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All Majors & Minors

International Studies

Degree

Bachelor in Liberal and Professional Studies, Major, Minor

School/College

College of Arts & Sciences
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Offered as both a major and a minor, Fairfield University's International Studies provides students with broad, interdisciplinary training in the theories, methods, and practice of political, socio-cultural, and economic global affairs.

What You'll Learn and Do

Gain hands-on experience

All international studies students are required to complete at least one experiential learning activity before graduating which can include internships, abroad experiences, or participation in service-learning projects.

Complement your education

Students complement their International Studies major with coursework in related departments like Politics, Economics, Sociology and Anthropology, History, or Modern Languages, including programs within the Dolan School of Business.

Learn from a diverse faculty

Our program faculty brings expertise from an array of disciplines ‌within the social sciences, humanities, and business fields and offers years of international research experience in countries around the world, including Brazil, China, Germany, Guatemala, Jamaica, Morocco, and Russia, to name a few.

Get involved

Fairfield promotes multidimensional learning and encourages students to get involved through organizations such as the International Monetary Fund, International Studies Association, the United Nations, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, and the World Bank Group.

I wanted to be in a place where I could contribute something to the school. Fairfield was the place for me. The International Studies Program offers great internships and great opportunities, and after meeting with the faculty, it was the best fit for me.

- Mahfouz Soumare, '22

Mahfouz Soumare smiles in a Fairfield baseball cap and black shirt.

Internship Opportunities

The International Studies program partners with Fairfield Dolan and the Career Center to support students’ professional development. Our international and domestic internships prepare students for careers in diplomacy, development, politics, finance, service industries, non-profit, and government work, among others.

Learn More About International Opportunities

Find Out More

Course Requirements

International Studies Major

30 credits

International Studies Minor

18 credits

Contact Us

Undergraduate Admission
admis@fairfield.edu
(203) 254-4100

Career Outlook

Fairfield’s International Studies program prepares students with the academic background and real-world experience to thrive in many careers.

Job Fields

Recent graduates have found careers in diverse job fields.

Recent Placements

  • US Army
  • National Defense University Foundation
  • John Hancock
  • NBCUniversal
  • Playbill
  • Jim Himes for Congress
  • Enterprise

The International Studies program at Fairfield University truly opens the door to the world.

- Kevin Parsons

Kevin Parsons smiles in front of blue background.

Student Learning Outcomes

Summarize

Accurately summarize the key points of scholarly work.

Identify

Identify different theories, analyses, and perspectives on social behavior.

Analyze

Accurately juxtapose two different analyses of a situation or event.

Connect

Demonstrate an understanding of the linkages between local phenomena and global processes.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Resources for Student Success

The University Career Center serves Fairfield University students with comprehensive career support services, programming, and resources.

Learn About Career Preparation

Fairfield supports the scholarly success and intellectual growth of our students by providing various resources on campus including the Science Center, Writing Center, DiMenna-Nyselius Library, and more.

Academic Support at Fairfield

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Frequently Asked Questions

You do not have to take them in sequence, but you must have completed all of them before enrolling in the IL 300 capstone course. Since you are required to take these courses on campus, we recommend you take them as early as you can to accommodate study abroad opportunities. Additionally, these courses will introduce you to many new regions and topics that may be of interest to you. Identifying those interests early will help you plan the rest of your academic pathway.

You can take the capstone during the fall or spring semester of your senior year, as long as the prerequisite foundational courses have been completed. We recommend limiting your schedule to one capstone per semester, if possible, if you have a double major or minor that also requires a capstone.

The first year is a time to explore all of the fantastic programs and opportunities Fairfield has to offer its International Studies students. From taking part in Model UN to working with your faculty advisor to plan your next three years, students have a world of resources at their disposal. Learn more by visiting our Classroom to Career page.

While meeting with your faculty advisor is still a must, students can also begin seeking out and planning for internships in their Sophomore year. To check internship eligibility requirements, visit our Classroom to Career page.

Junior year marks the halfway point in your college journey, and that means planning for life after Fairfield. Juniors are encouraged to apply for internships and even start considering graduate school options, all of which are outlined on our Classroom to Career page.

Seniors in the International Studies program have the world at their feet. Whether seeking more internship opportunities or applying for Fulbright scholarships, seniors have a host of options to pursue in their final year at Fairfield, all of which are detailed on our Classroom to Career page.

Get Started at Fairfield

Get In Touch

  • 1073 North Benson Road
    Fairfield, CT 06824

  • (203) 254-4000

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