International Studies



International Studies

Our faculty teach and research at the intersection of international relations, international economics, international security, international development, comparative politics, demography, and foreign policy. Insights from these fields in an interdisciplinary major help students attain a well-rounded, multifaceted understanding of global developments and trends and prepare majors to succeed in the globally connected world of the 21st century.

Among international studies majors nationwide, Dickinson graduates rank #14 for starting salaries at U.S. bachelor-degree-granting institutions (Texas Public Policy Foundation, 2020)

International Studies majors complete core coursework in international politics, economics and history and also gain proficiency in a foreign language. Beyond that, majors individually select a cluster of courses of their choice in one of four areas of concentration:

  • A Geographical Area or a Specific Country
  • Sustainability and the Global Environment
  • World Economy and Development
  • Global Security

After graduating, International Studies majors pursue numerous paths. Our alumni have pursued careers in foreign service, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the military, schools and institutions of higher education and a variety of private sector employers. Many alums go on to graduate school or professional school to further develop their knowledge and expertise.

Contact Info

Chair

Shamma AlamAssociate Professor of International Studies

Department Coordinator

Mary PadgettAcademic Department Coordinator

Phone

717-245-1177

Fax

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Location

Althouse #118, Althouse Hall Mailing Address

Department Features




Student Outcomes

Where Our Students Go From Here

Jobs:

  • Northeastern University
  • USAID
  • U.S. Senate
  • American University in Cairo
  • U.S. State Department
  • Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation
  • General Dynamics Information Technology
  • Committee for Human Rights in North Korea 

Graduate Schools:

  • King’s College
  • Mercyhurst University
  • George Washington Elliott School
  • Masters at Yale
  • Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (via Dickinson’s 3+2 program)
  • Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
  • Texas A&M Bush School of Government and Public Service
  • University of Maine School of Policy and International Affairs
  • Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University
  • Lancaster University (UK)

Fulbrights

  • Germany
  • Ivory Coast
  • Spain
  • Brazil
Where Our Students Have Interned
  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
  • Arms Control Association
  • US Department of State, Bureau of National Security and Nonproliferation
  • US Army War College, Peacekeeping & Stability Operations Institute
  • USAID, Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs
  • Booz Allen Hamilton

Student Perspective

“I transferred to Dickinson as a sophomore, and I am so happy I did. I have always wanted a small liberal-arts school with small class sizes and a small campus. Dickinson not only provides these qualities but also has an exceptional department for my major, international studies, and a security-studies certificate, a program I have only seen at Dickinson.”

— Morgan Yandow Harding ’24


International Studies News

Student-Faculty Research Dives Into Local Businesses and Post-COVID Challenges 

Student-Faculty Research Dives Into Local Businesses and Post-COVID Challenges 

A Dickinson-Carlisle research project sends students into the community to learn about business issues and the people experiencing them.

Understanding the Israel-Gaza War: Dickinson to Host Teach-In and Workshop

Understanding the Israel-Gaza War: Dickinson to Host Teach-In and Workshop

Attendees can also register to participate in a companion workshop on information and media literacy in times of conflict.

Student Snapshot: Myra Naqvi ’25

Student Snapshot: Myra Naqvi ’25

“Dickinson has inspired, motivated and challenged me to be the best version of myself,” says Myra Naqvi '25, an award-winning runner and ROTC member who researched the Russia-Ukraine war.

Dickinson to Host Lecture on Improving Health Care Knowhow

Dickinson to Host Lecture on Improving Health Care Knowhow

Dickinson will welcome public health expert Dr. Malabika Sarker to discuss the role of implementation research in bringing up-to-date clinical knowledge to health care providers.

Carrying the Global Banner: Meet Brian Ruszczyk

Carrying the Global Banner: Meet Brian Ruszczyk '88

Decades into a globe-trotting finance career, this alum pivoted to the alt-protein sector. He's passing along lessons learned to a Dickinson student.

Jacob DeCarli ’22

Jacob DeCarli ’22

"I want to give back so that future Dickinsonians have access to scholarships and the same opportunities I had," says Jacob DeCarli ’22, a recent grad and current Fulbright English Teaching Assistant.