- Gain area knowledge: ICS majors gain knowledge in the culture(s), history, politics, and language relevant to one geographic region of the world through cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary coursework, research, and study-away opportunities.
- Gain knowledge of global and transnational dynamics: ICS majors gain knowledge of global and transnational dynamics through cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary coursework, research, and study-away opportunities.
- Gain awareness of the ways disciplines construct knowledge: ICS majors become alert to the ways questions can be formulated and addressed using a variety of disciplinary approaches through core courses, advising, and research mentoring.
- Gain knowledge through step-wise curricular choices: Aided by advising, ICS majors build step-wise curricular paths to gain knowledge and skill depth over the course of their ICS careers.
- Integrate academic experiences through capstone: ICS majors integrate coursework, study away, and other relevant experiences during the senior year through the capstone experience.
- Gain writing, analysis, and research skills: ICS majors gain skills in writing, analysis, information literacy and research, especially through the gateway and capstone courses.