The International Studies B.A. Program
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How long does it take to complete
the major?
There are 70 credits required to
complete the IS program, plus language proficiency through the second-year
college level. If one were to enter the program with no foreign language or SIS
coursework, it would take two years at 15 credits a quarter, three quarters per
year, plus one additional quarter of ten credits. However, students enter with
at least some of the program requirements completed—usually part or all of the
SIS 200 series, a course or courses in economics and globalization, and foreign
language study—so the average time needed to complete the program is between
one and two years. Of course, UW proficiency and distribution requirements must
also be met.
2. When should I apply?
Sophomore standing is preferred for
admission, but many students also apply during their junior year. By that time,
they usually have completed both micro- and macro-economics
(or SIS/GEOG 123 in place of macro-economics) and the SIS 200-202
series. Students are seldom admitted during the senior year. Target enrollment
for each graduating class guides admissions, and there are fewer available
spaces for seniors.
Transfer students must have completed
at least one quarter at the UW before applying.
3. What are the requirements for being
admitted to the major?
Although there are no specific GPA
requirements for acceptance into the major, there are some general guidelines
to follow. These vary slightly from year to year, depending upon how many
people apply. Recently, most admitted applicants have achieved above a 3.4 in
SIS courses and above a 2.5 in ECON courses. Students with a cumulative GPA
below 3.00 are rarely admitted, but exceptions are sometimes made based on
other factors. If you are concerned about your qualifications, please see an
International Studies adviser.
At a minimum, completion of (1) ECON
200, ECON 201, or SIS/GEOG 123, and (2) SIS 200 or SIS 201, is required
for serious consideration. Because the
admission committee primarily considers academic performance in SIS and ECON
courses, you must have completed these courses in order to have a solid
basis for acceptance. Completion of major coursework beyond the minimum at the
time of application is desirable because it gives the committee additional
evidence to compare your preparation with that of other applicants.
4. May I apply more than once to the
International Studies major if I am not accepted on the first try?
There is no limit to the number of
times you may apply. However, if you are a junior or senior and have been
denied once, you should check with an adviser in Thomson 111 to assess your
chances and options. There is the danger that you will have earned a great deal
of IS program credit without being admitted, and this credit probably would not
apply to another program of study. You may consider completing the SIS minor
instead or the Canadian Studies major both of which include substantial SIS
major coursework. Students who are deferred, rather than denied, are encouraged
to apply again. This status is given to an applicant who looks promising but
may need to demonstrate additional proficiencies to be competitive.
5. How often are SIS courses offered
during the year?
Generally, SIS courses are offered
once a year. Some 300- and 400- level courses are offered once every other
year. Therefore, it is important to work with an adviser in planning a program
of study. Typically SIS 200 and 202 are each offered once a year— autumn and
spring. SIS 201 is offered each winter and also in spring. SIS 401 is offered autumn; SIS 495, Task
Force, is offered winter only; SIS 498, Readings in International
Studies, usually is offered during autumn and spring quarters. Various
track and core course requirements are offered all quarters. During summer
quarter a limited selection of core and track courses is offered, as
well as economics and intensive foreign language courses.
6. What kinds of jobs do IS majors
obtain upon graduation?
Graduates obtain jobs in all
sectors. As a liberal arts degree, the IS major does not provide training for a
specific vocation, as do accounting, engineering, or computer science programs.
Many graduates work in international areas of business, local and federal
government, or with private non-profit agencies. Some go into the field of
education. It is often their personal interests and work experience gained
through internships and part-time jobs that assist graduates in getting an
initial job after graduation.
7. Are internships available? How does
one get credit for them?
Internships are part-time work
assignments with organizations in which the student assists with day-to-day
tasks or performs work on special projects. The
8. When is the best time to do an
internship?
Although you may do an internship
at any point during your course of study, most organizations prefer students in
their junior or senior year. Some organizations do not offer internships to
non-students, so it is generally a good idea to complete an internship while
still enrolled in school (or, in some cases, within a few months after
graduation). Doing an internship outside of Seattle for a quarter or longer
during your senior year may cause delays in graduating, because you may miss a
required course offered only once a year. Please talk with an adviser regarding
course schedules.
9. Will transfer courses from other
colleges/universities count towards the program requirements?
The courses that count most readily
are micro- and macro-economics (ECON 200 and 201) and foreign language courses.
Other courses occasionally take the place of one of the SIS requirements, but
not usually. Please check with an adviser in Thomson 111 if you would like
coursework from another institution considered for IS credit. Shoreline,
10. Will courses taken abroad count toward
completion of program requirements?
Courses taken on study-abroad
programs at recognized colleges or universities may take the place of some of
the required coursework, but in all cases an adviser or program chair must
approve such substitutions. Coursework taken abroad is most readily applicable
to track and foreign language requirements. If you are considering studying
abroad (which is highly recommended), please consult with an adviser in Thomson
111, who can give an initial indication of which courses are most likely to
receive IS credit. However, a final decision will be made when you return; at
that time you should bring in a transcript, the syllabus and reading list from
the course, and any papers or tests you have written. Information on overseas
study opportunities is available from the Office of International Programs and
Exchanges, 453 Schmitz Hall, 221-4404.
11. When is the best time to study abroad?
Generally, some time before your
senior year-- again, because certain required courses can be taken only as a
senior. Absence at that time would mean extending your program to complete the
requirements.
12. Can the language requirement be met
without coursework if a student already speaks a foreign language?
Yes, but only upon completion of a
placement test administered by the appropriate language department of the
Revised
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