Overview
Broaden your knowledge of complicated and pressing issues facing today’s world. With a strong emphasis on international perspective and experiences, international studies majors will develop the research skills, analytic tools, and cultural competency to navigate contemporary global challenges, opportunities, and changes.
Fast Facts
- More than 40 percent of Trinity students study abroad
- Students can select from concentrations in Diplomacy Security War and Peace Studies, Global Health Studies, International Development Studies
- Study Abroad, strong internship, volunteer and research opportunities
- Faculty act as advocates, supporters, and advisers
What You'll Study
Explore a wide range of cultural, political, economic, and scientific issues across the globe
Program Curriculum
Refer to the Courses of Study Bulletin for full program requirements.
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Use Find Course Sections by Term in your Workday search or dashboard for the most current class offering information.
Courses of Study Bulletin
Candidates for a baccalaureate degree must fulfill the requirements for a major as listed in the courses of study bulletin. The courses of study bulletin is the official source of information regarding degree requirements, academic policies, and academic majors and minors at Trinity University.
Pathways Curriculum
Students must complete the Pathways Curriculum in order to receive a baccalaureate degree. The Pathways Curriculum has six curricular requirements, and three optional elements that provide the foundation in the liberal arts and sciences for all the bachelor’s degrees awarded by Trinity University. Through these requirements, students acquire the necessary skills and disciplinary perspectives to navigate complex questions at Trinity and in their post-graduate lives.
International Criminal Justice in The Hague and Bosnia & Herzegovina
Study the institutions working on international justice, peace and reconciliation.
Global Health
This three-hour course considers critical concepts associated with global health, from the biology of pathogens, to the importance of culture, social determinants, and health system organization to health outcomes.
Gender, Race and Healthcare in Contemporary Cuba
Explore the historical changes that have labeled Cuba as an island "lost in time" through topics of gender, race and healthcare.
International Politics
An introduction to the interaction among state and non-state actors in the international arena. This course reviews international theory and examines important historical and contemporary issues in international relations.
View all courses
For more information and a description of each class please visit the COSB website.
Political Science (Minor)
Political Science (B.A.)
Pre-Law (Special Interest)
Finance (B.S.)
Human Communication (B.A.)
Human Communication (Minor)
Environmental Studies (Minor)
Environmental Studies (B.A.)
Sociology (B.A.)
Sociology (Minor)
Anthropology (B.A.)
Anthropology (Minor)
MAS: Mexico, the Americas, and Spain (Special Interest)
East Asian Studies (Minor)
Business (B.A.)
Faculty
Global perspective
Faculty lead students on a personalized journey through international issues, inside and outside of the classroom. The International Studies core committee act as advisers, coordinators, supporters and advocates for students.
Student Opportunities
World of Experiences
Scholarships
- Center for International Engagement
- Carlos and Malu Alvarez Fund for MAS
- Sharon L. and Donald E. Kurtti Fellowship for Summer Research in China
- Field Fellowship for Summer Research in China
- Dr. Ron and Genie Calgaard Fund for Study Abroad
- Dr. Richard M. Burr Fund for Study Abroad
- Dr. Don Clark Fund for Study Abroad
- Trinity Journey EAST Travel Grant
- Critical Language scholarship
- Boren Awards
- Fulbright Scholarships
Research
INTL 3-90 Independent Study
Individual research in selected areas. A student may repeat the course for a maximum of six semester hours. A project proposal must be submitted to and approved by the professor supervising the research prior to registration.
Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor
Students with advanced foreign language skills have the opportunity to take specialized courses outside the conventional language curriculum through Languages Across the Curriculum (LAC). Central to the LAC program is Spanish Across the Curriculum. Students who complete this program receive a notation on their transcripts—a valuable asset in graduate school applications and job searches.
Trinity has also placed students within the prestigious Fulbright Scholars program.
Internships
Students can participate in internships with organizations that provide exposure to international issues. Students can also participate in U.S.-based internships in Boston, New York, and Washington D.C, or find internship opportunities abroad and incorporate them into their academic program.
Right here in San Antonio, students have good opportunities for paid internship work with agencies that aim to help immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers.
Study Abroad
Majors are required to study abroad. Each year students travel to countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Individual advising assists students to choose a study abroad program.
Students can also join faculty-led study abroad programs that are designed to enhance the learning that takes place in the classroom.
Student Organizations
Amnesty International
Student chapter of the international organization involved with monitoring and promoting human rights around the world.
International Club
Provides students with opportunities to explain, promote, and celebrate their interests in international issues, cultures, religions, and heritages.
Trinity University Latino Association (TULA)
TULA aims to celebrate the Latino community within the Trinity and San Antonio community as a way to educate students about Latino culture. Students of any ethnicity are welcome in the organization.
Muslim Student Association
This organization attempts to increase awareness of Islam through meetings, events, and programs on a variety of topics.
Trinity Diversity Connection
An umbrella organization for exploring a wide range of issues that celebrate, embrace, and advocate for a socially just campus and world.
International Humanitarian Crisis Initiative
This San Antonio-based organization responds to acute international humanitarian crises.
Global Health Initiative
The GHI aims to expose students to the wide range of public health issues facing the residents of San Antonio and beyond. The GHI provides students with opportunities to develop an understanding of healthcare delivery under a variety of conditions, and its volunteers receive hands-on experience in how healthcare is practiced at a grassroots level.
Honors Programs
Trinity sponsors a chapter of Sigma Iota Rho, the honor society for International Studies majors. Sigma Iota Rho promotes and rewards scholarship and service among majors and to foster integrity and creative performance in the conduct of world affairs.
When You Graduate
Boundless Opportunities
Trinity graduates bring high levels of critical thinking and problem solving to service on the world stage. Many graduates of the program have pursued graduate studies in international politics, law, global health, business, communication, and journalism, while others have sought employment abroad.
Careers
Noted graduates of the program hold positions such as foreign service officers, executive director of the United Nations Association of Boston, financial analyst in Hong Kong, research analyst in Japan, staff member of the U.S. Congress, and Fulbright Fellows.
Graduate Schools or Programs:
- Business
- Global Development
- Law
- Medical School
- Public Administration
- Public Policy
Career Areas:
- Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs
- Finance
- NGOs
- Not for Profit Organizations
- U.S. Government
Organizations who have Hired Trinity Graduates:
- Local Charities (Catholic charities)
- NGO (Non Governmental Agencies)
- RAICES
- State Department
- The World Bank
- United Nations
- U.S. Congress
Take the next step
Have more questions or want more information? Learn more about becoming a Tiger, and how you can accelerate what’s next for your education.