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 issues
  • global security

After graduating, IS 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

Russell BovaProfessor of Political Science

Department Coordinator

Laura WeberAcademic Department Coordinator

Phone

717-245-1177

Fax

717-245-1854

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
A Better World Through Diplomacy: 2018 Dickinson Grad Prepares for U.S. Diplomatic Corps

A Better World Through Diplomacy: 2018 Dickinson Grad Prepares for U.S. Diplomatic Corps

A prestigious Pickering Fellowship will prepare Ashley Morefield ’18 to help promote peace, unity and understanding as a member of the U.S. Diplomatic Corps.

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Student Snapshot: Jackson Ohlsen-Johnson ’22

Student Snapshot: Jackson Ohlsen-Johnson ’22

West Coaster Jackson Ohlsen-Johnson '22 is a runner, a cappella singer, Student Senate and fraternity member, and College Farm and War College intern.

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Student-Faculty Research Explores Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture in Bangladesh

Student-Faculty Research Explores Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture in Bangladesh

An environmental-studies major and computer science major team with professors to probe the connections among climate change, agricultural sustainability and food security.

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Dickinson Mock Trial Enters Virtual Courtroom

Dickinson Mock Trial Enters Virtual Courtroom

National competition leads to Best Attorney awards and a successful event in the face of the pandemic.

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Dickinson Students Launch Club to Help Launch Careers in Consulting

Dickinson Students Launch Club to Help Launch Careers in Consulting

A new consulting club aims to create a knowledge base and networking connections for fellow Dickinsonians.

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Striving for Safer Skies

Striving for Safer Skies

Leading a team implementing a new aircraft maintenance and logistics management system, former international studies major Neil Morgan ’94 strives to improve aviation safety.

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