Study the world
An International Studies degree means you learn from the entire University and gain an interdisciplinary education from people who tackle real-world, global issues of culture, economics and politics.
International Studies is an interdisciplinary program that brings together the strengths of faculty from across the university to examine the major issues of the contemporary world, combined with language skills and a study abroad experience.
See the world
Humboldt is one of the few places you will be able to make study abroad count towards your degree. Built right into the International Studies program, there are few experiential learning opportunities that will give you the well-rounded education experience like learning in, and from the people of, other countries.
Speak to the world
Learning intercultural skills and additional languages are a key component of International Studies. And not only are those transformational tools, future employers see those skills as proxies for disciplined, determined, and organized employees.
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
The world’s biggest challenges are interconnected and the International Studies Program helps students remain rooted in the community while becoming agents of change in the world.
A unique interdisciplinary program, International Studies has four distinct components: a core curriculum based on the cultural, political and economic aspects of globalization; proficiency in a second language; a concentration in one of five areas (China, Europe, Latin America, Global Culture, and Development) and the equivalent of a semester study abroad.
These elements come together in a flexible combination of classroom instruction and direct experience with the regions and issues of interest and make Humboldt stand out as one of the few universities in the CSU system that requires both a language and study abroad as part of this degree.
Employers also regularly report language skills, intercultural awareness, and study abroad as strong indicators of success in the workplace. This is why our graduates can be found in the international labor force in the U.S. and abroad, working in the private sector and for nonprofits, and commonly go on to serve in the Peace Corps. This program also provides a strong foundation for graduate work in the international field.
International Studies Minor
A minor in International Studies supports Humboldt’s mission of encouraging global citizenship by applying a scholarly framework to the processes of globalization in an increasingly interconnected world and the opportunity to examine the process of globalization using an interdisciplinary perspective. For some students, the major’s requirement to study abroad and proficiency in a second language presents a challenge, thus the minor adds an international dimension as well as a professional component to any program of study.
Featured Alumni Profile
Robert Portillo, 2016
Executive Assistant , Sacramento LGBT Community Center
I provide administrative support for the Executive Director and senior executives. This position serves as a primary point of contact for external constituencies and as a liaison to the Board of Directors and leadership team.
Career Options
International Studies is a transformational educational experience.
A degree in International Studies will offer you many career options at home and abroad. Our unique Career workshop will prepare you to pursue any careers in the United States or abroad; including diplomacy and foreign relations, journalism, teaching, international development or business, and humanitarian or nongovernmental organizations.
Here are a few examples of possible career fields.
Foreign Service Officer/Diplomat
Peace Corps Employee
Community Organizer
Translator for Health/Social Services
English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher
English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Teacher
Non-governmental Organization Administrator/Director
International Relations Officer
Journalist/Correspondent
lntercultural Communications Specialist
Economic Development Analyst
International Studies Research Guide
In this guide you will find links to global media with current headlines and newspaper search engines so you can find local, regional or foreign press to keep up on international issues (or practice your language skills). The other pages in this guide are primarily designed to help you find your way around the library, especially the resources most relevant to your International Studies degree.
Achievements
Find out what our students, faculty, and staff are being recognized for.
Submitted: January 31, 2023
