BA in International Studies

Learn Locally to Navigate Globally

Interested? Request more information

Credit hours: 120

Full-time, part-time

on-campus, hybrid, and online courses

Start terms: fall, spring, summer

Are you a global thinker? In a world where the forces of politics, commerce, culture, and technology are deeply multifaceted and interconnected, you need a profound understanding of international issues. The University of Colorado Denver Bachelors of Arts in International Studies is an interdisciplinary program that gives you the cross-cultural competencies that allow you to build a life and career spanning throughout the globe.

Interdisciplinary—your degree will be built from many departments, including Anthropology, Business, Communication, Economics, Ethnic Studies, Geography, History, Modern Languages, Political Science, and Religious Studies. This broad focus allows you to build the skills you need as a modern global citizen.

Dive in and use what you learn—from study abroad experiences to internships and other opportunities, you will gain real-world experience while you are here.

With your career in mind—from teamwork and leadership experiences, to analyzing and solving real-world problems, your coursework in International Studies gives you valuable skills employers seek.

Graduate Highlight: Colonal Justin Bitana

CU Denver International Studies Graduate, Colonel Justin Bitana, grew up in Congo, moved to Denver as a child, and became a US Army Colonel; becoming a soldier was his life-long dream. Watch the video

CU Denver’s International Studies program. Where your opportunity for hands-on exploration of worldwide developments take flight.

Unlock a world where your understanding of international culture harmonizes with your awareness of global currents and diplomatic mastery. Forge foreign boundaries while earning academic credit through one of our many study abroad courses in almost any corner of the world.

Learn at the side of award-winning faculty and mentors—trailblazers in their varied disciplines and hand-picked for their expertise in a medley of educational fields. Harness this multidimensional and flexible interdisciplinary degree to maximize stackable credentials, like certificates and minors, that you can earn along the way to your BA.

Build your résumé while you fine-tune your command of knowledge, skills, and competence. Prepare for your future career through our masterfully blended curriculum focused on theory and practice. Each of your courses strengthens your education, and our capstone class guides your transition from college to career with work creating a professional résumé, LinkedIn profile, and multiple mock interviews.

Your journey begins here, where borders are merely suggestions and the world is your classroom.

A career with International Studies

Alumni Highlight: Maria Ignacia Miranda Santis

Maria Ignacia was born and raised in Chile and moved to the U.S. and Colorado in 2006.

Maria Ignacia began organizing with other students to create change in their community. After graduation Maria became a Community Organizer and the Field Manager at the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR), developing community outreach strategies to engage the Latine community. Later, as the Program and Outreach Manager at Women's Voices for the Earth (WVE), she created a leadership development program to organize communities for environmental health.

In 2022, she worked as the Political Consultant for the Natural Medicine Colorado Campaign. NMC won with 54% of the vote, making Colorado the second state in the country to secure access to natural medicines as an option for healing mental health challenges. Her social justice work is guided by her belief in leadership development and intersectionality as key tools in creating sustainable change, which continue to be the forefront of her career.

Your career is important. We make sure our program focuses on the skills and expertise you’ll need to emerge as a top candidate in the profession of your choice—whether that’s through our program’s deep connection with the CU Denver Career Center or how we go a step above and beyond with our program director holding simulated interviews and résumé reviews with each student enrolled in our Capstone class. No matter how you look at it, we’ve got you covered to make waves in the job market with your International Studies degree in hand.

Past graduates have moved onto career paths such as:

Employment Developer
Study Abroad Coordinator
Foreign Language Technology Specialist and Telecollaboration Consultant
Cryptologic Linguist
Junior Attorney
Dean of Students
Analyst
Social Science Research Professional
Bilingual Community Outreach Coordinator
Program Outreach Manager
Parent Coordinator
Marketing Specialist
Youth Literacy Advisor
Auxiliar de Conversación en la Comunidad de Madrid
Regulatory Specialist
Community Organizer
Legislative Aide

Some of the companies our graduates have joined

Servicios de La Raza
WiseConn Engineering
The Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking
Unionhilfswerk
US Department of State
WorldDenver
VAW Global Health Alliance
US Army
AmeriCorps
Chan Law Firm
National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, DC
The Consulate General of Mexico
Frontier Airlines
Centura Health (Now known as CommonSpirit Health)
The Blue Bench—Nonprofit to aid sexual assault survivors

Earn Stackable Credentials Along the Way to Your BA

Customize your upper division courses—and in the process, seamlessly tailor your schedule to earn credits for stackable credentials like an additional certificate, minor, or even major to add to your BA in International Studies. See the Certificates and Stackable Credentials below for more.

