International Studies Major

Put the world at your doorstep with a degree in international studies. The knowledge you’ll gain of other people and cultures will be an asset for work in your globally interdependent world.

Our graduates work in international business and law, with government agencies and non-governmental organizations, with international organizations or in international academic centers.

Career Potential

International business or law
International organizations such as U.N., World Bank, IMF
Non-governmental organizations such as Peace Corps, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch
State Department, Department of Commerce, CIA
International programs offices at universities
Graduate schools
Social studies teacher for grades 7-12 in U.S. or international schools

What Will I Learn?

This unique interdisciplinary program grounds international understanding in the context of a strong liberal arts education. You will explore political, economic, and social structures of various countries and regions while examining the pressing challenges of today and gaining insight into the historical events that contributed to them.

Special Features

You’ll combine five interdisciplinary core courses with seven courses from one of 10 concentration courses to become an expert in a specific area of your choice.
Fluency in a foreign language or proficiency in two languages.
A wide range of study abroad and internship opportunities are open to you.

Program Options

Cortland students taking a selfie abroad

Get Involved

College is more than a classroom. Enhance your experience with these opportunities:

Engage in independent study and collaborative research with faculty
Teaching assistantships for internationally-related classes
On campus and overseas international-related internships
Conversation partners for international students
International student orientation assistant
Get involved in Neo-Vox, the international Internet news magazine

Student Clubs

Honor Societies

Phi Beta Delta, Honor Society for International Scholars

Next Steps

Contact Us

Office: Old Main, Room 217-C
Phone: 607-753-4823
Fax: 607-753-5694

Fast Facts

Students complete the major with a strong foreign language background, enabling them to begin careers in the international world immediately upon graduation.