International Studies

About the program

International Studies is a multidisciplinary major which offers students the opportunity to become global citizens by learning the complexity of international affairs through a variety of academic perspectives, including economics, foreign language, history, and political science. The study of history provides students with a rigorous preparation and broad knowledge of world cultures, and political science provides them with the ability to analyze the consequences of international events. The study of economics and foreign language (French, Russian, and Spanish are offered) gives them valuable quantitative and communication skills that strengthen their career choices.

Coursework in International Studies

The curriculum incorporates a variety of topics to prepare students for opportunities in the field of International Studies, and includes courses such as:

• Comparative Government
• India
• Political Geography
• Latin America
• Politics and Human Rights
• Principles of Economics
• International Politics
• Sub-Saharan Africa
• African Politics & Literature
• Southeast Asia

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Related Clubs

There are over 50 clubs and organizations available to students at Ferrum College. These are specifically related to International Studies:

• SEPAC: Student Engagement in Political Action and Community
• Russian Club
• Pi Sigma Alpha: Political Science National Honor Society
•  
• Alpha Mu Gamma: Honorary foreign language group
  Phi Alpha Theta:  History Honor Society
  Model UN
  The Passport:  Student Publication
  

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Experiential & hands-on learning opportunities

Ferrum College believes in hands-on learning in tandem with classroom and textbook studies. Here’s how: Internships: Students are strongly urged to explore career opportunities and to establish mentors through an internship.

Study Abroad: Ferrum College has many opportunities for students to travel to various countries in order to better understand the changing nature of international politics. Some programs offer summers, semesters, or years in such countries such as England, Ireland, France, Canada, Russia, Kenya, and Korea.

Annual Model United Nations Security Council Simulation Exercise: A role-playing experience designed to convey the full richness, complexity, drama, and importance of international affairs. The Model United Nations is a full-day activity that provides students with the opportunity to act as international policymakers seeking to resolve serious and sometimes protracted crises.

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What can I be with a major in International Studies?

A major in International Studies leads to traditional career paths, as well as less expected fields. For example:

• You could be a(n) ...
• International Civil Servant
• Legislative Aide
• Foreign Service Officer
• Corporate Trade Manager
• Financial/Trade Analyst
• Journalist
• Travel Agent
• Customs Officer
• Public Relations Specialist
• International Banker

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International Studies Faculty

Milton Rowan
Associate Professor of History
Program Coordinator of History & Social Studies
Ph.D., Miami University
(540) 365-4405
email: mrowan@ferrum.edu

Sasha Saari
Associate Professor of Russian
Program Coordinator of Russian
M.A., New York University
(540) 365-4331
email: ssari@ferrum.edu

Richard Smith
Professor of History
Ph.D., Rutgers University
(540) 365-4390
email: rsmith@ferrum.edu

Michael Trochim
Professor of History
Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago
(540) 365-4403
email: mtrochim@ferrum.edu

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Faculty & Staff: Click here to submit your profile.

Find out more

For more information, contact Dr. Edmond Hally at ehally@ferrum.edu

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