Curriculum

Our curriculum offers you the chance to maximize your credit hours in your areas of interest while you earn your degree.

Majoring in Degree: 48 hours

With International Studies, customization is key. Because our program blossoms from a combination of academic fields, we understand that mixing and matching classes from multiple areas of research is crucial. That’s why we offer five introductory courses to help you build a solid foundation, and you choose 10 upper-division courses yourself based on your individualized area of interest.

Introductory Courses

These courses include topics such as:

Foundations of International Studies
Macroeconomics or Global Perspectives
International Relations or Political Systems of the World
Global Communication or Culture & Human Experience
A regional History course in areas such as Africa, Latin America, East Asia, Europe, Russia, Eastern Europe, Japan, or the Middle East

Upper division electives

You will take 10 Upper Division Elective Courses of Your Choice. There are hundreds of options across departments. To give you a flavor of the breadth of choice, here are some topics you might choose:

Globalization, Migration and Transnationalism
Food as Communication
Economic Development
International Trade or Finance
Population, Culture, and Resources
Global Demography and Health
The United Nations in World Affairs
Arts of Japan
American National Security
International Marketing
Operations and Environments in International Business
International Technology and Culture
World Literature
Global Communication

Finish the degree with the International Studies Capstone

During your capstone course, we'll prepare you for your next step—your career—by engaging you in mock interviews and a résumé review.

CU Denver Core: 34-40 Hours

You’ll be educated in:

English and Mathematics
International Perspectives
Arts and Humanities
Behavioral, Physical, and Social Sciences

College of Liberal Arts and Science Core—15 Hours

These courses give you a better understanding of the issues and skills you need to succeed.

Topics include:

Logic, Language, and Scientific Reasoning
Psychology
Writing for the Sciences
Public Health

Electives and/or foreign language proficiency

You may also need to take coursework in a foreign language offered through Modern Languages. Talk to your advisor for details, especially if you’ve taken foreign language courses or have experience in a foreign language in your past.

Extend your degree with a certificate and stack your knowledge

As an interdisciplinary program, there are certificates across the college which easily complement your degree in International Studies. Consider:

Nonprofit Management

Do you gravitate toward the nonprofit world? You’ll gain the knowledge and skills nonprofit employers and leaders are looking for with this 18-credit hour certificate. In your classes, you’ll cover the foundation and management of nonprofits, as well as gain insight into financial resource development, diversity, and cultural competence of the philanthropic community. Test your skills in the real world and build your professional network with a required internship in public service to complete your certificate.

Learn about the Nonprofit Management certificate

Global and Intercultural Communication

This certificate helps you gain expertise in global and intercultural communication. In an increasingly mobile and connected world, employees need to navigate complex international information systems, build multinational relationships, and create interculturally competent global businesses.

Learn about the Global and Intercultural Communication certificate

Latin American Studies

Dive into the dynamics of the histories, arts, literatures, philosophies, politics, and communications from the Latin American region with this 12-credit interdisciplinary certificate. If you’ve ever wanted to develop your understanding of Latin America and its relation to the world—or even are familiar with Spanish and want to hone your skills to enhance your grasp of the Latin American region—then this is the certificate for you. Earn your certificate in either English or Spanish. ¡El certificado también es bilingüe! Los cursos de literatura latinoamericana se dan en español, y los cursos de historia te permitirán investigar y escribir en español.

Learn about the Latin American Studies Studies certificate

Spanish for International Business

Are you an advanced Spanish Speaker? This certificate gives you a solid foundation in business vocabulary, basic business and cultural concepts, and intensive situational practice that will prepare you to function competently in today's Spanish-speaking world.

Learn about the Spanish for International Business certificate

Teaching English Language Learners

Do you want to teach English overseas? This certification gives you the skills to teach adults English as a second language. You can complete this certification completely online. Opportunities exist for internships at CU Denver’s ESL Academy, International College of Beijing (ICB) and other language schools.

Learn about the Teaching English Language Learners certificate

Effortlessly incorporate an internship tailored to your specific interests and career goals through our program. Build your practical skills and grow your professional network with a community partner of your choice—all while earning academic credit.

