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.