International Studies

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The purpose of International Studies programs are to train students interested in careers in interna­tional business, public service in international areas of government and diplomacy, international governmental and non-governmental organizations.

The most popular program is the major in International Affairs. A number of International Affairs graduates have pursued graduate study successfully both in the fields of international affairs and international law. Students from developing nations have the opportunity of receiving training in the field of development administration.

Rigorous programs of study in International Affairs and International Development administration offer students the opportunity to develop a global perspective by being exposed to the complexities of world politics and economics and cultural diversity.

The international diversity of both faculty and students enrolled in its programs promotes an awareness and appreciation for the mosaic of cultural diversity among nations and peoples. For this purpose students are also required to develop skills in a second language and intercultural communication and are further encouraged to take a number of Geography courses.

The department is also very active in helping students take advantage of opportunities to pursue study abroad programs and international internships.

What sets La Roche's International Studies programs apart?

The program in International Affairs has been identified as one of only two programs nationally that has all of the components considered to be desirable in a program of excellence in International Affairs. The program attracts some of the brightest students at La Roche who maintain a high standard of scholarship as evidenced by the above average GPA record. The program in International Development Administration is a unique undergraduate program designed for training students from developing nations and American students interested in working in developing areas of the globe.

The IS department works very closely with the departments of political science, sociology, history, communications and business management. Therefore both programs are highly interdisciplinary and offer the IS student the opportunity to pursue a double major.