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Undergraduate Program in IAS

Opening the World to You

Given the growing global economy and society, there are ever-expanding career possibilities for students with a strong international background. An undergraduate major or minor in International and Area Studies (IAS) will provide you with a broad understanding of global issues as well as exposure to the cultural diversity throughout the world. By studying a foreign language, and by immersing yourself in both area specific as well as more broadly international and global coursework, you will graduate with the ability to place current problems in historical and cultural perspective and be prepared for a global workplace. Whether learning in the classroom or studying abroad, IAS at Washington University opens up the world to you.

Courses offered by International and Area Studies are open to all undergraduates at Washington University.  The undergraduate program includes: 

Claire Bangser, International and Area Studies Major, Class of 2009

Hi!  I'm Claire!  I studied International Studies with a focus on West Africa at Wash U and minored in art and French.  During college, my research focused largely on women's issues, agriculture, and the intersection between traditional land systems and externally-influenced development projects, particularly in Mali.  I studied abroad my junior year with SIT Mali where I worked at a women's farming cooperative and fell in love with the people, language and culture.  I now have a job as the Program Coordinator for a Maternal Health program at Ashoka, based in DC but involving a good bit of travel.  

My advice for graduating seniors is to figure out what really makes you happy before picking a job. Dig to find the source of your passions in your everyday life.  Then consider how this will work into your life post-college and make it a priority.

To contact Claire or other IAS alumni, please email Chris Riha at csriha@artsci.wustl.edu