Why international studies at Iowa?
Explore the world through Iowa’s international studies department, where expert faculty guide you through diverse fields like history, politics, and economics.
Explore undergraduate programs in international studies
Enrich your academic journey
Study the world at Iowa, where you’ll gain cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills for today’s interconnected world. Our program offers a flexible, interdisciplinary approach that allows you to explore politics, culture, and economics while tackling real-world issues.
Research and scholarship
Explore articles and books published by international studies faculty at the University of Iowa.
Honors
Earn honors in your major while pursuing an international studies degree at the University of Iowa.
Study abroad
Practice your language skills, expose yourself to world cultures, and expand your worldview.
Internships
Apply what you learn in the program, gain real world experience, and pursue your future career path.
Connect with an ambassador
Become a student ambassador
Why study international studies at Iowa?
Building skills to engage with global communities both locally and internationally.
International studies teaches the skills you need to live in our global world and opens doors to careers in diplomacy, NGOs, global business, and international development. You’ll gain experience in politics, economics, and cross-cultural communication and work to find solutions to pressing global problems.
Our program at the University of Iowa offers a flexible program of study based on our interdisciplinary approach to studying the world. Our faculty experts offer courses in international relations, history, politics, economics, culture, language and a multitude of other fields so that you can study what interests you most about the world.
International studies will help you develop your interests and pursue your career goals, preparing you to fully engage the world’s global links in Iowa and beyond.
3
Optional 15 semester hour concentrations
Including global business and communication, international human rights and public service, or international sustainable development
2003
First year offered as a major
Became a part of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences in 2011
International studies activities and events
There are currently no events to display.
News
Tips for solo travel while studying abroad: South Korea edition
Day-to-Day Life in Jordan as a Study abroad Student: How It Shaped my Career Goals
"You have the flexibility, and creativity to build your International Studies degree to fit your vision of how you want to tackle our society's issues. Don't take that for granted, explore your local and global communities and do your best to apply what you learn in the classroom to the outside world by studying abroad, working on a capstone project or research report. Not many programs or colleges give you the amount of freedom to align your interest and passions into a degree like this one."
- Marlen Mendoza, 2016 BA
International studies campus and community resources
International organizations in Iowa
There are many ways for IS students to do international work in Iowa City or in other communities within the state or region. Students can explore individual websites for possible volunteer, internship, or career opportunities.
Multicultural and international student support and engagement
The campus cultural centers, advised by staff in Leadership and Engagement, are student organizations that provide a home for multicultural programming, events, and activities open to all students at Iowa.
Write your story
Build knowledge. Conduct research. Create new work. Stand out among your peers. You're going places, and it all starts here.
International studies faculty
Ari Ariel, PhD
