Program in International Studies

The International Studies Program at Fairfield University draws from a group of interdisciplinary faculty, practitioners and students from many parts of the world with a commitment to thinking critically about global challenges, promoting social justice and service. Students have opportunities to pursue a major or minor in International Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences, or an innovative co-curricular program in International Business with a complementary major or minor in the Dolan School of Business. The Program seeks to heighten global awareness in the ways we situate ourselves geographically, and encounter conflict, gender, race, class, nationality, the environment and development.

Requirements

Students in both the International Business and International Studies majors begin with foundational coursework in international relations, economics, geography, and sociology/anthropology, and complete their degree requirements with a senior research project. To prepare for this, they develop their own specialization drawing on courses in the thematic areas of Global Development; Conflict, Diplomacy and Peacebuilding; and Social Justice and Humanitarianism. The challenges and perils that face the global community are multifaceted and complex. Students acquire different sets of knowledge, tools and perspectives to deal with the complexities that face local to global communities.

Complementary Studies and International Opportunities

Students complement their International Studies major with coursework in related departments like politics, economics, sociology or foreign languages, and in the Dolan School of Business. Many students also pursue related interdisciplinary programs, such as environmental studies, women's studies, peace and justice, and area studies. International business majors study the global business environment emphasizing multinational organizations, economic and political systems, socio-cultural structures, and diversities that have operational significance for international business.

The International Studies Program reinforces multidimensional learning with real-world experience through service learning, Model United Nations, internships and study abroad opportunities, and through work with our faculty in research projects and as student teaching assistants. Our graduates have found careers in multinational organizations, financial institutions, and other service industries, trading organizations, non-profit and government institutions. Some alumni have pursued Fulbright and other fellowships, and graduate and professional schools in International Studies, Law, Business, and related fields.

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