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About the B.A. in International Studies Degree

Why Study International Studies at Cedarville?

Cedarville University’s distinctly Christian international studies major will equip you to think globally, critically assess various points of view, express and defend your views, and integrate your knowledge with your personal faith. You will be prepared for an international career that just might change the world!

This program is also available as a minor.

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What Sets Cedarville Apart?

Program Overview

Program Highlights

Broad and Interdisciplinary — You’ll take courses in economics, geography, history, literature, and political science.

Intercultural Experience — As part of the program, you will complete an in-depth cross-cultural experience in a non-American culture.

Bilingual — You will complete four semesters of language training, moving you toward bilingualism by the time you graduate.

Customizable — You can tailor your program to your personal interests and career goals.

Placement Success

We're proud of our successful graduates. A three-year average of 97.9% of Cedarville graduates were employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Check out Cedarville's other placement rates.

Cedarville's Placement Rates

What Can You Do With International Studies?

International studies graduates have the opportunity to pursue careers in a wide range of fields that involve cross-national and cross-cultural interaction. The demand for individuals with skills such as cross-cultural communication, foreign language proficiency, international expertise, and critical analysis skills is high.

International studies graduates can pursue careers in:

  • Business
  • Diplomacy
  • Education
  • Government
  • Homeland Security
  • Humanitarian Organizations
  • Intelligence
  • International Media
  • Law
  • Ministry
  • Nonprofits
  • Public History
  • Relief work

Our graduates are working in diverse fields such as foreign service, law, relief agencies, military intelligence, military deployments, education, and the Peace Corps.

We also have graduates pursuing graduate degrees at places like:

  • Notre Dame Law School
  • University of Granada (Spain)
  • George Washington University
  • Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Opportunities to Learn Outside the Classroom

Study Abroad — As part of your degree program, you will complete an in-depth cross-cultural experience in a non-American culture. Cedarville’s International Programs has several options from which to choose.

Internships — Internships give you real-world experience in what you are studying in your coursework. Out students have interned at missions agencies such as Josiah Venture, Samaritan’s Purse, and TEAM among others; at research organizations such as The Heritage Foundation, CATO Institute, and the American Enterprise Institute; and at the International Justice Mission.

D.C. Semester — You can join fellow students and a faculty member for a life-changing experience of learning, development, and service in a semester spent in Washington, D.C.

The Center for Political Studies provides a biblical response to political and social issues of our day.

Student Organizations — Student organizations complement your coursework with opportunities to meet and learn from like-minded students and professionals.

  • Model U.N. is Cedarville University’s simulated international negotiation team. The Model U.N. team is highly decorated, having twice won the “Outstanding Delegation” award — the highest team award — at the 2019 and 2021 international competitions in New York City. Students learn how to draft working papers/resolutions, negotiate with other “world leaders,” and seek support for their assigned country’s policies.

Program Curriculum

Building on your core liberal arts and Bible minor courses, you will take broad, interdisciplinary courses that will prepare you for careers in a diverse range of fields. Along with core international studies courses, you will take course in business, finance, literature, linguistics, foreign languages, missions, and communication.

Sample courses:
  • Global Issues
  • International Relations

Program Format and Related Programs

Cedarville offers both graduate and undergraduate programs, with flexible completion options. You may also want to consider these related programs as you consider the degree or program that is a best fit for you.

Program Level and Format

  • Undergraduate
  • Residential
  • 4-Year
Man and woman in business attire sitting and talking at a conference table.

From Our Students:

  • The faculty go out of their way to serve students and equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage the world critically as a follower of Christ. The professors are not only incredibly knowledgeable in their fields, but they never cease to challenge me and push me to work harder, think deeper, and reach farther in my education and in my future career. I am beyond blessed to have been a part of this department.
    – Emily Gifford '21 Department of History and Government
    Emily Gifford
Job and Grad School Placement

Program Faculty

Photo of Glen Duerr

Glen Duerr, Ph.D.

Professor of International Studies

Contact

Photo of Frank Jenista

Frank Jenista, Ph.D.

Professor Emeritus of International Studies

Contact

Photo of Christine Kim

Christine Kim, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of International Studies

Contact

Department of History and Government

Program News

  • The Model UN team at the NYC event in 2022

    Model UN Leaves a Big (Apple) Impression

    Cedarville University’s Model United Nations (U.N.) team won a team and two individual awards during the Model U.N. competition in New York City from April 7-10.
  • Dr. Glen Duerr and Mark Weinstein

    Cedarville Stories: Wars and Rumors of Wars

    Dr. Glen Duerr's keen insight regarding international events coupled with a biblical worldview puts him in a unique spot for offering counsel. What advice does he offer Christians in these troubling times?