BA in International Studies
Study culture, politics and global change
International Studies at UB prepares students to examine global politics, economics, history and culture through multiple disciplinary lenses. With a language requirement and regional focus, the major helps students build the cultural knowledge and analytical skills needed to engage with complex global issues.
On this page:
- Choose between 4 regional focus areas: Modern Europe, Latin America, Asia or Africa and the Middle East
- Study a language based your regional focus: 11 languages available
- Issues and Themes coursework covers topics such as human rights, international law, global inequality, economics and more
- Opportunitites to study abroad through UB or SUNY programs
By completing the BA in International Studies, you will:
- Understand how politics, history, culture and economics shape global development
- Analyze international relations, comparative political systems and global power dynamics
- Build language competency connected to your academic interests
- Study a world region through its history, politics, culture and society
- Examine issues such as human rights, international law, globalization, development and international trade
Courses are available across several departments such as: anthropology, economics, geography, gender studies, linguistics, political science, and more! Explore the course catalog to get a complete list of available courses and degree requirements.
Issues and Themes
- Culture and Reproduction
- Dynamics of International Business
- Plagues and Pandemics
- Postcolonial Literature
- Violence in a Gendered World
Regions and Cultures
Modern Europe
- Languages: French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish
- Courses:
- History of Paris
- Nazi Germany
- Stalinism
- Varieties of Fascism
- Victorian History
Latin America
- Languages: Portuguese and Spanish
- Courses:
- History of Brazil
- Latin America: Culture and History
- Latin American Film
- Politics of Developing Nations
- Women in Latin America
Asia
- Languages: Chinese, Japanese and Korean
- Courses:
- Asian Politics
- Bollywood and Beyond
- China and the World
- Korean History
- Modern Japan
- The U.S. and Asia
Africa and the Middle East
- Languages: Arabic and French
- Courses:
- African Diaspora
- African Politics
- Gender Issues in Contemporary Africa
- Middle Eastern Politics
- Modern Africa
Careers
- Diplomat/Foreign Service Officer
- Foreign Policy and Intelligence Analyst
- Humanitarian Aid and Development Worker
- International Journalist/Correspondent
- International NGO or Nonprofit Leader
- Translator/Interpreter
Graduate study
- Global and Gender Studies
- International Law (JD)
- International Relations and Global Affairs
- Journalism and Media Studies
- MBA (international business)
- Nonprofit and Executive Leadership
International Studies students can strengthen their degree by adding a minor that connects global knowledge with practical service, leadership or community-based skills.
Health and Human Services minor
- Connect global issues to health, social services and community support
- Build skills in communication, interviewing and human services practice
- Learn how values and cultural differences shape the provision of hhs
- Prepare for work or graduate study in global health, public service or humanitarian fields
Nonprofit Leadership minor
- Understand how nonprofit organizations function within broader social systems
- Build skills in fundraising, grant writing, advocacy and program evaluation
- Explore how nonprofits respond to global and community challenges
- Prepare for careers in nonprofit leadership, international NGOs or public service
Study abroad experiences are strongly encouraged! UB offers 80+ study abroad programs, with 500+ more across the SUNY system. Programs can be:
- Faculty-led or independent
- Short-term or semester-long
- Scheduled during the semester, summer, or winter intersession
Have questions? Please contact us by emailing ssicdp@buffalo.edu or call our main office at (716) 645-2247