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

In addition to the General Education requirements listed on this page, students must satisfy all additional University requirements, including the Gordon Rule, multicultural, 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 "University Requirements" section of this catalog.

General Education Curriculum:

Multicultural Requirement

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. The 2021 Legislature further amended Florida Statutes, requiring students to complete both a civic literacy course and an exam. As a result, there are three cohorts of students currently matriculating at Florida public institutions 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, the 2021 Legislature made two additional exceptions: approving the use of accelerated mechanisms for meeting the course competency requirement and exempting high school students who pass the Florida Civic Literacy Exam in high school from the postsecondary exam requirement. These two changes are in effect for Cohort 3.

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.

*BOG 8.006; s.1007.25(4,a-b)

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 Common Prerequisite courses mandated by the state for the International Studies program.

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

A Minor in International Studies requires 12 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

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 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.

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.