About > Mission

Preamble: Given the rapidly-changing dynamics of the world which graduates of Texas A&M must enter in the 21^st century, the International Studies Degree Program (INTS) is dedicated to providing an interdisciplinary, trans-collegial curriculum that addresses the broad range of social, political, cultural, environmental, and economic forces at play in an increasingly interdependent world. Upon graduation, INTS majors will have the language proficiency, analytical skills, substantive knowledge and cultural sensitivity necessary for work in government, academia, international business, and other fields for which a practical knowledge of international issues is required.

The mission of the INTS Program is to prepare students to be knowledgeable, conscientious and active members of the global community by completing an intellectually challenging curriculum that:

      1.  Provides an international perspective on five principal areas of study from which INTS majors may choose an emphasis. They are (alphabetically):

                              International Art and Culture
                              International Commerce
                              International Communication and Media
                              International Environmental Studies
                              International Politics and Diplomacy                 

2. Assures minimal reading, writing, and especially spoken proficiency in a foreign language appropriate for a degree in International Studies.
   

3. Requires concentrated work in subjects such as history, culture, anthropology, geography, and many others disciplines to augment a student’s interest in a defined geographical area (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East). The choice of geographical area corresponds with the foreign language the student has learned.
   

4. Mandates an integrated, intensive experience (study abroad, internship, or volunteer work) at an international site corresponding to a student’s choice of language and geographical area study. 
   

5. Culminates in a Senior Thesis that requires that all majors exhibit research, critical thinking, organizational, and writing skills as they thoroughly discuss a global problem based on their individual international experience.

 In addition to serving its majors, the INTS Program offers faculty-scholars from across the University additional opportunities to contribute to the globalization imperative of Vision 20/20 by sharing their particular international expertise with a broad range of students from the College of Liberal Arts. Furthermore, the INTS Program contributes to the creation of a more hospitable climate for international perspectives for the campus community.