A student may present a unique curriculum provided it is focused toward meeting the student's particular educational goal by combining the offerings of two or more major departments. The program normally is developed and presented during the sophomore year and must be presented before the end of the second semester of the junior year or when at least 30 credits of the proposed program remain to be taken. International Studies Administered by the Martin Institute, interdisciplinary program was designed to prepare students for success in the changing world of business, economics, agriculture, science, technology, diplomacy, and communication. The International Studies major combines a solid foundation in a foreign language with a regional specialization, overseas experience, and an issue emphasis chosen by the student. Students enrolled in other UI colleges may wish to add a second major or a minor to increase their expertise and their marketability in a future career.
Students can tailor their international program to the professional field of their choice.
The program in Latin American studies is a multidisciplinary major leading to the B.A. degree. The appeal of this field of study has greatly increased over the last decade, due to the region's growing economic and political importance. A degree in the major is appropriate for employment in many fields, among which are the diplomatic service and overseas business as well as graduate study in various disciplines. Students electing the major will also broaden their awareness of non-Western cultures and history. In terms of employment potential, a religious studies minor primarily serves a student in the same way that history or philosophy might.