Bachelor of International Studies at University of Florida

University of Florida

United States of America, Gainesville

University Rank:#212

University of Florida offers the Bachelor of International Studies as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Gainesville , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for international studies and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on January 9, 2027.

About Bachelor of International Studies

Students acquire proficiency in a modern foreign language, and knowledge of at least one major region of the world and significant global issues; are encouraged to experience living and studying abroad or working with an international organization focused on international issues; and conduct research on a global issue in conjunction with a senior research seminar, study abroad experience, or relevant internship or service learning opportunity.

The major provides cross-cultural and interdisciplinary training that prepares students for graduate study or international careers as specialists in international relations, international development, communications and media, education, business, global health, sustainability, public affairs, government foreign service, export sales, and international research.

Coursework for the Major

Students are required to designate a region of the world on which to focus. This region then determines the courses appropriate for the major's primary requirements (Category A) as well as the major's foreign language requirement.

The major requires 36 credits of coursework in addition to the language requirement. All courses must be completed with minimum grades of C. A minimum of 15 credits of Category A and/or B courses must be completed at UF.

Required Coursework

INS 3004
INS 4930
With prior approval, students may substitute:
- Study abroad with a research project; internship or work experience abroad with a research project; international studies research poster with presentation; international studies-related service learning with a research project; or independent study course with a research project. Students pursuing any of these alternatives must still register for 3 credits of coursework to replace INS 4930. All research papers will be graded by a common grading rubric. S/U grades are acceptable for these alternatives to INS 4930 with prior approval and successful completion of the research project

Category A: 15 credits of international studies-approved courses in social science, humanities or professional courses that focus on the region of the world selected by the student: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, or the Middle East.
- Twelve credits of Category A coursework must be at the 3000/4000 level.
Category B: 15 credits of international studies-approved courses in social science, humanities, or professional courses that focus on regions of the world other than the student’s regional focus and/or focus on global issues.
- Nine credits of Category B coursework must be at the 3000/4000 level. (These 9 credits of 3000/4000-level Category B courses will be accepted toward the CLAS 3000-level elective requirement. INT majors still will need to take 9 additional credits of 3000-level electives from courses NOT approved for any INT category.)
Four semesters minimum (0-20 credits) of a single modern foreign language or demonstrated proficiency equivalent to completion of the intermediate level. The language for which proficiency is demonstrated must be logically linked to the selected primary region of focus (Category A).

Region Focus

The links below determine the region courses appropriate for Category A and Category B requirements as well as the region's foreign language requirement.

Africa
Asia
Europe
Latin America and the Caribbean
Middle East

The international studies major provides knowledge of major international issues. Students will be able to identify and conduct internationally relevant research. They will evaluate the significance, quality and veracity of information gathered in the literature and to apply it effectively. Students will also be able articulate the results of research clearly and effectively.

Before Graduating Students Must

Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree, as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Content

Describe, explain and apply basic knowledge of the modern history, culture, politics, geography, economy or sociology of one major region of the world (Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America or the Middle East).

Critical Thinking

Use analytical intellectual tools to examine global issues.

Communication

Interpret and effectively communicate about global issues.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Academic Learning Compact 3
Courses	SLO 1	SLO 2	SLO 3
Category A Courses¹	R	R	R
Category B Courses²	R	R	R
Foreign Language³	I, R	I, R	I, R
INS 3004	I	I	I
INS 4930	R, A	R, A	R, A

¹: Category A: Students focus on a region of the world, taking 15 credits of approved courses in social science, humanities or professional courses that deal with the region chosen.
²: Category B: Students take 15 credits of approved courses that deal with regions of the world other than the region chosen in Category A.
³: Foreign Language: Students take a minimum of four semesters of a single modern foreign language linked to their focus region, or demonstrate intermediate level-proficiency.

Assessment Types

Direct assessment of research paper

Disciplines

Liberal Arts and Sciences

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of International Studies at University of Florida

Entry Requirements

Applicants who should complete the SSAR:

Attended a high school regionally accredited in the United States for at least three years.
Attended a DODEA (Department of Defense Education Activity) school.

Applicants who should not complete the SSAR:

Attended a secondary school located outside the United States for more than one semester.
Studied a curriculum that did not follow the standard U.S. system.

Required: At least three full years of your most recent secondary school transcripts, including courses in progress (grades 9, 10 and 11 + senior schedule) in both the native language of instruction and a word for word certified English translation (if applicable). Unofficial transcripts are accepted electronically via the status Check Status page for the review process, while official transcripts and translations are required upon enrollment.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6
TOEFLMin 80

English Program Requirements

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate English proficiency. English proficiency examination results, such as TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test, are encouraged for non-native English speakers, but are not required for freshman admission. SAT or ACT results are required for all freshman applicants.

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of International Studies at University of Florida

How to Apply for Bachelor of International Studies at University of Florida

A copy of your transcript for any school you have attended with the grades you have earned
A list of your high school activities including jobs, clubs, sports, community service, etc.
Information about your parent(s) or guardian(s), such as educational background, occupation and employer information

Add UF as a university to receive your application and review our specific application requirements.

Fill in your profile information. Your profile is where you'll enter information that will be sent to all schools to which you apply. The University of Florida requires the following sections:

Information about who you are and how to contact you, your address, citizenship, high school and family information
Current-year coursework
Honors and distinctions
Activities and experiences

Complete the UF Supplement. This includes a few additional short-answer questions so that we can learn more about you when reviewing your application.

Complete the essay questions. The essay helps our admissions staff get to know you better. Use this space to tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t learn elsewhere in your application. And remember, the best essay topic for you is going to be the one that you are most excited to write about.

Once you have submitted your application, a link will appear on your status page to create your Student Self-Reported Academic Record (SSAR). List your high school courses and grades exactly as they appear on your transcript. You must complete the SSAR by December 1 for your application to be complete. If you begin the SSAR separately before submitting your UF application, be sure to link it to your application once your application has been submitted.

Submit your test scores to UF no later than December 15. You may either self-report your SAT and/or ACT scores through your application status page or send official scores from the testing agency. Since accuracy is critical, students who choose to self-report should have a copy of their SAT/ACT score report(s) available to reference when submitting their scores. Because UF superscores both the SAT and ACT, we encourage you to submit scores for all SAT or ACT tests you have taken. If admitted, students who have self-reported their scores in the admissions process will be required to submit official scores from the testing agency to UF by May 1. UF Institutional Codes:

You may request to begin your studies in either the Summer B or Fall term. The term requested DOES NOT affect the consideration of your application. If you are admitted, we will try to offer you the term you requested, but space limitations may mean you receive an offer for a different term.

When you submit your application, pay the $30 nonrefundable fee by credit card unless you qualify for a fee waiver. In both the Common and Coalition applications, you can indicate in the profile section if you qualify for a fee waiver.

You will receive an email 24-48 hours after submitting your application with instructions to create your MyAdmissions application status credentials. Once completed, you can log in to the MyAdmissions app status portal to keep track of your application status and the materials that UF has received. This is also where you will find the link to create your SSAR.

Bachelor of International Studies at University of Florida

University of Florida

United States of America, Gainesville