As an international direct student at USC, you’ll receive:

• Exclusive and rigorous academic coursework
• Priority access to in-demand courses that fit your interests
• Guidance from academic advisors and mentors
• Career development and networking opportunities
• Intensive classes with domestic students

Emphasizing the interdisciplinary pursuit of comparative and/or international politics, the international studies program is designed to create the leaders of tomorrow. We allow students to tailor their programs of study to focus on such topics as foreign policy, global economic or environmental studies, or international conflict and cooperation.

As an international studies major, you will gain an understanding about how politics, government and governance shape the world and the quality of citizenship in the world. You will benefit from outstanding faculty and challenging coursework that will help you develop critical learning skills, especially as related to the study of politics.

You will be able to focus on one or two fields within international studies such as international security, international economics, U.S. foreign policy, global environmental politics, international human rights, Latin American studies, European studies, African studies, Asian studies, international development and more. You will also complete a public service internship to gain hands-on experience.

Some of the highly transferable skills you will hone while studying for an international studies major include:

• Analytical thinking
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Effective written and oral communications
• Creativity
• Ability to effectively evaluate a variety of arguments
• Ability to develop and design research projects

A major in international studies will prepare you for careers in:

• Foreign service
• Non-governmental organization work
• International business
• International law
• International travel and tourism
• Journalism