Majors
This section of the guide provides a list of just some of the internationally connected majors you may want to consider, along with a brief description of what each field of study may entail. Career resources tailored to specific majors are provided to help students discover possible career paths based on areas of academic interest. While all majors have the potential to lead to international careers, some majors lead to global opportunities more directly, and the majors listed in this section represent a diverse sample of common academic fields relating to international issues. It is important to keep in mind that although all majors open up unique career opportunities, each major can also be applied across multiple fields and industries, and because of this, it is important not to limit international opportunities by strictly following a set career path for a chosen major.
Explore our upcoming programs or dive into our past offerings by accessing our International Career Series and Your Global Future sections!
*Click on any of the Majors below to learn more about them and engage with our video resources.
Majors to Explore
Anthropology, as defined by the American Anthropological Association, “is the study of what makes us human.” Anthropologists study the differences and similarities across many different peoples and cultures. Anthropology can be divided into many subcategories. A few examples include cultural anthropology (the study of human culture) or biological anthropology, which “seeks to understand how humans adapt in different environments.” Globally, anthropologists work together to “understand more about our lives as humans.”
Video Resource: Learn more about the Anthropology major at the University of Central Missouri
For more information, click here.
The Society for American Archaeology defines archaeology as “the study of the ancient and recent human past through material remains.” More specifically, an archaeologist “analyzes the physical remains of the past in pursuit of a broad and comprehensive understanding of human culture.”
Video Resource: Learn more about working in museums with a background in art or archeology with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
For more information, click here.
According to the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Architecture is defined as “the study and practice of designing the buildings, communities, structures, and other elements that shape the built environment. It brings together and balances artistic sensibility and scientific methodology.” Problem-solving, persistance, self-motivation, precision, creativity, and diligence are some of the most highlighted characteristics of an architect or a person aiming to be one. From studying abroad, to traveling, to working internationally, the global opportunities for an architect are endless.
Video Resource: Learn about International Architecture and the world of opportunities it encompasses with Mike Cummings, Sr. Principal at TK Architects.
Video Resource: Learn about the daily life of an Architect at BNIM and the international projects they lead.
For more information, click here.
According to the Rockefeller Foundation, area studies are “interdisciplinary programs” that fuse “language training, geography, anthropology, history, economics and political science in a comprehensive approach to the study of world cultures.” Popular area studies majors include Latin American Studies, African Studies, Asian Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, and Caribbean Studies.
Video Resource: Learn more about what it’s like to study area studies with the University of Kansas Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies
For more information, click here.
The work of a computer scientist can, “include designing software,” “developing sufficient ways to solve computing problems,” and “devising new and better ways to use computers”. Computer science can be used to solve greater world issues such as the “human genome project, AIDS vaccine research, environmental monitoring and protection.” Because of this, computing jobs are found all over the world.
For more information, click here.
The American Economic Association defines economics in three ways: “the study of scarcity, the study of how people use resources and respond to incentives, or the study of decision-making.” Economics often relates to wealth and finance. Many economists go on to have careers in areas such as health, immigration, or the environment.
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In today’s world, both educators and students are expected to have a solid grasp of global issues. International education, as explained by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, is “understanding and respect among different peoples” and “constructive leadership in the global community.” Having an understanding about the world allows future generations to be better able to navigate the world around them and solve problems.
Video Resource: Learn more about one of the many possible careers in international education, like working in study abroad, from Northwest Missouri State
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The Engineers’ Council for Professional Development (ECPD), now ABET, defines engineering as “the creative application of scientific principles to design or develop structures, machines, apparatus, or manufacturing processes, or works utilizing them singly or in combination; or to construct or operate the same with full cognizance of their design; or to forecast their behaviour under specific operating conditions; all as respects an intended function, economics of operation and safety to life and property.” Although the field of engineering has many subfields and paths of especialization (like mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, civil engineering, and more), the primary functions of engineerings across the spectrum involve research, development, design, construction, production, operation, and management.
Video Resource: Learn about where a degree in Engineering may take you with Emily Rhoden from Burns & McDonnell
For more information, click here.
According to the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists, environmental science is “the application of scientific principles to improve and maintain the environment for the protection of human health for the protection of nature’s beneficial ecosystems, and environment-related enhancement of the quality of human life.” Every human on the planet is affected by the state of the environment. Environmental scientists study the environment and can develop plans or advise governments on how to solve issues.
For more information, click here.
According to Nasdaq, finance is the “discipline concerned with determining value and making decisions,” especially in regard to the “acquiring, investing, and managing of resources.” Finance majors study topics like financial planning, investment decisions, and expense analyses. Those interested in finance can go on to study international finance or work for global companies.
For more information, click here.
The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages states, “the ability to communicate with respect and cultural understanding in more than one language is an essential element of global competence.” Studying a foreign language in college can lead to a better understanding of different cultures and can expand your ability to communicate with different people. Popular languages to study include Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, and Russian. Examples of specific careers in foreign languages are medical interpreter or a legal interpreter.
Video Resource: Learn more about Foreign Language programs at University of Missouri-Kansas City
For more information, click here.
“Geography is unique in bridging the social sciences and the natural sciences,” as stated by the American Association of Geographers. Students majoring in geography study the physical attributes of the earth and the cause-and-effect relationships between the earth and humans. Geographers work in many different sectors including, government, business, non profit, and education. Many geographers have a global perspective in their work, including issues on “globalization, international trade, immigration, Internet technology, [and the] global climate system.”
For more information, click here.
The Consortium of Universities for Global Health Executive Board defines global health as “an area for study, research, and practice that places a priority on improving health and achieving equity in health for all people worldwide.” The field of global public health focuses on health issues and disparities, their determinants, and their possible solutions.
