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About the BA in International Studies Degree

Why Study International Studies at Cedarville?

Be challenged to think globally, critically assess various points of view, express and defend your views, and integrate your knowledge with your faith in Christ. Cedarville's distinctly Christian international studies major will equip you with all these skills, preparing you to succeed in an international career while furthering the name of Christ.

If you're pursuing a major in another field, you can opt for an international studies minor to enhance and broaden your knowledge. You'll be able to choose from courses like World Religions, International Business, Global Issues, and Intercultural Communication.

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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! 100% of recent graduates from the Department of History and Government 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
  • Government
  • Homeland Security
  • Humanitarian Organizations
  • Intelligence
  • International Media
  • 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

Graduate and professional programs and employers welcome Cedarville University graduates each year. It is important to note that most professional career fields you may pursue require additional education, experience, and/or licensure beyond the completion of your Cedarville University undergraduate degree.

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

Program Level and Format

  • Undergraduate
  • 4-Year
  • Residential
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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, PhD

Chair, History and Government; Professor of International Studies

Contact

Photo of Gabriel De Arruda Castro

Gabriel De Arruda Castro, PhD

Assistant Professor of International Relations

Contact

Photo of Frank Jenista

Frank Jenista, PhD

Professor Emeritus of International Studies

Contact

Photo of Christine Kim

Christine Kim, PhD

Associate Professor of International Studies

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Department of History and Government
School of Arts and Humanities

Program News

  • Five young men holding a small Japanese flag with sand and sky in the background.

    Challenging the Noise: Students Create Forum for Discourse

    Cedarville student Andrew Locke and University of Maryland graduate student Connor Burke launched Burke & Locke, a digital platform for cultural analysis. The site fosters civil discourse and sharpens student voices on politics, philosophy and economics.
  • Jeff Rinehart in a crowd near Air Force One with President Trump in background.

    Secret Service and the Zero-Fail Mission

    Jeff Rinehart, a 1993 Cedarville graduate and longtime Secret Service leader, explains the agency’s “zero fail” standard—quiet excellence in protection, investigations, and service that safeguards people, stops fraud, and confronts cybercrime worldwide.
  • International Students posing in the homecoming parade

    Global Studies and Ministry

    Discover how you can live out a biblical worldview around the globe. From mission trips to programs that enrich your understanding of world languages and cultures, find a global opportunity that strengthens your faith and prepares you to make an impact for Christ.

    Explore All Global Opportunities