Dr. Emily Beaulieu Bacchus
Director of International Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
eabeau2@uky.eduInternational Studies is an interdisciplinary program that teaches students to understand a global theme and a non-North American world area from multiple perspectives, to gain competence in a related foreign language, and to carry out in-depth research and writing. International Studies majors graduate with skills that enable them to live and work as global citizens throughout the world.
As the world shrinks, opportunities grow for International Studies majors. With a degree in International Studies you can pursue anything from international policy making to philanthropic work to teaching English as a second language in another country. International Studies graduates go on to international careers with governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations, philanthropic agencies, and educational institutions.
Career opportunities in International Studies
International Studies is an interdisciplinary program in which majors explore global issues in disciplines such as anthropology, economics, history, political science, geography, foreign languages, English and the arts. Students choose course work focused around a central theme and geographical region. Cultural knowledge will be developed further through expanded foreign language study.
Any student earning a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree must complete a minimum of 39 hours at the 300+ level. These hours are generally completed by the major requirements. However, keep this hour requirement in mind as you choose your course work for the requirements in the major. See the complete description of College requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Arts and Sciences section of the 2015-2016 Undergraduate Bulletin.
Total Credit Hours - 30
Pathway Courses
Complete 6 credit hours from the following list. Courses must be from two departments: ANT 160, ANT 225, GEO 152, GEO 160, GEO 161, GEO 162, HIS 104, HIS 105, PS 210, PS 235 (for a list of course descriptions please refer to the UKY Bulletin [6 hours]
Language Competency
Complete the fourth semester in one language AND two semesters in a second language or two additional semesters in the same language [6-8 hours]
Thematic Concentration
Complete 12-15 hours in one theme from at least two different departments. The themes include: Culture and the Arts, Global Development and Comparative Politics and Societies. For a complete list of approved courses please refer to the UKY Bulletin [12-15 hours]
Area Concentration
Complete 12-15 hours in one Area Concentration from at least two different departments. The Areas include: Africa and the Middle East, East South and Southeast Asia, Europe, Latin America, Russia and Eurasia. For a complete list of approved courses please refer to the UKY Bulletin [12-15 hours]
Capstone Senior Project
Total Hours - 42-44
Public relations specialists create and maintain a favorable public image for the organization they represent.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$60,000
per year in 2018
Number of Jobs
270,000
in 2018
10 Year Job Outlook
17,300
new jobs (average)
Public relations specialists usually work in offices. Some attend community activities or events. Long workdays are common, as is overtime.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreSource: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Understanding that over 70 percent of university students will change their declared major at least once during their college careers, the College of Arts and Sciences has developed an Exploratory Studies program for students who have yet to decide the specific field of study that most closely aligns both their personal interests and their professional career goals and objectives. The Exploratory Studies Program provides students with an extraordinarily diverse educational environment that includes coursework spanning Math and Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences and provides students with the unique opportunity to explore multiple areas of interest during their first several semesters on campus. For more information please contact a recruiting representative at asrecruting@uky.edu.
There are countless ways to “see blue.” on campus, but the best way to maximize your journey at the University of Kentucky is by engaging in an Education Abroad opportunity.
This will allow you to gain a global perspective and enhance future employability. As you take the first step towards investing in your future, we encourage you to take advantage of all the opportunities UK has to offer. Take a look at some of the options UK Education Abroad & Exchanges office suggests to complement your major! #SeeBlueAbroad
View Major Advising Page
Dr. Emily Beaulieu Bacchus
Director of International Studies
College of Arts and Sciences
eabeau2@uky.eduCollege of Arts & Sciences
202 Patterson Office Tower