For more information, click here.
According to the American Institute of Graphic Arts, graphic design is “the art and practice of planning and projecting ideas and experiences with visual and textual content.” The definition continues, “the form [graphic design] takes can be physical or virtual and can include images, words, or graphics.” Graphic designers can work with international corporations or organizations, where the art they produce will reach an international audience.
For more information, click here.
International business is defined by US Legal, Inc., as the study of “profit-oriented business relationships conducted across national boundaries and includes activities such as the buying and selling of goods, investments in industries, the licensing of processes, patents and trademarks, and the supply of services.” International business can focus on many different areas including but not limited to, global marketing, business management, trade, and legal issues.
Video Resource: Learn about a career path in International Business specialized in Supply Chain Management
Video Resource: Learn about the world through a career in International Business specialized in Global Risk Management.
For more information, click here.
International relations can be defined as “an interdisciplinary undergraduate major that combines political science, economics, history, foreign languages, and other fields” to “give students the knowledge and skills to understand relations between nations, as well as the internal workings of other countries and the role of nongovernmental actors in world affairs,” as stated by Stanford University Program in International Relations. Many people working as diplomats, political analysts, and intelligence specialists have backgrounds in international relations.
For more information, click here.
According to the American Press Institute, “journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information.” Journalists typically work for newspapers, magazines, websites, and broadcast companies. Journalists can work as foreign correspondents, reporting events in other countries.
Video Resource: Learn more about the international career a major in Journalism can get you
For more information, click here.
The American Marketing Association defines marketing as “the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large.”
Working in marketing can lead to careers for international companies and organizations. Marketers will often use their skills to appeal to a global audience.
Video Resource: Learn more about what a the cross-cultural skills necessary for a global career in marketing
For more information, click here.
While students cannot major in medicine at the undergraduate level, pursuing a pre-med track on top of major coursework in another area prepares students for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and, ultimately, medical school admission. The general pre-med track consists of required courses such as biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, math, and English. Keep in mind that any major can be completed on a pre-med track, including all of the other ones listed in this guide. Students have the option to study abroad during their education. After completing medical school, doctors can choose to work overseas or go into the field of medical research. There are also many opportunities to work with nonprofits such as Doctors without Borders.
Video Resource: Learn more about a possible career in international medical response following medical school with Heart to Heart International
For more information, click here.
According to the International Council of Nurses, nursing is the “autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well” through the “promotion of health, prevention of illness, and the care of ill, disabled and dying people.” Most nursing licenses obtained in the United States can be transferred abroad. Nursing students can also choose to study outside of the United States during the course of their education.
For more information, click here.
According to the University for Peace, a treaty organization of the United Nations, a Peace and Conflict Studies degree constitutes a “grouping of programs that affiliate, interrelate and synergize around core themes and perspectives in conflict analysis and the challenges to peacebuilding.” Such programs aim to provide a “critical understanding and analysis of root causes of conflicts and violence in diverse local, national, global and societal contexts, while specifically focusing on various dimensions, strategies, sectors, institutions and levels of conflict resolution and transformation to build a peaceful world.”
For more information, click here.
According to UCLA’s Department of Photography, majoring in photography gives students the “ability to understand and discuss photography’s unique historical, material, and narrative potential.” Photojournalism is a great internationally connected career for photographers. Many photographers are able to travel as a part of their work.
For more information, click here.
According to the American Political Science Association, “political science is the study of governments, public policies and political processes, systems, and political behavior.” International politics, on the other hand, is the “struggle for and use of power among nations,” as defined by Hans Morgenthau, a leading scholar in international politics. Many students studying political science choose to study a specific region. Those with backgrounds in political science can be found in law, politics, and marketing.
For more information, click here.
The International Federation of Social Workers and the International Association of Schools of Social Work define social work as “a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people.” Social work majors take classes on topics such as social welfare policy, case work planning, family services, employment services, and counseling. Social workers can work for international nonprofits such as the United Nations or the International Rescue Committee.
For more information, click here.
According to the American Sociological Association, sociology is the overarching “study of society.” It is a “social science involving the study of the social lives of people, groups, and societies.” Topics in the study of sociology include race, class, gender, inequality, health, politics, social movements, sexuality, and environment, and because of this wide range of concentrations, more specific majors in the field of sociology exist, such as gender and sexuality studies. Those with a background in sociology can be found in the fields of international business, international publishing, and social work.
For more information, click here.
According to UCDavis, Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s studies is an “interdisciplinary program founded on the understanding that the social production of gender is inseparable from that of race, sexuality, class, nationality, ability and other categories of difference.” According to Bowling Green State University, Women, gender, and Sexuality Studies “examines women’s lives locally and globally, focusing on how gender intersects with other forms of difference, including race, disability, ethnicity, class, age, and sexual orientation.” Those with backgrounds in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies have ample opportunities in the professional world primarily in law, medicine, nonprofit and advocacy organizations, government organizations and many more.
For more information, click here.
Featured Video Resources
Learn about complementing your Major of choice with a Certificate or Minor in Intelligence & National Studies with Asley Urban, KU Intelligence Community Center for Academic Excellence (ICCAE) Education Program Coordinator.
Explore where a degree in Global & International Studies (part of the Area Studies group) may take you intellectually with three undergraduate students, Rachel Hall, Brooklyn Maynard, and Maggie Mullen at the University of Kansas.
Join us for our International Career Series and Your Global Future programs to learn more about the different majors and degrees that will lead you towards a future of global adventures.
To access our full video library, visit our YouTube page or take a look at our past International Career Series and Your Global Future programs on our website.