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College of International Studies

Flags on the University of Oklahoma campus.

Welcome to the OU College of International Studies

Bringing the world to the heartland and University of Oklahoma students to the world.


New Office of Global Engagement

International students in graduation regalia carrying flags in a parade.

Education Abroad, International Student Services, and the Center for English as a Second Language have all moved under the Office of Global Engagement. The College of International Studies is still the home of the Department of International & Area Studies, our research centers, and other academic programs.

   Visit the Global Engagement Site

The David L. Boren College of International Studies at the University of Oklahoma offers a unique small-college experience within a flagship research University. Behind the doors of beautiful Farzaneh Hall, you will find an intellectually curious, diverse community of students, professors and staff who care — not only about the issues facing our world, but about each other. Here you will find small classes, impromptu post-class discussions, prominent and influential guest speakers, unique international events and programming, and above all, opportunity. Do you want to pursue an internship in Washington, D.C.? An undergraduate research project that will take you to your first academic conference? A study abroad program in a country far from home? At CIS, it’s possible. And our faculty and staff will support you all the way. 

With a multi-disciplinary curriculum offering 9 majors, 11 minors, 2 graduate programs, and an accelerated BA/MA degree, the College of International Studies offers a strong foundation of knowledge across multiple international fields of study with the flexibility to accommodate diverse interests and career goals. We provide a range of scholarships specifically for our majors, and we strongly support participation in study abroad and away programs. A degree in International & Area Studies from OU not only opens the door to a global career, but fosters an international perspective and growth mindset that distinguishes our alumni on the job market.

Farzaneh Hall, with trees, a lamppost with an OU flag, and a red phone booth.

Why Choose a Major or Minor in CIS?

  •  Supportive, small liberal arts atmosphere with an emphasis on small classes and hands-on learning. 
  • A welcoming community that allows you to connect with your professors and classmates and participate in fun activities and meaningful events 
  • A record of success connecting undergraduate students with research, internship and international opportunities
  • A world-class faculty who are experts in a wide range of regions and specialties
  • An exceptionally international college where students and faculty of different backgrounds, nationalities, experiences and perspectives come together in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding and dedicated to preparing students for careers with purpose
  • Regular events and speakers hosted by our nine international research centers, as well as a close relationship with international student programs, provide many extracurricular ways to meet friends, learn and share ideas
  • Alumni go on to successful careers in diplomacy, government and intelligence agencies, think tanks, Humanitarian and Development nonprofits and NGOs, politics, international journalism, business, security, academia and more

CIS News

November 20, 2023

Amelia Landry Named CIS Outstanding Senior

Amelia Landry, an International and Area Studies major from Allen, Texas, was named College of International Studies Outstanding Senior for the 2023-2024 academic year. She received her award in a ceremony earlier this month, with Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students David Surratt presenting and adjunct faculty member Chris Sartorius representing the College of International Studies. Outstanding Senior is an annual award given to one student from each college who demonstrates exceptional achievements in scholarship, honors, awards, leadership and service. Congratulations to Amelia on her achievement!


October 30, 2023

Announcing the CIS "U.S. and the World" Spring Break Trip to Washington, D.C.

The College of International Studies is hosting a spring break experience in Washington, D.C., "The U.S. and the World," for international studies majors, minors and students interested in international relations. We will visit think tanks, nonprofits, embassies, media outlets and government agencies to learn more about careers in government and international relations.


October 27, 2023

IAS Assistant Professor Natalie Letsa Publishes Article in the Journal of Modern African Studies

Natalie Letsa, Wick Cary Assistant Professor of Political Economy in the College of International Studies, recently published an article in the Journal of Modern African Studies, titled "Judge, Landlord, Broker, Watchman: Assessing Variation in Chiefly Duties and Authority in the Ghana–Togo Borderlands." The article was co-authored by Martha Wilfahrt.


October 24, 2023

IAS Associate Professor Mark Raymond Publishes Article in Contemporary Security Policy

Mark Raymond, Wick Cary Associate Professor of International Security in the College of International Studies, published an article on October 22, 2023 in the journal Contemporary Security Policy, "Authoritarian multilateralism in the global cyber regime complex: The double transformation of an international diplomatic practice." The article was coauthored with Justin Sherman.


October 23, 2023

Introducing 2023-2024 Newman Post-Doctoral Fellow Weining Ai

Weining Ai is the Newman Postdoctoral Fellow in the Institute for US-China Issues, College of International Studies at the University of Oklahoma. He received his PhD in Political Science from Arizona State University in 2023. His research interests lie in foreign policy analysis, international security and political economy, and China. His research explores the processes and outcomes of economic sanctions, military coercion, international conflict and cooperation, Chinese foreign policy, and US-China relations.


October 04, 2023

IAS Assistant Professor Rachel Schwartz Publishes Article in Journal of Democracy

Rachel Schwartz, Assistant Professor of International & Area Studies, co-authored the article, titled "How Guatemala Defied the Odds," for the Journal of Democracy, a peer-reviewed publication of Johns Hopkins University Press.


Events Calendar