The B.A. in International Studies is an interdisciplinary program that brings together courses from various academic disciplines in the social sciences, humanities, and business. The program has the aim of training students to approach global issues from a variety of perspectives preparing them to be global citizens and workers in an interconnected world. Upon graduation, International Studies majors may pursue opportunities in government, military, business, policy analysis, foundations, the media, humanitarian agencies, and organizations with a presence abroad. International Studies students choose from three different concentration tracks of study: diplomacy and international affairs, security studies, or international business and economics.

Program Requirements

In addition to general University requirements, students seeking the B.A. in International Studies must meet the requirements listed below.

Consult with your academic advisor for courses which may satisfy both the General Education and common prerequisites.

General Education

ADDENDUM - 06/12/2025

In addition to the General Education requirements, students must satisfy all additional State of Florida requirements, including the College-Level Communication and Computation, Civic Literacy, and Foreign Language requirements. With appropriate planning and coordination with an academic advisor, students may satisfy some of the general University requirements through the General Education curriculum. For a complete listing of general degree requirements, refer to the State University Requirements and Degree Requirements sections of this catalog.

General Education Curriculum:

Civic Literacy Requirement

The 2017 Florida Legislature amended Section 1007.25, Florida Statutes, to require students initially entering a State University System (SUS) and/or Florida College System (FCS) institution in 2018-2019 and thereafter to demonstrate competency in civic literacy by passing an assessment or taking AMH 2020 United States Since 1877 or POS 2041 American Politics.

The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. In 2024, the Board of Governors made an additional revision, recognizing two new courses meeting the Civic Literacy requirement, AMH 2010 United States to 1877 and AMS 2010 Civil Discourse and the American Political Order. As a result, there are four cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions that are subject to varying requirements.

As demonstrated in the table below, the exact civic literacy requirements are based on the academic term in which a student first enrolled in a Florida public institution.

Additionally, for Cohorts 3 and 4, approved accelerated mechanisms may meet the course and/or assessment requirement, and students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE) in high school are exempt from the postsecondary exam requirement.

There are multiple ways to satisfy this requirement. Students should work with their academic advisor to determine which option is best for their degree requirements/degree plan. 

Additional information can be found on our Civic Literacy website, SUS regulation BOG 8.006, and Florida Statute s.1007.25(4,a-b).

Mathematics Pathway

Students are advised to complete the following courses to fulfill the mathematics pathway that aligns with the mathematics skills needed for success in their program and their career goals. Students should refer to their academic advisor for questions about the math pathway for their program. For information about this requirement, refer to the catalog page for Mathematics Pathways. These courses may also fulfill requirements for General Education and Common Prerequisites. 

Common Prerequisites

State-mandated common prerequisites must be completed prior to graduation, but are not required for admission to the program. See the Common Prerequisite Manual for course substitutions from Florida colleges and universities.

There are no specified Common Prerequisite courses mandated by the state for the International Studies program. All Florida College System students are encouraged to complete the Associate degree. Students should consult with an academic advisor in their major degree area at the intended transfer institution. 

Lower Division Electives

Major

International Studies Common Core

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Courses included in the major GPA.

Concentration Tracks

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Courses included in the major GPA.

Upper Division Electives

International Studies Minor

A Minor in International Studies requires 12 semester hours (sh) in core courses, and 6 sh in upper-division elective courses, for a total of 18 sh. Of the 12 sh of upper-division courses, at least 9 sh must be completed at UWF. International Studies majors may not earn this minor.

Spanish Minor

The Minor in Spanish is designed to build upon the student’s skills in speaking, reading, and writing the language; to provide fuller understanding of the structure of the language; and to increase knowledge and appreciation of the history and culture represented by the language. This minor is available to all undergraduate students.

A grade of “C” or better is required in all courses. The minor requires a minimum of 15 semester hours (sh) at the 2000 level or above of Spanish (SPN and SPW) courses of which at least 9 sh must be at the 3000/4000 level, and 12 sh must be completed at UWF.

Requirements

Of the 15 sh that students must complete, at least 9 sh must be 3000/4000 level courses.

