The International Studies major follows Lee University’s commitment to prepare our students for responsible Christian living in a complex world, with a particular focus on internationally-oriented careers. As redeemed people who have been made citizens of God’s kingdom, our first responsibility is to love God with all that we have and are, and secondly, to love our neighbors—near and far, co-nationals and foreigners—as ourselves. International Studies cultivates an appreciation for diverse cultures and nations, since from them comes the “great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Revelation 7: 9)—the global Church, the multinational, multi-ethnic Kingdom of God.
The International Studies program offers a flexible, interdisciplinary, and coherent curriculum addressing global issues with an interdisciplinary foundation and a regional specialization. The International Studies program help students to better understand the global dynamics that affect peoples and communities in the regional and local levels, while equipping them with various transferable skills valuable in the marketplace. Analysis, critical thinking, problem solving, research skills, foreign language expertise, and cultural awareness are highly desirable talents for employers in national, regional, and local government agencies; international and non-governmental organizations; and multinational corporations.
Career Opportunities
- Academic researcher
- Aid Worker / director
- Attorney/Lawyer
- Business Management
- Campaign Operative
- FBI/CIA Analyst or Agent
- City Planner
- Communications Director
- Community Organizer
- Congressional Office/Committee Staff
- Consultant
- Copywriter
- Diplomacy
- Editor
- Entrepreneur
- Foreign Service
- Immigration Officer
- International Business
- Journalist
- Judge
- Legislative Analyst
- Legislator
- Librarian
- Lobbyist
- Management
- NGO Work
- Nonprofit Work
- Paralegal
- Policy Analyst
- Political Consultant
- Public Opinion Analyst
- Public Relations
- Public Service
- Research Analyst
- Secondary School Educator
- Social Worker
- Think Tank Work
- University Professor
- Urban Planner
What to Expect
Hub/Support/Tutoring
- HUB
- Peer Mentoring
- Academic Tutoring
Travel/Global Trips
- Political Science Study Abroad in France
- Model United Nations
- Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature
- American Mock Trial Association Competitions
- Intercollegiate Conferences & Symposia
Club/Social
- Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honors Society
- Society for Law & Justice
- Mock Trial
- Center for Responsible Citizenship
- Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature
- Model United Nations
Awards/Honors
- Pi Sigma Alpha (National Political Science Honors Society) Best Chapter Award
- Deep Participation in Kairos Honors Program
- American Enterprise Institution Young Scholars Program
- McNair Scholars Program
Service
Many department events provide opportunities for service and incorporate service to the community and surrounding school-systems. Opportunities for service include the Constitution Bowl, Annual Fort Hill Cemetery Tour, and National History Day.
Capstone
The Capstone course is designed to help graduating students integrate their faith with the academic knowledge they have gained throughout their studies. It is regarded as the final reflection of the essential Core Values of Lee University.
Home/Location
Students spend most of their time in the Humanities building and on the third floor in the Great Room.
Internships/Practicum
- Legal Internships
- Legislative Policy Internships
- Museum and Archive Internships
- Teaching and Research Practica
Research/Competition
- Appalachian College Association (ACA)
- Senior Thesis