International Studies

International Studies Overview

Chatham’s international studies major emphasizes cultural texts and histories in combination with practical experience and firsthand intercultural interaction. Core courses allow students to develop nuanced understandings of topics and problems within a broad and relevant historical, political, and cultural context. Specializing in a region (Africa, East Asia, Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East) provides grounding in language; historical and geographical understanding; and experiential learning; and allows students to take advantage of additional funding available for studying abroad.

Degrees Offered

Program School

College of Arts & Sciences

Most problems do not stop at national borders, and most remedies do not apply to one country only: Learning how to think transnationally is the key to success in the 21st century. In an era of increasing interdependence, international studies is a gateway and foundation for personal growth and career achievement.

— KAREN KINGSBURY, Ph.D., professor of international studies

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Alumna Profile: Maria Taylor ‘18

In her third year at Chatham, Maria Taylor was named a Newman Civic Fellow.

Read Maria's Story

Explore the International Studies Degree:

In addition to specific field-based knowledge, students will gain skills in analysis, communication, and problem-solving. And since our goal is to provide students with the knowledge and experience they need to find employment and rise to leadership in their field, they'll be encouraged to explore careers through an active internship program and to play leadership roles within the campus community.

Students complete foreign language training through the intermediate level as well as a study abroad experience of six credits or longer. Additional funding is available to help complete the study abroad requirement.
All students complete a capstone seminar that channels the knowledge they’ve accumulated into a discipline-specific project under close faculty guidance. Chatham is one of the few universities across the country that offers such an independent and student-driven program.
Graduate with an advanced degree through one of partnerships, including the Accelerated Graduate Program in Public Policy and Management at Carnegie Mellon University, the 3/3 program at Duquesne University Law School, and the Early Assurance Program with the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh.

Introduction to Modern Europe

The impact of World War I on Europe, the crisis of democracy and rise of totalitarian ideologies in the interwar period, and the decline of European influence in the world after World War II provide the focal points of the course. It then explores the slow resurgence of Europe, prospects for European unity, and revived European influence in international relations as a “third force.”

Africa Past and Present

This course is an interdisciplinary examination of the problems and promises of African development. It investigates the historical development of pre-independence society, culture, political institutions, and economic structures, and their interaction with post-independent economic problems and development strategies.

Asian Migrations: Local and Global Narratives

This course studies the diasporic waves arising in Vietnam, Nepal, India, China, Japan, Korea, etc., and flowing to the U.S. (especially Western Pennsylvania) and elsewhere. Graphic novels, lyric tales, gender and class, emigrant-immigrant and rural-urban transitions, viewed from cultural studies and historical perspectives. Assignments include analyses, an interview, and a communication project.

View Course Catalog

Our Faculty

If one word could best sum up Chatham's faculty, it would be engaged. Professors bring experiences to relate the course lessons to real-world situations.

Full Faculty

David Rossbach

Social Sciences Department Chair

Karen Kingsbury

Professor, Humanities Chair

Lou Martin

Associate Professor of History

Jean-Jacques Sene

Associate professor of History; Cultural Studies; Conflict Studies

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Global Focus Program

Chatham’s award-winning Global Focus program engages our students in the critical and holistic exploration of one specific country or region of the globe every year. The program reinforces cross-cultural ties and internationalization initiatives in the Greater Pittsburgh area and beyond. Featured countries have included Indonesia, Canada, Southern Africa, Germany, Brazil, Chile, Vietnam, and more.

Explore Global Focus Program

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Internship Opportunities

Students have interned at a variety of settings, including organizations such as the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh, German-American Chamber of Commerce, Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, Thomas Merton Center, Global Pittsburgh, and more.

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Preparing for Law School

Chatham's pre-law program is designed to encourage and support students with an interest in careers in law. It also helps students prepare to attend law school. The program includes the pre-law advisor, a pre-law minor, co-curricular programs offered in partnership with the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics, as well as the support of an advisory committee.

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Travel Funding & Study Abroad

Students pursuing a major in international studies or an area studies certificate are eligible for an additional $1,800 study abroad voucher to support long-term study abroad travel.

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International Certificate Program

Students can enhance their degree with a certificate in international studies in one of five major global regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. The certificate includes a language requirement, history and culture courses, and an international field experience. Certificate students are eligible for additional study abroad funding.

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A Look at the Award-Winning Chatham Women’s Business Center

Chatham’s Women’s Business Center (CWBC), part of the Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Chatham University (CWE), was selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as the 2018 Women’s Business Center of the Year.

Read About CWBC

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International Studies