French Language and Culture Certificate

The French Language and Culture Certificate is designed for students pursuing a B.A. in any field as well as non-degree seeking students who seek to excel in their understanding of French language and culture. Upon completion of this certificate program, students should be prepared to work in a variety of Francophone countries and provinces or to work for French companies. Given that French is a global language, spoken by over 275 million people on all continents, being proficient in French is useful in today’s globalized economy. Students who obtain this certificate could work as a foreign service officer in the U.S. Department of State, as well as in various military posts that require proficiency in French language and culture. Other possible careers include international law, international development, secondary and higher education, as well as medicine. French is also a boon for students interested in joining organizations such as the Peace Corps or Doctors Without Borders. Given the large and diverse economy of France, students who are looking to work in economics and/or global business would benefit from obtaining this certificate. Students who seek to teach English overseas in Francophone regions would also benefit from earning this certificate. Students are encouraged to apply to participate in any study abroad programs in Francophone countries.

The ability for students to demonstrate intercultural competence and language expertise is a valuable skill in our globalized society. The French language is integral in the global economy and business world as well as the United States military and various government agencies. French history, politics, art, music, and philosophy have also significantly shaped Western thought, and it is valuable for students to think critically about the origins and implications of American culture vis-à-vis Francophone cultures. Broadly speaking, students who complete this certificate program will be better global citizens who understand what it means to live and work in harmony with those who come from different backgrounds and hold vastly different beliefs. 

In addition to obtaining 11 hours of coursework, students should receive at least a "B-" in all French courses and an overall minimum 3.0 GPA. If a student places into the second level of a language (i.e. FRE 1121C French II), and would like to pursue a certificate, the student should take at least 2 of the upper-level language courses (any combination of 2000 or 3000 level courses within the world language program). In this instance, a minimum of 10 credits will be satisfactory. While 10-11 hours are required as a minimum, students are encouraged to complete 14 hours if it is possible in their academic plan.

Required Courses and Alternative Options

Japanese Language and Culture Certificate

The ability for students to demonstrate intercultural competence and language expertise is a valuable skill in our globalized society. The Japanese language is integral in the global economy and business world as well as the United States military and various government agencies. Students who complete this certificate program will be better global citizens who understand what it means to live and work in harmony with those who come from different backgrounds and hold vastly different beliefs.

In addition to obtaining 11 hours of coursework, students should receive at least a "B-" in all courses and an overall minimum 3.0 GPA. If a student places into the second level of a language (i.e. JPN 1121C Japanese II), and would like to pursue a certificate, the student should take at least 2 of the upper level language courses (any combination of 2000 or 3000 level courses within the world language program). In this instance, a minimum of 10 credits will be satisfactory. 

%

10 hours required if students tests out of JPN 1120C Japanese I.

Spanish Language and Culture Certificate

The Spanish Language and Culture Certificate is designed to build upon the student’s skills in speaking, reading, and writing the language; to provide fuller understanding of the structure of the language; and to increase knowledge and appreciation of the history and culture represented by the language. This certificate is available to all undergraduate students.

The ability for students to demonstrate intercultural competence and language expertise is a valuable skill in our globalized society. The Spanish language is integral in the global economy and business world as well as in the United States law enforcement, military, and various government agencies. Spanish history, politics, art, music, and philosophy have also significantly shaped Western thought, and it is valuable for students to think critically about the origins and implications of American culture vis-à-vis Hispanophone cultures. Broadly speaking, students who complete this certificate program will be better global citizens who understand what it means to live and work in harmony with those who come from different backgrounds and hold vastly different beliefs.

In addition to obtaining 11 hours of coursework, students should receive at least a "B-" in all Spanish courses and an overall minimum 3.0 GPA. If a student places into the second level of a language (i.e. SPN 1121C Spanish II), and would like to pursue a certificate, the student should take at least 2 of the upper-level language courses (any combination of 2000 or 3000 level courses within the world language program). In this instance, a minimum of 10 credits will be satisfactory. While 10-11 hours are required as a minimum, students are encouraged to complete 14 hours if it is possible in their academic plan.