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


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Study Abroad
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Current Courses

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The Johns Hopkins University Partnership
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Fulbright

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

“Dickinson has given me numerous opportunities to pursue experiences off-campus that have contributed to broadening my worldview and allowed me to explore my various interests and figure out what I wanted to do postgraduation. Through internships and study abroad, I have been able to make critical connections and gain new skills that supplemented my work in the classroom. At Dickinson, I wasn't just preparing for the "real world"; I was already there.”

— Rowan Humphries '19 (political science, international studies)


International Studies News

All News Department News
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.

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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.

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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.

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Published and Primed for Success

Published and Primed for Success

As an undergrad, Claire Simpson '22 cowrote a book chapter. A few months after graduation, her chapter has been published in a book.

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Graduate Stories: Liz Ryan ’86, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

Graduate Stories: Liz Ryan ’86, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention

The former international studies major has made a career out of advocating for children in the criminal justice system, now in a presidentially appointed role.

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New Study by Dickinson Economist Explores Link Between Job Losses and the Health of Young Adults during the Great Recession

New Study by Dickinson Economist Explores Link Between Job Losses and the Health of Young Adults during the Great Recession

A new study in the journal Health Economics is the first to comprehensively examine the impact of job losses during the Great Recession on the mental and physical health of young adults.

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