Department of History and International Studies
International Studies Degree
Major
GET GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE WITH A UW-STEVENS POINT DEGREE IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
Whether as a standalone major or in combination with other majors/minors, an International Studies degree can prepare you to make your mark in an increasingly globalized world. As a truly interdisciplinary field, the program draws upon work in related disciplines, such as History, Foreign Languages, Political Science, Business, Economics, and English, and encourages students to think about international issues from a variety of perspectives.
Our program helps students develop intercultural knowledge and enhance their employability. Within a year of graduation, 88 percent of our students are employed or enrolled in graduate school. The world is globalizing, keep up with it with a major in International Studies at UW-Stevens Point.
Why Study International Studies at UW-Stevens Point?
International Studies at UWSP gives students the chance to make their education global in scope, while developing intercultural knowledge and skills that enhance their employability. Whether as a standalone major or in combination with other majors/minors, International Studies can prepare you to make your mark in an increasingly globalized world. Many of our students participate in semester abroad programs and international internships.
Study Abroad in 25+ Countries
UWSP features one of the longest-standing and robust study abroad programs in the state of Wisconsin, with experiences in more than 25 countries. Many students pursue international internship experiences for credit. UWSP partners with global organizations such as the Anglo Educational Services office in London to secure meaningful internships for students abroad. International Studies majors and minors have worked as interns for the Westminster Archives, British Parliament, World Health Organization, World Bank, and the U.S. State Department. Additionally, students may also intern for local organizations with an international reach including the Wisconsin Nicaragua Partners, the Rotary Club, and the United Way Worldwide.
Scholarships and Grants
High-achieving students in the International Studies program are eligible for many significant awards and scholarships thanks to generous support from our alumni, friends, and corporate partners. Recent grads have secured competitive post-graduate funding including Fulbright Fellowships, Japan Exchange Teaching positions, and Rotary Foundation Global Grants.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
Our International Studies BA provides a strong foundation for professional careers and graduate studies in global education, foreign service, international law, global business, international nonprofit work, and many other fields. The shared methods courses include activities for students to explore career options, enhance their professional resumé, and overall discover their purpose.
Foundational courses allow students
• to engage with concepts of global citizenship and world languages
• to gain international historical perspectives
• to study global political affairs, sustainability, and world religions
The program encourages study abroad experiences including international internships, presenting original research at local conferences, and extracurricular participation in international student organizations.
Recent graduates continue to make a life, a living, and a difference as directors of study abroad offices at major institutions, leaders in international non-profit organizations, lawyers and foreign service officers, and project managers for multi-national corporations located in Central Wisconsin and beyond.
The Department of History and International Studies frequently sponsors student participation in the College of Letters and Science Undergraduate Research Symposium and faculty-led research opportunities with collaboration on projects and publications through the College of Letters and Science Undergraduate Education Initiative.
GET INVOLVED ON CAMPUS
International Studies students often serve as officers or active members in organizations such as the International Club, Japan Language and Culture Club, Spanish Club, German Club, Hmong and Southeast Asian American Club, United Nations, and others.
Students may participate in activities such as the United Nations Student Organization, or pursue international internships or other semester abroad opportunities.
More opportunities can be found on the Stevens Point Involvement Network (SPIN).
MEET YOUR FACULTY
The department offers small classes taught by a dedicated faculty, and a lot of individual attention and advising. Representing diverse disciplinary and regional backgrounds, our faculty boast an impressive record of competitive grants for research and teaching.
Valerie Barske
- Professor
- Coordinator, International Studies and Peace Studies
715-346-2334
Jeff Leigh
- Professor
- Multicultural Resource Center adviser, UW-Stevens Point at Wausau
715-346-2334
Vera Klekovkina
- Professor
- Chair, Department of World Languages
715-346-2334
School of Humanities and Global Studies