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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

Andy WolffAssociate Professor of Political Science and 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

Dickinson Hosts Conference on Household Economics in Developing Countries

Dickinson Hosts Conference on Household Economics in Developing Countries

Economists from the World Bank and universities across the country attend a two-day workshop organized by Dickinson's Department of Economics.

No Limits

No Limits

"Never underestimate yourself or the power of an optimistic attitude," says Damien Labrada '27, a student-athlete and international-studies major who's learning to lead.

Graduate Story: Stephanie Teeuwen

Graduate Story: Stephanie Teeuwen '20

Is AI mostly disruptive or beneficial to society? We check in with Stephanie Teeuwen ’20, a specialist in prosocial AI governance and data policy at the World Economic Forum.

Four Dickinson Students Admitted to Oxford University

Four Dickinson Students Admitted to Oxford University's Mansfield College

Dickinson is pleased to announce that four members of the class of 2026 have been accepted into the prestigious Visiting Student Programme at Oxford University’s Mansfield College.

Graduate Story: Andrew Hyde

Graduate Story: Andrew Hyde '81, The Stimson Center

Andrew Hyde ’81 pioneered the use of pre-AI and AI technologies in diplomacy and national and global policy. Discover his journey from an undergrad to a high-level expert and thought leader.

International Studies Major Jobs and Graduate School Acceptances 2024

International Studies Major Jobs and Graduate School Acceptances 2024

International studies major secure jobs at Moody's Analytics and Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.