Here are a few examples of some of the associations, institutions, and fields with whom we've recently partnered:

The Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking—Non-profit, Human Rights
New Era Colorado—Non-profit, Politics
ECDC African Community Center—Non-profit, Refugee & Immigrant Support Services
U.S. Geological Survey—Government, State & Federal Government
Sandomire & Kuberry, PLLC—Legal & Law Enforcement
Denver Open Media—Media Organization, Public Access TV Station
National Defense University—Higher Education & Military
Initium Health—Healthcare, Healthcare & Communication
Asian Pacific Development Center (Now known as Aurora Mental Health & Recovery (AMHR)’s Cultural Development & Wellness Center)—Non-Profit, Healthcare, Adult Education, & Interpretation Services
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Qatar—International Government
International Rescue Committee—Non-profit, Global Human Rights
Chan Law Firm—Legal, Immigration & Civil Litigation
U.S. Department of State—Government, Federal Government
WorldDenver—Non-Profit, Global Education
State of Colorado House of Representatives—Government, State and Local Government
VAW Global Health Alliances—Healthcare, Global Medical Outreach
Denver District Attorney Office—Legal and Government
Office of Senator Michael Bennett—State and Federal Government, Legislative
Operation Hope—Non-profit, Financial & Economic Education

Double Majors which work well with International Studies

You may be interested in a double major. Common combinations include:

Political Science
Communication
History

The International Studies minor

If you are not an International Studies major, you can add a minor in International Studies to your degree by completing at least 18 hours of specified coursework.

You will choose an introductory course

Foundations of International Studies
Introduction to International Relations
Political Systems of the World
Globalization in World History

Then you will choose any five upper devision courses with an international focus from the following departments:

Anthropology
Communication
Economics
Geography
History
Political Science
or another department with approval from an INTS advisor.

If you do not select Foundations of International Studies you may take this course to fulfill one of the five upper division courses slots. You may use any relevant Travel Study course to fulfill requirements. To promote interdisciplinary understanding, you may not take more than two upper division courses from the same department for the minor. You may inquire with your INTS advisor to verify a course is appropriate but in general, the course will focus on international issues or contexts.

You will need to see your CLAS advisor to declare this minor.

Add a Master's in Political Science or a Master’s of Social Sciences to your Bachelor's degree in as little as one extra year (BA+MA/MSS)

As an interdisciplinary program, you have the choice of multiple bachelor's to master's programs within the College. They include:

The BA in International Studies + the MA in Political Science

The MA in Political Science centers on the major fields of American politics, comparative politics, political theory and public policy. You will have the option to complete the traditional track or the alternative track centered on the study of politics, public policy, labor, and leadership.

The BA in International Studies + the MSS in Social Science

This degree sets you on a path towards a career as a public administrator, international education professional, inter-organizational liaison, diplomat, international business professional, journalist, non-government organization administrator, or social service provider. With this Master's of Social Science, you may go directly into the job market or use this as a stepping-stone toward a Ph.D. or other advanced degrees such as an MBA, JD, or LLM.

Benefits include

More career opportunities: Some career paths require that job candidates hold advanced degrees. Completing the BA + MA program allows you to apply for higher level positions more quickly, providing an advantage in a competitive job market.

Saves time: Combining your bachelor’s and master's programs allows you to complete your undergraduate and graduate studies more quickly, typically within five years instead of six or more.

Cost: A shorter timeline to an MA in Political Science or an MA in Social Sciences/Humanities completion means less tuition, fees, and related educational expenses.

Teaching assistantships: The Department of Political Science or the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences may offer you, as a qualified MA student, research, or teaching assistantships. Combining the BA and MA degrees may allow you to access these opportunities.

Faculty: Combining the BA and MA degrees allows you to continue to take courses at the graduate level from the same familiar, award-winning, and caring faculty members.

Learn more about the CU Denver Master of Arts in Political Science or Master of Humanities/Master of Social Science (MHMSS).

International Studies Learning Outcomes

Global Analysis—Program graduates will be able to demonstrate multiple analytical approaches to assess the relationships and interdependencies among geographical areas, institutions, and actors.

Interdisciplinary Approaches—Program graduates will be able to apply theoretical and methodological tools from multiple disciplines to analyze issues and debates of international significance.

Influential Trends—Program graduates will be able to assess the influence of past and/or contemporary trends on global developments.

Tuition

The cost of tuition for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in International Studies is different for in-state and out-of-state students. See the link for the current table of rates.

Residents of Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) states may qualify for reduced tuition rates. The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program requires students to maintain current residency in WICHE state until degree completion.

Learn about the WUE program

Scholarships

Each year, CU Denver undergraduate students are awarded over $30 million in scholarships from institutional, local, state, and national sources. Learn more, and apply here.

