Majoring in IAS

International and Area Studies (IAS) is one of the most popular majors on campus. What makes an IAS major powerful is its interdisciplinary nature, extending across the social sciences and humanities, allowing students to develop a broad understanding of the world while exploring the diversity and richness of other cultures. There are four concentrations within the major:  East Asian, European, Latin American, or International Studies (general).

Although most credits in the major are earned in Washington University academic courses, exploring study abroad or summer school opportunities is highly recommended to enrich the international education. Majoring in IAS can prepare you for many career options.

Declaring the Major

To declare an IAS major, make an appointment with Mrs. Toni Loomis (314) 935-5073 or aloomis@wustl.edu to receive departmental approval. Both the Arts & Sciences major declaration form and the IAS internal form will be filled out during your meeting.

Assigning Your Major Advisor

At the time departmental approval is given, you will be assigned a faculty advisor chosen from the program faculty. We do accept requests, but if a requested faculty member has a large number of advisees or is on leave, you will be asked to choose another one.

Grades

In keeping with the policies outlined in the University Bulletin, the major requires the completion of all coursework with a grade of C+ or better. IAS courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Latin Honors

In order to receive "Latin Honors," the designation of cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude on transcripts and diplomas, you must accomplish two things. First, as required by the College of Arts & Sciences, you must have an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher at the end of eight semesters. Second, you must write a thesis. Note:  in order to be eligible to write a thesis in IAS, you must have maintained a 3.5 GPA through the sixth semester, and you must be accepted for candidacy by the International and Area Studies program.

The level of Latin Honors is determined first by the GPA. To qualify for cum laude you need a minimum of a 3.5 GPA after seven semesters; for magna cum laude, a 3.65 GPA; and for summa cum laude, a 3.8 GPA. The grade on the thesis can also influence the level of Latin Honors: you need a B+ for cum laude, an A- for magna cum laude, and an A for summa cum laude. Nonetheless, an “A” on the thesis cannot pull you into the next level of honors if the minimum GPA does not meet the standards of the College.

Kathryn Henderson, International and Area Studies Major, Class of 2004

I graduated from Washington University in 2004 and was a proud participant in the International Leadership Program. Since graduation, I moved to Guadalajara, Mexico where I have been working as a 4th grade teacher in an international bilingual school. During that time, I received a tefl certificate, my teacher certification, and a master’s in education. I am currently applying to PhD programs in bilingual/bicultural studies. Working at an international school has been a really wonderful career choice for me, both for the ability to teach and work with children as well as live in another country and continue my foreign language development.  Majoring in International Studies at Washington University really helped prepare me for teaching and a graduate degree.  I am excited to return to the United States for my doctoral work; however I am going to have to find a really outstanding local Mexican restaurant!