Government & Diplomacy
Prepare for careers in the U.S. Foreign Service, State Department, intelligence agencies, military, and international governmental organizations.
International Studies at Batten University is built for students who want to understand how the world works — politically, economically, and culturally — and who want to do something about it. The major draws on political science, history, economics, and the humanities to give students a genuinely interdisciplinary foundation in global affairs.
All students complete a shared core and then choose one of three tracks: International Politics, International Business, or International Cultural Studies. Every student also completes an internship or study abroad experience — not as an afterthought, but as a degree requirement.
Batten's location in Hampton Roads, one of the largest international ports on the East Coast, puts students within reach of real international organizations, military and intelligence agencies, and global businesses without leaving the region. Foreign language proficiency is required for graduation.
Requirements
All International Studies students complete the core requirements below, plus one concentration track (16 hrs), and an internship or study abroad experience (4–12 hrs).
POLS 103
Global Realities
4 hrs
POLS Intro
One of: POLS 206 Introduction to Comparative Politics · POLS 210 Introduction to International Relations
4 hrs
HIST 245
World History: The Modern Era
4 hrs
Religion/Philosophy
One of: RELST 116 World Religions · PHIL 372 Beyond the Western Tradition · PHIL 392 Alternative Futures
4 hrs
Economics
One of: MBE 100 Introduction to Economics · MBE 201 Introductory Macroeconomics · MBE 202 Introductory Microeconomics
4 hrs
Concentration Track
International Politics, International Business, or International Cultural Studies (see track tabs)
16 hrs
International Study
Internship or Study Abroad
4–12 hrs
POLS 453
Globalization and Its Discontents
4 hrs
Total Hours Required
44–52
*Students must also demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language. Total hours vary based on internship or study abroad credit earned (4–12 hrs).
Complete this track (16 hrs) in addition to the BA Core requirements.
POLS 265
Research Methods
4 hrs
International Institutions
One of: POLS 344 European Union in World Politics · POLS 345 International Law & Organizations · POLS 347 Model UN
4 hrs
Global Issues
One of: POLS 348 International Human Rights · POLS 350 Immigration and Citizenship · POLS 360 Politics and Security in African Conflicts · POLS 363 Sex, Gender, and Global Security · SPAN 321 Political Writings of Latin America
4 hrs
Historical Context
One of: HIST 250 Seminar in the History of European Cities · HIST 355 History of Modern France · HIST 356 History of Modern Germany · HIST 381 Pirates, Slavery, and Empires
4 hrs
Total Hours Required
16
*Track hours are in addition to the BA Core (44–52 hrs total).
Complete this track (16 hrs) in addition to the BA Core requirements.
Economics
One of: MBE 201 Introductory Macroeconomics · MBE 202 Introductory Microeconomics
4 hrs
MBE 332
Economic Development
4 hrs
MBE 333
International Business
4 hrs
Business/Policy Elective
One of: MBE 209 Study Away: Business in Emerging Markets · MBE 305 International Accounting Theory · MBE 308 Markets, Communism, Socialism · MBE 315 Managing Diversity in Organizations · MBE 330 History of Economic Thought · POLS 206 Introduction to Comparative Politics · POLS 222 Introduction to Security Studies · POLS 344 European Union in World Politics · POLS 365 Comparative Welfare States
4 hrs
Total Hours Required
16
*Track hours are in addition to the BA Core (44–52 hrs total).
Complete this track (16 hrs) in addition to the BA Core requirements.
GWSS 219
Introduction to Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies
4 hrs
Culture & Society
One of: HIST 216 Topics in European History · HIST 217 Topics in World History · PSY 227 Social Psychology · PSY 351 Psychology of Gender · PSY 395 Cross-cultural Psychology
4 hrs
Language & Literature
One 300/400-level course in French, German, or Spanish literature
4 hrs
Arts & Humanities
One of: ARTH 351 19th Century Art History · ARTH 352 Art since 1900 · ENG 305 Postcolonial Literature · FR 327 France Today · HIST 385 History of Women in Europe Since 1700 · HIST 357 Holocaust · MUS 313 Music History I · MUS 314 Music History II
4 hrs
Total Hours Required
16
*Track hours are in addition to the BA Core (44–52 hrs total).
Career Outcomes
International Business
The International Business track pairs economic fundamentals with global context — strong preparation for multinational corporations, trade, and international finance.
Nonprofits & NGOs
Work in international development, human rights, humanitarian aid, and advocacy with nongovernmental organizations operating around the world.
Graduate Study & Law
A strong foundation for law school, graduate programs in international affairs, public policy, and area studies at the master's and doctoral level.
Faculty
Leslie Caughell
Associate Professor of Political Science
Chair of Political Science
757-233-8853
104 Eggleston Commons, Bray Village
Modupe Oshikoya
Associate Professor of Political Science and Coordinator of International
Studies
757-455-2102
Bray Village E
