BAIS International Studies - Latin American Studies Concentration

Demand for globbaly aware graduates with knowledge of international business, cultural and area studies, and language skills continues to increase. Globalization has created a need for people with cultural understanding and international perspective in business, law, diplomacy, and communications technology, NGO's and other fields. The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (B.A.I.S.) prepares students for these and other opportunities.

In addition to its academic programs, the Center offers students internship, service learningand study abroad opportunites.

Peace Corps Prep is a certificate program for undergraduates who wish to build on the four competencies (training/experience in a work sector, foreign language skills, intercultural competence, and professional and leadership development) that Peace Corps looks for in its applicants. The certificate also gives students a competitive edge when applying for Peace Corps service. The program is open to all majors. While the program does not guarantee acceptance into the Peace Corps, undergraduates will gain skills that are an advantage in the application process, and in other international development work. Being part of the program demonstrates to any future employer that participating students think and act with global understanding and cultural awareness.

Majors receive advising assistance from the College of Liberal Arts Academic Advising Center, and a full time academic program coordinator at the Center. The Center works with the Office of Career Services to prepare students for internationally focused careers in various fields, and with the College of Liberal Arts Academic Advising Center to ensure students' timely graduation.

All B.A.I.S. majors are required to maintain a TXST GPA of 2.75, a major GPA of 3.00, complete the Texas State general education core curriculum, the International Studies Core, and the International Studies major courses. Additionally, all undergraduate students pursuing the B.A.I.S. degree are required to complete a global academic experience. The requirement can be fulfilled by an education abroad course or an International Studies Internship, IS 4387, that entails international work, service, or group research. The Center’s director and academic coordinator will work closely with B.A.I.S. majors to find the best options for faculty-led or independent international study. B.A.I.S. majors are not required to complete a minor. Students must meet all course prerequisites. Please see the College of Liberal Arts, and the Degrees and Programs sections of this catalog for specific information on the general education core curriculum, and special requirements for the B.A.I.S.

B.A.I.S. majors are required to complete the special requirements in science, modern language, and English Literature. For B.A.I.S. majors, the list of approved additional science courses under that section is expanded to include statistics. Approved statistics courses are:

All B.A.I.S. majors are required to complete 27 hours of core courses: