International Studies Major & Minor

Majors in International Studies must complete 42 credit hours, 33 of which must be fulfilled at the 300-level or above.

Introduction (A.)—6 credit hours

IS101 Introduction to International Studies or SW270-IS Understanding Global Issues and one of the following courses:

  • PO102 Introduction to Peace Studies
  • PO141 Introduction to International Politics
  • PO151 Introduction to Comparative Politics
  • SW205-GE Cultural Geography: Regions of the World
  • SW215-AN Being Human: Anthropological Approaches to Life & Meaning
  • SW220-EC The Economy and Society
  • TI250-RL Religions of the World

International Arrangements and Interactions (B.)—6 credit hours

IS390 United Nations and Other International Organizations and an additional B course. An example list of B courses can be found here. Offerings vary by semester; a course cannot count towards both B and D.

​Research Methods (C.)—3 credit hours

One of the following research methods courses:

  • AN352 Ethnography
  • HST301 Historiography
  • PO201 Research and Analysis
  • RL381 Theory and Method in the Study of Religion
  • SO393 Research Methods Seminar

International Relations and Diplomacy (D.)—3 credit hours

One D course.  An example list of D courses can be found here. Offerings vary by semester; a course cannot count for both B and D.

Capstone Course (E.)—3 credit hours

To be taken in the junior or senior year. Prerequisites: IS101/SW270-IS and at least one 300-level course.

  • IS410 The Global Society

International Studies Area Courses—18 credit hours

18 hrs from two of the following areas (9 hours in each area-two disciplines must be represented). Offerings vary by semester. Example courses for each of the areas can be found here.

  • Africa and the Middle East
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • Foreign Languages: Nine hours at the 300/400 level in one modern foreign language. Classes in French, German, Spanish, and Chinese are offered at Butler University.  Classes in other languages such as Arabic, Italian and Japanese can be taken at other universities in the area.

​Elective—3 credit hours

One elective. Offerings vary by semester.

Special International Studies Courses

Recommended, but not required.  May include:

  • IS 401, 402, and 403- Independent Study in International Studies (1,2, or 3 hours)
  • IS 404, and 405- Internship in International Studies (3 or 6 hours)
  • IS 470-Selected Topics in International Studies (3 hrs); Prerequisite: consent of instructor
  • IS 499- Honors Thesis (3 hrs)

Study Abroad

Highly Recommended

Experience abroad is strongly encourages or all International Studies students. This may be in the form of attendance at a foreign college or university, an international internship, independent travel connected with an approved independent stud project, or participation in approved foreign study tour. Credits from those experiences abroad usually count toward fulfilling the requirements of the major or minor.

Model United Nations, Model Arab League and Model European Union

Highly Recommended

International Studies majors can participate in the Model United Nations, Model Arab League, and the Model European Union.  These three events play a very important role in the formation of students interested in international issues, because they learn the rules of negotiation and diplomacy as well as the workings of the United Nations, Arab League, and the European Union. The cost for participating in these events (registration, airfare, and lodging) is covered by the International Studies budget.

NOTE: The information found on this website with respect to major/minor/program requirements is primarily directed at providing prospective students a general roadmap of the curriculum.  Current Butler students are expected to review their degree audit report at my.butler.edu and speak with their advisor regularly for detailed information regarding their specific degree requirements and their progress toward degree completion.