The Erica Huss Memorial Scholarship for Global Citizenship - $500 to a CU Denver student to participate in the United Nations Intensive Summer Study Program

Admission Requirements

If you are an incoming freshman to CU Denver (in-state, out-of-state, and international applicants), you can apply through either the Common Application or the Milo Application. Transfer students will need to submit the Milo Application.

Incoming first-year students

CU Denver requires that students complete the Colorado Higher Education Admission Requirements (HEAR). You will not have to meet all Minimum Academic Preparation Standards (MAPS) for admission, but you will need to complete CU Denver coursework by graduation.

Transfer Students

We have strong connections with other four-year and community colleges. If you have completed more than 24 credits of transferable coursework, you will be evaluated for admission on the basis of your college GPA without regard to your high school performance. If you have fewer than 24 credits, you will be evaluated based on both your high school and college GPAs. For more information and to plan your transfer, see transfer admissions in the admissions office.

Bridge to Bachelors

If you are in your first or second semester at one of the participating Colorado community colleges and plan to transfer to CU Denver after earning your associate degree, CU Denver Bridge to Bachelors might be a great program for you. To qualify, you must meet the criteria including meeting regularly with your assigned CU transfer advisor while you are attending community college.

International Students

You will need to begin your application through the Office of International Affairs. They will help you manage your application process.

Apply to CU Denver

Application deadlines

Spring

Domestic Application: January 1
International Applications: Priority is September 15, and Final is October 15

Summer

Domestic Applications: May 15
International Applications: Priority is January 15, and Final is March 15

Fall

Domestic Applications: August 1
International Applications: Priority is March 15, and Final is May 15

International Studies in the News

Ali Alnazzal, International Studies Student, Named College of Liberal Arts & Sciences’ Outstanding Undergraduate Student

INTS (double) major, Ali Alnazzal, has earned the CLAS Outstanding Student Award for Fall 2023. Every Commencement the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recognizes up to two graduating students (one BA and one BS) by awarding them "Outstanding Undergraduate." This award is merit based. Candidates submit a written application, including letters of recommendation. Finalists are interviewed by members of the Academic Standards Committee.

English language skills for refugees in Brussels

Jon Brookes and Olivia Fambrini are the founders of the English for Refugees project, which has been running since February 2021. Jon is originally from Bristol and Olivia hails from Denver, Colorado. After initially helping with food distribution at the Red Cross centre, Jon was approached by several of the migrants and asylum seekers who wanted to improve their English. Olivia had recently arrived in Brussels after completing a degree in international studies. They now have a growing team of 20-30 volunteers who assist them with the Saturday afternoon lessons.

Jason Kincaid Earns Internship with Colorado Senator Michael Bennet

Jason Kincaid graduated in 2022 and is excited to use his INTS skills in the real world. In January, he will begin an internship at Senator Michael Bennet's Denver office, where he will work as a liaison between the legislator on Capitol Hill and his Colorado constituents. His interest in election denialism recently prompted him to work as an election judge in Jefferson County, checking signatures and verifying ballot slips to better understand how our votes are counted. When he’s not studying, Jason enjoys playing the drums, working as a rock-climbing instructor, traveling abroad, and tutoring at local elementary schools. He and his wife, Samantha, are expecting their first child in June.

We create global citizens

We create career ready global citizens to solve the world’s grand challenges in Colorado.

Find your people

Campus can feel like a huge place. We help you find your people by offering the experience of a more traditional, small liberal arts program—for a fraction of the cost. We offer a variety of clubs and networking opportunities.

International Studies Club
Sigma Iota Rho—Collegiate honor society in International Studies
Join other adventurers and global navigators in a Study Abroad course
Global Buddies
The PeaceXChange at CU Denver

A note from the Interim Director

As Interim Director of the International Studies program, I welcome your interest and questions. At CU Denver, we offer a professional and flexible degree program that is uniquely designed to provide students with a global perspective. Our graduates are making a difference all over the world—from working on international recruitment and enrollment, to leading initiatives like English4Refugees, to tackling global issues such as climate change with agencies like the World Meteorological Organization. Our students also gain invaluable experience by studying across the globe—from the vibrant streets of Beijing to the historic avenues of Berlin. The challenges humanity faces today are undeniably global, and addressing them requires interdisciplinary and innovative approaches. A degree in International Studies equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to address these global challenges.

Join us! Please use the form above to request more information about our program. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Soumia Bardhan, Interim Director

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