Liberal Arts offers new international studies major
The College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University will officially offer an international studies major this fall. This interdisciplinary degree will prepare students for internationally focused careers through coursework that emphasizes the communication, collaboration, and discipline-specific skill necessary to work in diverse cultural setting.
“A degree in international studies provides an understanding of global societies, with their political, economic, and cultural backgrounds and structures. At Auburn, we will give students an in-depth knowledge on the societies of a chosen region, together with language skills and practical experiences and travel in that region. Students will have an international and intercultural awareness that is a must in the world we live in,” said Dr. Giovanna Summerfield, Associate Dean for Educational Affairs in the College of Liberal Arts.
Designed to have a strong multicultural and global focus, the proposed degree requires advanced foreign language study, and an international experience – skills that will benefit graduates as they seek professional careers in both business and the private sector, non-profit work, and foreign and civil service.
The degree may also serve as a precursor for those students who desire to pursue graduate studies or law school.
“Students who obtain this degree will have a wide range of career choice. From government to NGOs, multinational companies, international media, to private sector businesses, there is a wonderful array of opportunities coupled with a great personal growth and transferrable skills,” Summerfield said.
According to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), graduates with the degree are often selected for the Foreign Service and serve as Foreign Service Officers, choosing either economic, management, or political or public diplomacy as their specialty area. Auburn University is one of the few internationally-focused programs offered in the State of Alabama.
For more information, please contact Dr. Giovanna Summerfield or call 334-844-2890.
Tags: International Initiatives Students Interdisciplinary Programs
Related Articles
-
Auburn professor leads international workshop on Italian food studies and social justice
Associate Professor Rosetta Giuliani Caponetto recently led an international workshop titled “Teaching Social Justice through Italian Food Studies.” -
Young Alumni Spotlight: Katie Batcho, '21, Spanish and Animal Sciences
Batcho majored in Spanish and Animal Sciences and says her out-of-classroom experiences led her to where she is today. -
With Mediterranean internship, new 'Malta mom,' senior Abigail Minor finds success in Auburn International Mentoring Program
The AIM program pairs students with alumni for a mutually beneficial mentorship experience designed to allow the student to discover the realities of living and working abroad. -
Medina awarded a prestigious NYT Fellowship
Eduardo Medina, '20, was named a New York Times 2021-22 fellow. The NYT selected only 17 fellows from over 3,000 applications. -
Auburn for all: Journalism senior Noah Griffith advocates for accessible athletics experiences
A longtime athlete, Auburn man and accessibility advocate, Griffith works to make Auburn more accessible, and the university listens to what he has to say. -
Dean Jason Hicks looks forward to leading an aspirational, collaborative College of Liberal Arts
Jason Hicks became dean of one of Auburn University’s largest colleges July 1, and as his first academic year on the Plains begins, he reflects on what the College of Liberal Arts can expect from his leadership.