International Studies

Major/Minor

The International Studies program offers exceptional breadth in political science, history, business, economics, and foreign languages. The curriculum is distinctive for its focus on the role of women in international relations, as well as issues of justice and peace. It offers unique perspectives on problems of war, terrorism, genocide, racism, religious intolerance, and violence against women, and provides students with experiential learning opportunities to grapple with these problems in real-world contexts.

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Program Locations

Available Majors

As an international studies major, you will select a specialization:

  • International Business
  • International Relations

Available Minors

Additional Study Options

International Studies/International Business Four-Year Plan

Sample program of study for the international studies—international business major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.

Fall Spring
First Year
NDMU-100 Perspectives in Education 4 Philosophy (200-level) 3
ENG-101 College Writing 3 COM-106 Fundamentals of Oral Comm 3
POL-103 Introduction to International Affairs 3 MAT-215 Statistics 3
Foreign Language 3 ECO-211 Macroeconomics or
ECO-212 Microeconomics		 3
BUS-302 Principle of Management 3 BUS-303 Principles of Marketing 3
[15 credits]   [15 credits]  
Second Year
ECO-211 Macroeconomics or
ECO-212 Microeconomics		 3 RST-201 Introduction to Biblical Studies 3
Foreign Language 3 Foreign Language 3
Philosophy (300-level) 3 BUS-261 Managing Financial Resources 3
General education/Electives 6 Generation education/Electives 6
Physical Education 1 [15 credits]  
[16 credits]      
Third Year
Literature 3 Philosophy (upper-level) 3
Religious Studies (upper-level) 3 BUS-350 International Business 3
Major elective 3 HIS/POL-330 European Foreign Relations 3
Internship or study tour 3 POL-440 Global Issues 3
General Education/Electives 3 Major Elective 3
[15 credits]   [15 credits]  
Fourth Year
Major elective 3 POL-351 Problems of Developing Nations or HIS/POL-404 U.S. Foreign Relations 3
ECO-404 International Economics 3 HIS/POL-325 Revolution and Terrorism 3
POL-401 Political and Economic Globalization 3 Major elective 3
General Education/Electives 3 General Education/Electives 6
Internship or study tour 3 [15 credits]  
[14–16 credits]      
 
International Studies/International Relations Four-Year Plan

Sample program of study for the international studies—international relations major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.

Fall Spring
First Year
NDMU-100 Perspectives in Education 4 Philosophy (200- level) 3
ENG-101 College Writing 3 COM-106 Fundamentals of Oral Communication 3
POL-103 Introduction to International Affairs 3 HIS/POL-290 Women in Islamic Societies or HIS/POL-200 Genocide 3
Foreign Language 3 Foreign Language 3
General Education/Elective 3 MAT-215 Statistics 3
[15 credits]   [15 credits]  
Second Year
ECO-211 Macroeconomics or
ECO-212 Microeconomics		 3 POL-252 Latin America or
HIS-335 Modern Japan		 3
HIS-222 Europe, 1848–Pres 3 Foreign Language 3
Foreign Language 3 Natural Science 4
Philosophy (300-level) 3 Literature 3
Physical Education 1 RST-201 Introduction to Biblical Studies 3
General Education/Elective 3 [16 credits]  
[16 credits]      
Third Year
HIS/POL-325 Revolution/Terrorism or
HIS/POL-404 U.S. Foreign Relations		 3
HIS-331 Modern China		 3
Foreign Language 3 Philosophy (upper-level) 3
Religious Studies (upper-level) 3 Internship or study tour 3
Physical Education 1 POL-351 Problems Developing Nations 3
General Education/Electives 6 General Education/Elective 3
[16 credits]   [15 credits]  
Fourth Year
POL-361 Methods in Research 3 POL-440 Global Issues 3
POL-430 International Organizations 3 HIS/POL-330 Europe Foreign Relations 3
HIS/POL-elective 3 POL-401 Political and Economic Globalization 3
Major elective 3 Internship or study tour 3
General Education/Elective 3 General Education/Elective 3
[15 credits]   [15 credits]  
 
View Course Catalog

What to Expect Studying at Notre Dame of Maryland University

Small classes, lectures and seminars provide a climate for individualized learning while study abroad experiences offer an opportunity to increase global awareness.

Student
Jolisse Gray
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A Prestigious Fellowship

Student, NDMU Class of 2023 International Studies, Political Science

Jolisse is the first-ever NDMU recipient of the Newman Civic Fellowship. She is a passionate student leader invested in advancing the voices and stories of those of Latin American descent. “My on-campus participation at NDMU has led to opportunities to speak about issues and policies around the world with official ambassadors and consulates," said Jolisse. "Through the Newman Civic Fellowship, I seek the tools to further develop my global advocacy work for Latin America and continue my service to this community whom I call family.”

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NDMU Student Awarded Prestigious Newman Civic Fellowship

Research & Internship Opportunities

Internship and employment opportunities include:

Study Abroad

Through the School Sisters of Notre Dame and partnerships with universities around the world, choose to study, intern, work, teach, or complete service projects abroad in short-term or semster-long programs.

Learn More about Study Abroad

International Studies Careers

  • International Law
  • Diplomacy
  • National Security
  • Global Advocacy
  • International Journalism
  • Academic Research
  • Teaching
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