International Studies

Undergraduate
On Ground
120 hours
4 years

International Studies at Harding

The international studies degree is a flexible and interdisciplinary program that allows students to design their own path toward graduation. This degree consists of three primary areas of study:

Students will also engage in an international experience and a senior research capstone project. The international experience is a Harding-led trip to an area that uses the target language so that students get outside-of-the-classroom experience to reinforce what they are learning in the classroom. The senior research capstone project pulls together all the student's areas of study into a comprehensive project supervised by a faculty member. The International Studies major is a great way for students to engage in the mission of Harding University of transforming learners for global impact by engaging minds and nurturing faith within a deeply connected community.

Learn more about the Foreign Languages Department

Why study international studies at Harding?

Academic excellence


  • Prepare to work overseas or here in the U.S. with international partners
  • Reach proficiency in a foreign language through our highly successful learning approaches
  • Take advantage of our multi-faceted co-curricular activities to gain cultural insight and conversation practice
  • Participate in the Global Seal of Biliteracy to pursue language-related job credentials at a discounted cost
  • Add an optional translation concentration that provides practical training and one-on-one mentoring

Travel opportunities


  • Immerse yourself in language and culture - either through the French Advanced Conversation and Experience (FACE) study abroad program in French-speaking Europe or at the Harding University in Latin America international program in South America
  • Encourage Christians and participate in community outreach through campaigns in Latin America or French-speaking Europe, co-sponsored by the foreign language department and Harding's Global Outreach missions program

Community engagement

  • Use your language skills in service to others through community outreach with our translation center or with non-profit partners who sponsor community classes, interpreting services, etc.
  • Participate in game nights, coffee hours, and language tables in the student center and dining hall each week to practice conversational skills
  • Engage with our closely-connected community and grow spiritually through weekly devotionals in French or Spanish

More information

The Harding chapter Chi Nu of Phi Sigma Iota, the international foreign language honor society, recognizes outstanding junior and senior departmental majors and minors. Phi Sigma Iota is the highest academic honor in the field of foreign languages.

Phi Sigma Iota

Students with a solid background in the language may seek validation credit for introductory courses upon strong performance in subsequent courses. Credit also may be earned based on high AP scores.

Validation credit

What can you do with a degree in international studies?

Business and diplomacy

A degree in International Studies will prepare you well for various roles in international business or diplomacy. Many government agencies and international corporations have regular vacancies in areas requiring knowledge of a foreign language and study of international systems.

Translation

With a career in translation, you will have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of others by increasing access to necessary written information. Translation increases the efficacy and efficiency of communication in literature, business, legal, medical, technical and diplomatic contexts.

 

Non-profit work

Our students are often interested in working with non-profit organizations that offer a wide variety of services to migrants, refugees, and others. International studies will prepare you for the cross-cultural interaction and understanding of international diplomacy that is required in the non-profit space. 

OUR STUDENTS ARE LEARNING TO CROSS THE FISSURES CREATED BY CULTURAL OTHERNESS. THEY ARE TRAINING TO BREAK DOWN THE LINGUISTIC BARRIERS THAT HAVE BROKEN COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GROUPS.
Dr. Whitaker Jordan

Associate Professor of Spanish

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