International and Area Studies

Spending a year abroad can be one of the most meaningful college experiences for a student, and students in the Department of International and Area Studies have the incredible opportunity to participate in a foreign study program as one of their degree requirements. Designed to enrich and immerse students in the culture and language of the region they study, the required semester or summer abroad offers an exhilarating academic experience. Students’ coursework abroad combines with humanities and social science classes at OU to give students an interdisciplinary perspective of world culture. Courses may include anthropology, architecture, art history, communication, economics, English, geography, history, history of science, music, philosophy, political science, sociology and modern languages, literatures and linguistics. The Department of International and Area Studies prepares students to take positions of leadership in the new global environment. Graduates leave with the tools to communicate effectively across cultures in jobs at international organizations like the United Nations, government offi ces like the U.S. Department of State or at humanitarian groups like the Peace Corps.

An International and Area Studies student graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in International and Area Studies degree. There are five regional majors within the degree: Russian and East European, European, Latin American, Middle Eastern and Asian Studies. Two other majors are global in scope. International Studies provides a broader overview of international relations. International security studies allows students to study terrorism, warfare and diplomacy. All major concentrations may be completed as minors, and the department offers a minor in African Studies. Students can also pursue a Master of Arts in International and Area Studies.

The Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in International Studies is an accelerated program designed for exceptional students to earn both the BA and MA in International Studies in 5 years of study. National Merit Scholars are the ideal candidates for a 5-year accelerated BA/MA program, although the program is open to all OU students who qualify.

We also offer the Joint Juris Doctor and Master of Arts in International Studies. The J.D./MAIS is an accelerated program that exposes students interested in law to political, economical, and cultural courses designed to enrich their future international law practice. Persons interested in pursuing the dual J.D./M.A.I.S. program must make regular application for admission to and be accepted by both the College of Law and the Graduate College. Nine hours of elective credit will count toward both J.D. and M.A requirements, allowing the opportunity to combine into four and a half years of study the three-year J.D. program offered by the College of Law and the two-year M.A.I.S. offered by the College of International Studies.rnational and Area Studies student graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in International and Area Studies degree. There are four regional majors within the degree: Russian and East European Studies, European, Latin American and Asian. Two other majors are global in scope. International Studies provides a broader overview of international relations. International security studies allows students to study terrorism, warfare and diplomacy. All major concentrations may be completed as minors, and the department offers minors in Middle Eastern Studies and African Studies. Students can also pursue a Master of Arts in International and Area Studies.

International and Area Studies students typically have interests in politics, economics, history, foreign languages and business. High school preparation should include studies in foreign languages, economics and world history.

Visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to explore the median pay for jobs you can pursue with this degree. 

Contact Us

Department of International and Area Studies
Phone: (405) 325-1584
Email: sias@ou.edu
Website: ou.edu/sias