The International Studies major focuses on the historical, political, economic, cultural, environmental, and social forces that shape relations among states and peoples at the transnational level.
The International Studies major is inherently multidisciplinary. Students completing the major pursue coursework in some combination of anthropology, economics, history, political science, religious studies, and sociology, in addition to the study of a foreign language.
Students pursuing an International Studies major are challenged to develop critical thinking and writing skills, to master an additional language, and to engage important questions of our day from the perspectives of multiple disciplines.
Program Highlights
The major is rigorously structured to ensure breadth as well as depth. Students majoring in International Studies:
- Complete coursework across a range of disciplines: anthropology, economics, history, political science, religious studies, and sociology.
- Achieve proficiency in a second language. Holy Cross offers Arabic, Chinese Studies, French and Francophone Studies, German Studies, Italian Studies, Russian Studies, and Spanish.
- Declare a regional focus for the major: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, Middle East, or Russia and Eastern Europe.
- Declare a thematic focus for the major: International Political Economy, Development Studies, Conflict and Conflict Resolution, Global Governance and International Law.
- Pursue study abroad in their second language and/or semester internship experiences through the Washington Semester or New York Semester Internship Programs.
International Studies News


