International Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies at Emory University offers students a comprehensive interdisciplinary education designed to develop a deep understanding of global political, economic, cultural, and social issues. This program aims to prepare students for careers in international relations, diplomacy, international development, global business, non-profit organizations, and other fields that require a nuanced understanding of international affairs. Throughout the program, students engage with coursework that covers international politics, global economics, cultural studies, foreign policy, human rights, and environmental sustainability, among other topics. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and cross-cultural communication, enabling graduates to navigate complex international environments effectively. Students have opportunities to participate in study abroad programs, internships, and research projects that provide practical experience and foster a global perspective. The program also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to tailor their academic experience according to their interests and career goals. Faculty members are engaged in active research and often collaborate with international organizations, providing students with insights into current global challenges and opportunities. The culmination of the program typically involves a capstone project or thesis, where students synthesize their learning to address real-world issues. By fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community, the International Studies program at Emory University aims to produce globally-minded graduates equipped to become informed leaders and responsible citizens who can contribute positively to international society.

• QTM 100: Introduction to Stat Inference [4 credits]*
• POLS 208: Political Science Methods (preferably during the freshman or sophomore year) [3 credits]
• POLS 110: Introduction to International Studies [4 credits]
• POLS 120: Introduction to Comparative Politics [4 credits]
• POLS 210 or 220: Intermediate International or Intermediate Comparative Politics [3 credits]
• Three classes from an area of concentration: Students are required to take at least three courses in one of the following areas of concentration: Political Economy, Conflict and Security, or State and Society.  (At least two of the three must be from Political Science or cross-listed with a Political Science course.)
• Two classes from a geographic area: Students are required to take at least two courses focusing on one of the following geographic areas: Africa/Middle East, Asia, Europe, Latin America/ the Caribbean.  (At least one of the two must be from Political Science or cross-listed with a Political Science course.)
• One elective will be required. Any course on the current International Studies course list may be used as an elective.
• Four courses must be at the 300-level, three of those courses must be POLS. 
• Modern foreign language requirement: pass a course at the 202 level or above, in which the language of instruction is other than English.
• The AP Comparative Government syllabus provided for use toward the IS requirement must be reviewed and approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies.

International Studies majors must complete at least 36 qualifying hours (eleven courses) and satisfy a modern foreign language requirement. At least 7 courses must be taken in Political Science. Students are strongly encouraged to take cognate social science courses in other departments to satisfy additional major requirements.

*Appropriate substitutes for QTM 100 include: QTM 220 and ECON 220. 

**QTM 100 is a prerequisite for POLS 208. If POLS 208 was completed before Fall 2015, you do not have to complete QTM 100.

• Common Application or Coalition Application
• A $75 application fee or application fee waiver
• Official high school transcripts
• Official college transcripts, if applicable
• Official scores from the SAT and/or the ACT; if English is your second language, it is highly recommended that you submit results from the TOEFL or IELTS
  • Testing Codes: SAT/TOEFL: 5187; ACT: 0810
• Secondary school report/counselor’s recommendation
• Two teacher letters of recommendation
• Mid-year report (due January 25 for EDII; February 15 for RD applicants)
• As an international applicant, you are required to certify that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses while attending Emory University. You will need to download a copy of the International/Financial Certification form (FIF), which should be completed and returned to the Office of Admission. We also will accept a note or statement from your bank or financial institution as proof of sufficient funding.

Scholarships

Emory University is committed to enrolling a talented first year class with representation from all corners of the globe. In accordance with this philosophy, we offer need-based financial aid awards to a select group of international students each year. As well, international applicants are encouraged to apply for merit-based scholarships through the Emory University Scholar Programs (November 15 deadline).

In order to be considered for a need-based financial assistance, international students need simply apply under our Regular Decision plan. An international student is considered a student who is NOT a U.S. citizen and NOT a U.S. permanent resident. Students who hold F1, F2, J1, J2, or G series visas or other eligible non-citizens (humanitarian parole, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, refugee status, asylum) are considered international students. Please note, these are a few of the many visas and immigration categories we work with in the admission process.

International students who apply for need-based financial aid will be reviewed as a separate cohort of applicants. In our admission process, we must be “need-aware” for international students. This means that when reviewing applications from students who are not citizens or Permanent Residents of the United States, Emory University takes into account whether or not an applicant has requested financial assistance. As a result of this need-aware approach and the limited funds available to international students, Emory’s admission rate for international applicants requesting need-based financial aid is notably lower than the rate of acceptance for those students not requesting aid. Because of this, we advise students to apply for financial aid only if they do not have the resources to fund their education, and to complete the financial aid form as accurately as possible.

International students are only eligible for financial aid if they apply for support during the admission process. Students who are certain they will need financial aid at any point during their years at Emory / Oxford must apply for financial aid during the admission process. Only those students who apply for and receive financial aid for their freshman year will be eligible to receive financial assistance in subsequent years.

International students receiving financial aid from Emory / Oxford must plan to contribute funding towards their educational expenses. For example, students will be responsible for travel expenses to the U.S. from their home country. Emory University cannot assume responsibility for economic changes such as currency fluctuation, nor can it replace lost support that a student may have expected to receive from relatives, sponsors, or government and corporate grants.

Students in the process of obtaining permanent residency status, or "Permanent Residence Pending" status in the United States, should be aware that they cannot be considered for federal financial aid until the receive actual documentation of their immigration status and provide it to the university.

The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies at Emory University is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers in international affairs, diplomacy, global development, and related fields. The program emphasizes a broad understanding of international issues, including politics, economics, history, and culture, fostering analytical and critical thinking skills necessary for addressing complex global challenges. Students have the opportunity to concentrate in specific areas such as International Politics, International Economics, or Global Development and Humanitarian Action, allowing them to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.

The curriculum typically includes coursework in international relations theory, international organizations, foreign policy analysis, comparative politics, and regional studies. Students are encouraged to develop language proficiency and cultural competence through study-abroad programs, language courses, and internships. Emory University's location in Atlanta, a major hub for international organizations and multinational corporations, provides students with valuable networking opportunities, internships, and exposure to real-world international issues.

Emory's strong emphasis on experiential learning is reflected in its study-abroad programs, research centers, and partnerships with international organizations. The program aims to cultivate students' global awareness, communication skills, and ethical understanding, preparing graduates for leadership roles within government, NGOs, international businesses, and academic institutions. Graduates of the program often pursue advanced degrees in international affairs or related fields, or they enter careers directly in diplomacy, international development, or multinational corporations. The International Studies major at Emory University strives to develop informed, engaged global citizens capable of making meaningful contributions to the interconnected world.