International Studies

International Studies: Major

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

2021 Alpha Sigma Nu student honorees. Photo by John Buckingham
30 Holy Cross Students Inducted Into Jesuit Honor Society
Alpha Sigma Nu acceptance is granted to less than four percent of the class
Sophia Chu '22
Account Management Internship – Holy Cross Student Summer Series
Sophia Chu '22 interns with Ogilvy NY for an exclusive look at the power of marketing
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Holy Cross’ Chapter of Sigma Delta Pi Earns National Award
Omicron Epsilon, Holy Cross’ Chapter of the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society Sigma Delta Pi, has been named an “Honor Chapter” for its outstanding activities in 2019-20, an award that was bestowed to only 11 out of 627 chapters nationwide. …