Interested in global issues, exploring different cultures, and working across borders in a career that makes a real impact?

Major in International Studies

What is International Studies?

A major in international studies at LSU explores global issues, cultures, and systems while building skills to navigate an interconnected world. You’ll enhance your critical thinking, cross-cultural communication, and global perspective—preparing you to work across languages, disciplines, and borders. This degree opens doors to careers in international business, diplomacy, nonprofit work, government, and more, while helping you better understand the world and your role in shaping its future. LSU offers concentrations in Africa, Asia, Environment and Development, Europe, Global Cultures, Global Diplomacy, Latin America and Caribbean, and Middle East and North Africa.

Program Website

Degree Details

Admissions Info

Program Highlights

Undergraduate Research Work alongside faculty through LSU’s ASPIRE program, gaining real experience that deepens your understanding of global systems and cultures while strengthening your portfolio and critical thinking skills.

Accelerated Law Path Fast-track your future with the HSS 3+3 Pre-Law Program, earning both your bachelor’s degree and law degree in just six years while developing strong critical thinking and communication skills.

Customizable Degree Path Design a degree around your interests by focusing on a specific region or global issue, building deep knowledge preparing you for careers in international business, policy, and global organizations.

Career Readiness Build in-demand skills like critical thinking, communication, and global awareness that translate into careers across government, international organizations, and private industry.

What You Can Do

An LSU degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths and professional opportunities. With a strong academic foundation, real-world learning, and support from a powerful alumni network, you’ll graduate prepared for success in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re planning to work in a corporate setting, nonprofit organization, government agency, creative industry, or research lab, LSU equips you with the in-demand skills and hands-on experience employers value most.

Potential Careers

Ambassador
Federal Agent
Foreign Service Officer
International Business Manager/Executive
Lawyer
Teacher

Workplace Settings

Educational Institutions
Embassies and Consulates
Government Agencies
International Business
Legal Firms
Nonprofit Organizations
Security & Intelligence Agencies

$60,343

Average alumni International Studies salary 5 years after graduation

What International Studies Looks Like

Studying What You Love - LSU Alumna Stafford Kendall

Marlee Pittman - Passion for Service

Building Skills

Confident Communication Express ideas clearly across languages, cultures, and global contexts.

Analytical Reasoning Interpret global data and perspectives with theoretical frameworks to inform solutions.

Cultural Awareness Understand diverse cultures and navigate an interconnected world.

Global Leadership Lead and collaborate effectively in international and multicultural settings.

The professors truly loved what they were teaching me. They had a passion for it. They were thinking about things, creating knowledge, and they wanted to create it with me.Stafford Kendall

When I saw the impact that development can have on a community, I was really motivated to tackle large issues. Coming to LSU really meant that I could figure out what my passion is and run after it.Marlee Pittman

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