International Studies is an interdisciplinary major ideally suited for the student interested in creating a specialized program with a strong international and cross-cultural focus while developing depth and expertise in three areas: a core discipline, a particular culture or cultural area, and a foreign language. The student is guided in this process by a committee of at least three faculty members, including the student’s mentor and IS Discipline Coordinator, who work together closely to design the unique features of the student's program.

The student majoring in International Studies takes a minimum of five courses (or a minor) in a core discipline to give depth in a traditional discipline. Typical core disciplines include history, anthropology, political science, or economics, but several other core disciplines are possible with this major. In addition to the core discipline, the student takes a minimum of five courses specializing in a particular culture or cultural area of the world. Eckerd College regularly offers several disciplinary and interdisciplinary courses focusing on various cultural areas and geographic regions, including Europe, Latin America, East Asia, Middle East, Russia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. International Studies majors may additionally develop a program of courses focusing on a particular global issue, such as development, human rights, conflict and conflict resolution, status of women, environment, migration, etc., as it relates to their chosen cultural or regional area of specialization.

Students majoring in International Studies are required to complete at least two-and-a-half years of college-level study of a foreign language. Modern language instruction is currently offered in Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. Students are also expected to spend a minimum of one semester abroad in a country related to their cultural area and language study to experience complete immersion in that culture. This immersion experience abroad helps students integrate their coursework and deepen their cross-cultural proficiency and understanding. Our International Education Office can help students plan their semester abroad in virtually any part of the world. While studying abroad, students can continue to take courses at their host institution fulfilling their core discipline and other requirements at Eckerd.

Eckerd College provides an excellent environment in which to pursue a major in International Studies. The college offers a wide range of courses with an international or regional focus, a faculty with broad international experience and expertise, and a student body that includes students from some 60 countries from all over the world, giving International Studies majors the chance to make rich and lasting international friendships both here and abroad.

Graduates majoring in International Studies have found employment in a variety of fields, including teaching overseas, serving in the Peace Corps or other international service organizations, and working in international non-governmental organizations or international business. Others have gone on to graduate study with a view toward careers in teaching, international education, international development, international public health, global environment, journalism, international business, international law, and government service.