Bachelor of International Studies at The Ohio State University
International students can study the International Studies at The Ohio State University on the Columbus campus in United States of America. This Bachelor degree is available as a Full Time program delivered on campus in English. The program has a duration of 4 years and is offered at the Columbus campus. Students can apply for the next intake starting on August 24, 2027.
About Bachelor of International Studies
International Studies
Degree: BS, BA
Campus: Columbus
College: Arts and Sciences
The undergraduate international studies program provides internationally focused, cross-cultural course work at Ohio State. In cooperation with departments in several colleges, it offers undergraduates interdisciplinary major and minor programs of study concerning different world regions as well as contemporary global themes. The program is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences.
There are 11 separate specializations in international studies, divided into two groupings below.
Contemporary world affairs
- Development studies
- Globalization studies
- International relations and diplomacy
- Security and intelligence
- World economy and business
Areas studies
- Africa
- East Asia
- Latin America
- Middle East
- Russia and Eastern Europe
- Western Europe
Students can major or minor in any of these specializations or double major in international studies by combining one world affairs and one area studies specialization.
Get started
Upon admission to the university, students can declare a pre-major in international studies within the College of Arts and Sciences.
Students interested in international studies should consult with an international studies advisor as soon as possible. Advisors work with students to plan a course of study, including General Education (GE) courses and introductory and upper-level international studies courses.
Curriculum
Students may choose to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree in international studies.
The BA requires completion of a foreign language minor. The BS requires completion of a minor in agribusiness, business, city and regional planning, environmental science, geographic information science, global public health, information security, international business, or quantitative economics.
Acomprehensive advisory service works with majors and minors to create individualized programs of study, international studies provides the opportunity to study important world regions and global themes coherently and in-depth. The courses available to students are either offered by the international studies program itself or drawn from departments and colleges across the university. These courses make use of different teaching formats, ranging from the conventional through Model Arab League and United Nations simulations to overseas internships.
Study abroad
Major and minor students are strongly encouraged to participate in a study abroad program at least once during their undergraduate career. Academic credit earned overseas can be used towards the international studies degree. For a full listing of study abroad opportunities and scholarship information, visit oia.osu.edu/education-abroad. International studies has a number of small study abroad grants for its majors.
Internship
International studies runs its own student internship program (IS 5191) for academic credit. All majors are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Applicants should be juniors or seniors (some sophomores may qualify) who possess a strong background in social science and a foreign language. Student interns are placed in an approved agency either locally or in another U.S. city, such as Washington, D.C. Students may also intern in another country.
Honors and Scholars
Honors sections of international studies courses are offered at both the introductory and advanced levels. The senior Honors thesis affords suitably qualified students the opportunity to specialize in a topic of their own choosing and to work closely with a faculty supervisor.
Research
Students writing an honors thesis are often funded to carry out their own field research in countries such as Canada, Cuba, Great Britain and South Africa. Other research opportunities are available through the university’s Office of Undergraduate Research.
Student organizations
Students are encouraged to be active in the student-run International Studies Club and Sigma lota Rho, the national honors society for international studies.
Possible careers
Graduates of the international studies program are widely recognized as having taken a demanding curriculum designed to make them well-informed about world issues, proficient in a foreign language, and possessed of good skills in research, writing and public speaking.
The fundamental strengths of the international studies degree are its flexibility and its interdisciplinary character. Profiting from the wide range of curricular options available to them, students have a range of choices that allow them to prepare for graduate/professional school or for careers in a variety of fields, including the private sector, government service and international development agencies.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of International Studies at The Ohio State University
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of International Studies at The Ohio State University
How to Apply for Bachelor of International Studies at The Ohio State University
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
United States of America, Columbus