International Security Studies Major

Overview 

International Security Studies is designed for the student looking for a career in the fields of foreign policy or national security. The program allows students to develop proficiency in any language recognized to be a critical security language, as well as the culture where that language is spoken. Specialized classes help students to understand international organizations and the global issues that affect security around the world. This degree prepares students for careers with US federal and state agencies, international organizations and companies in the private sector that operate in critical regions of the world.

Information about the language and study abroad requirement for International Security Studies (ISS) majors.

For the most up to date degree sheets, please click here.

General Education requirements: 40 semester hours, distributed in accordance with University requirements.


School of International and Area Studies requirements: Additional requirements set forth by the School of International and Area Studies.

Major requirements: (30 hours, 18 must be upper-division). In addition to the core requirements set forth by the School of International and Area Studies, students pursuing a degree in International Security Studies will develop a course of study with the IAS Academic Adviser and meets the following requirements:

International Security Issues (twelve hours).
Strategic Areas (twelve hours).
Geography (three hours).

International Experience: A student is required to spend at least one summer or winter term (preferably one year) in an approved international experience. This may include (but is not limited to) OU Study Abroad, study abroad with another university, an approved foreign work experience, or experience through the US military, or a high school degree or
equivalent from another country.

Senior Capstone Course (three hours): IAS 4013, Senior Capstone.

NOTES: Students may take other appropriate courses chosen in consultation with the IAS Academic Adviser. Acceptable substitutions are updated each semester and posted in the Undergraduate Studies section of the SIAS website.

To be eligible for study abroad at OU, students must maintain a minimum combined retention GPA of 2.5.

Major Support Requirements: Sixteen hours of one foreign language in a strategic area (Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish), IAS 2003, 2603, and three hours of International Security
Practicum credit (IAS 3083, 3910, or 3990).

Free Electives: Electives to bring total applicable hours to 120, including 48 upper-division hours.