Major map:
International Studies
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - View all program options
Learn how to get the most out of your degree and prepare for your future career.
Learn about the world around you as you develop a broad understanding of international events and complex challenges involving peace and conflict, poverty and development, social justice and the environment.
Not a USask student?
Learn more about studying international studies at USask and apply for admission.
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
ANTH 111.3 | One World Many Peoples Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
ECON 111.3 | Introductory Microeconomics
ECON 114.3 | Introductory Macroeconomics
POLS 110.3 | Understanding our Globalized World
SOC 112.3 | Foundations in Sociology Social Construction of Everyday Life
You choose
- Two courses (6 c.u.) from a variety of HIST 100-level courses
- From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- Explore information about your program in the course and program catalogue
- Meet with an academic advisor for help choosing your courses and planning your degree
- Visit the student Learning Hub for help developing your academic skills
- Visit the International Studies page for relevant information related to the International Studies program
What will I learn?
- Gain global literacy and key insights into our interconnected world
- Explore government, business, culture, the environment, politics and international aspects of law, science, conflict and development
- Learn about inequality globally, challenges to cooperation among states, and the reasons for and complexity of crises and conflicts
- Understand and engage with some of the world’s most pressing issues
Gain relevant experience
- Familiarize yourself with study abroad programs to make informed decisions in your later years of study
- Explore undergraduate research opportunities
- Consider enrolling in an experiential learning class
Create local and global connections
- Visit the USask Community Centre to make connections and build community
- Get involved in your campus community through student groups, campus rec, and USask events
- Before you register in your first-year courses, sign up to be a part of a Learning Community
- Get to know your faculty and their research interests
Get career ready
- Meet with a career educator at Career Services to explore your career possibilities
- Take a career assessment to learn more about your strengths, personality, interests, and values
- Create your résumé and cover letter to take advantage of part-time and summer job opportunities
- Develop your LinkedIn profile to begin building your professional brand
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
ECON 254.3 | International Trading System
GEOG 208.3 | World Regional Development
HIST 292.3 | The Menace of Progress I Enlightenment Colonialism Dispossession
HIST 293.3 | The Menace of Progress II The Promise and Failure of Development
IS 220.3 | Research Methods and Approaches in International Studies
POLS 261.3 | Global Politics
POLS 262.3 | Global Governance
You choose
- From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- Check DegreeWorks and meet with an academic advisor to ensure your degree is on track
- Apply for scholarships and bursaries
- Declare your major in PAWS
- Consider applying to the International Studies Honours program in your final year
Add to your major
Choose from a variety of certificates to complement your major.
Gain relevant experience
- Explore study abroad options or gain support as an international student through the International Student and Study Abroad Centre (ISSAC)
- Become a peer mentor through the College of Arts and Science or Peer Health
- Sign up for a Student Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE)
- Get involved in research by applying for a research assistantship
- Gain experience through service learning and internship oppotunities
Create local and global connections
- Engage with your community through volunteering and Co-Curricular Record activities
- Meet with new people and grow your cultural understanding through Building Bridges and Global Connections
Get career ready
- Discover job opportunities, explore career options, and meet professionals at Career Services events and career fairs
- Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
- Expand your professional network on LinkedIn
- Get a better understanding of your career possibilities through career informational interviews
- Conduct occupational research through Job Bank and LinkedIn
USask Student Competencies
USask Student Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attributes developed and leveraged to achieve success in your learning and work:
- Engaging in our intercultural society
- Nurturing successful relationships
- Leveraging technology
- Adaptive design and problem solving
- Communicating meaningfully
- Cultivating well-being
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
You choose
- Two courses (6 c.u.) from IS 401.3 International Cooperation and Conflict, IS 402.3 International Development, and IS 406.3 Confronting Climate Change
- From a variety of courses to fulfill your degree requirements
Academic tips
- Apply for scholarships and bursaries
- Consider applying to the International Studies Honours program
Consider applying to a graduate program
- Anthropology (M.A.)
- History (M.A., Ph.D.)
- Political Studies (M.A.)
Gain relevant experience
- Consider running for a leadership position with the Arts and Science Student Union (ASSU) or the USask Students' Union (USSU)
- Gain experience through service learning and internship oppotunities
Create local and global connections
- Join the USask Alumni and Friends community
Get career ready
- Update your résumé, cover letter or CV to apply for jobs
- Attend Careers Day to meet with employers and make connections
- Meet with Career Services to prepare for your interview
- Explore experiential learning opportunities to gain relevant experience and skills
- If you are new to Canada, take time to learn about how to search for a job in Canada
USask Student Competencies
USask Student Competencies are the knowledge, skills, and attributes developed and leveraged to achieve success in your learning and work:
- Engaging in our intercultural society
- Nurturing successful relationships
- Leveraging technology
- Adaptive design and problem solving
- Communicating meaningfully
- Cultivating well-being
Possible destinations
People with an international studies degree take their knowledge and skills into many different industries and occupations. Some of the career paths listed here require further education and training.
Career paths
- Children’s Rights Advocate
- Community Worker
- Corporate Responsibility Officer
- Foreign Business Advocate
- Foreign Service Worker
- Fundraising Coordinator
- Human Rights Specialist
- Immigration Officer
- International Business Advisor
- Industrial Relations Consultant
- International Aid Director
- Public Policy Analyst/Strategist
- Regional Consultant
- Social Justice Commissioner
- Social Program Director
Pursuing International Studies not only deepened my understanding of global issues but also opened doors to travel, study abroad, and gain international work experience. Serving as President of the International Studies Student Association also played an important role in my time at university, helping me build connections and develop leadership skills. I’m truly grateful for the opportunities this program provided to broaden my perspective both academically and personally.
—Trinity, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in international studies '25
Where do USask alumni work?
- Global Gathering Place
- Government of Saskatchewan
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
- International Minerals Innovation Institute
- International Women of Saskatoon
- Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan
- Saskatchewan Health Authority
- Saskatchewan Intercultural Association
- SaskTel
- United Nations
- University of Saskatchewan
Explore Canadian salaries for various occupations using the Job Bank Career Planning Tool
"I really enjoyed getting to learn from a wide variety of disciplines including history, political studies, economics, and anthropology. I gained the ability to think critically and see things from multiple angles, which is crucial in any job. I learned to interact cross-culturally and respectfully, considering context as the starting point to any analysis or decision I make."
—Kathryn, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in international studies '24
"The International Studies major has and will continue to lead to my personal and professional success by fostering a growth mindset that transfers to all areas. Additionally, it has allowed me to develop relationships with my professors and presented opportunities like ‘study abroad,’ which allowed me to learn and be immersed in different cultures."
—Ellie, third-year international studies student
"I have a better understanding of how to conduct research which will help me in future research based assignments. Additionally, developing these skills and competencies will give me an edge in the job market."
—Dallas, fourth-year international studies student