It provides a solid liberal arts foundation, substantive requirements in international marketing, business and economics, and an area-specialty determined by the language or languages studied. It seeks to provide an undergraduate international experience for each of its students and to prepare them both for direct-entry careers and for graduate study. The area specialization provides a nexus of courses in national histories and literatures, politics, economic problems and social imperatives that support and inform the advanced-level language proficiency required by the major. Foreign languages in the curriculum include Chinese, Japanese and Russian as well French, German, Italian and Spanish. All courses are oral-intensive, with individual oral examinations each term.
Many students take two languages and elect a language minor.
The International Business Component provides a practical framework for the major. Requirements and electives include international marketing, international business, comparative economic systems, multinational corporations, and economic development. The International Area Studies curriculum provide a flexibility and a variety of course offerings that respond to individual career interests. Students considering entry-level careers in government, public relations, international advertising, and service agencies elect additional courses in liberal arts and languages. Those interested in graduate study in law, international relations, public policy, and international development choose to take additional area-specific courses in history, politics, and sociology.