Academics

graduates throwing caps

What Is ICS?

International Comparative Studies (ICS) prepares lifelong learners to live, work, and thoughtfully engage with people and problems in a complex, diverse, and interconnected world.

Our majors share a common foundation of class experiences and knowledge in critical transnationalism derived from their participation in the interdisciplinary core courses, ICS 195, Critical Approaches to Global Issues, and ICS 489S, Capstone Global Studies Seminar. Seniors who produce outstanding research in the Capstone Seminar are awarded the ICS Capstone Research Prize. ICS also has a strong Distinction/Honors program whose students have produced a range of exemplary work. A faculty committee determines an annual undergraduate winner of the Distinguished Thesis Award

Interdisciplinary region coursework and study away experiences offer ICS majors knowledge in the culture(s), history, politics, and language relevant to one geographic area of the world or region concentration. ICS majors take four ICS language courses in a language used in their focus region to deepen their historical, political, and cultural understanding. ICS majors deepen their knowledge of transnational and global dynamics through global coursework offered by faculty members in many departments and programs.

Degree Options

Credential Requirement Summary
Bachelor of Arts in International Comparative Studies

14 Courses

  • 10 Courses (Core, Global and Region)
    • At least 8 must be at 200-level or above
    • At least 2 must be at 400-level or above (including the ICS Capstone or ICS Honors Thesis Seminar)
  • 4 ICS Language Courses
    • Must be in one language

Bachelor of Arts in Global Gender Studies
Interdepartmental Major for ICS & GSF

14 Courses

  • 4 Required
  • 5 Additional International Comparative Studies courses
  • 5 Additional Gender, Sexuality & Feminist Studies courses