International Studies
The problems and events in today's world are "far too complex to only assess them through a narrow lens," as one of our students said. That's why we developed this program—for people who want a global understanding of the world, and value a broad, interdisciplinary approach. If you love learning about different cultures and foreign languages—and you want the flexibility to explore different topics within international studies—then keep reading.
What will I learn?
This major is a unique mix of social science and humanities classes in a variety of subjects, with an emphasis on history, political science, economics and geography. You'll study key topics such as international law, global economic theories and different types of political systems. You’ll also learn how to speak and write in at least one foreign language, and take a series of courses focused on a specific part of the world to get in-depth, useful knowledge about that region, including its people and culture.
What can I do with a international studies degree?
Where in the world are our graduates? Everywhere! With this degree, you can have a career in the U.S. or abroad, working for an international business, foreign government, non-governmental organization, or a group that advocates for immigrants and resettled refugees.
Our alumni have held key positions in organizations around the globe, including:
- Army National Guard.
- Berlitz World Languages Institute.
- City of Rochester.
- École Internationale de New York.
- Embassy of Spain/Government of Madrid.
- International Rescue Committee.
- SUNY Cortland Study Abroad Program.
- Via Evaluation.
Many students also choose to go to law school, or to grad school for an advanced degree in political science, international relations, geography or a related field.
By the Numbers
Check out salary ranges and career outlooks straight from the U.S. Department of Labor to see the return on investment for your degree.
| Occupation Title | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | $262,930.00 | $126.41 | Rapid Growth |
| General and Operations Managers | $133,120.00 | $64.00 | Rapid Growth, Many Openings |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | $39,070.00 | $18.79 | Many Openings |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $55,970.00 | $26.91 | Rapid Growth |
Data provided by the and DOL data from 2024.