COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies program at Texas State University is structured to give students a broad academic foundation in global studies, languages, economics, history, and international relations while preparing them for careers in global and cross-cultural fields. The degree is completed over 120 total credit hours and is divided into four academic levels: freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years. In the freshman year, students focus on general education requirements such as communication, mathematics, government, history, geography, and a required modern language sequence that continues across multiple semesters to build fluency. The sophomore year expands academic depth by introducing subjects like economics, political science, anthropology, history, and continued language study, along with literature and life science requirements. By the junior year, students begin more specialized coursework, including advanced language study, international business-related subjects such as marketing and management, and electives in history and geography that relate to global regions and development. The senior year emphasizes advanced study and practical experience through courses like IS 4380 and IS 4687, along with electives in world history, geography, and travel and tourism studies, allowing students to tailor their education toward specific international interests. A key feature of this program is the integration of regional and global electives covering areas such as Europe, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, ensuring students gain a deep understanding of global diversity and historical context. The curriculum also includes travel and tourism electives from multiple disciplines, including anthropology, communication, economics, geography, political science, and marketing, which help students develop applied skills relevant to international industries. Overall, this program is designed to develop strong analytical, linguistic, and cultural competencies, preparing graduates for careers in international relations, tourism, global business, diplomacy, non-governmental organizations, and related global fields.