In this sub-plan, students take courses that help them reason about the international system of nation-states and of peoples with both competing and overlapping interests. Among the topics covered are international relations, human rights, human security, international organizations, transnational social movements, war-making and peace-making, intra- and inter-state violence.
Prerequisites
- Completion of INTLSTD 101: Introduction to International Studies with a minimum grade of C-.
- Students must have enrolled in or completed 4th-term language proficiency.
To Declare: Students must be enrolled in or have completed INTLSTD 101.
Requirements
- Language Requirement: Sixth-term proficiency.
- Program Core (7 credits):
- INTLSTD 301: Topics in International Studies, or one 300 level INTLSTD Core Faculty Lecture (INTLSTD 300, 341); and
- INTLSTD 401: International Studies Advanced Seminar
- Research Design Course (3 credits): INTLSTD 390: Designing Research in International Studies*
- Regional Course (3 credits): One geographic emphasis course devoted to a single world region or country that is related to foreign language of study. There is no pre-approved list of regional courses. Students must seek and obtain approval of the regional course from a PICS advisor. It is strongly advised that this approval be obtained before taking the class.
- ISNC Courses (12 credits): Four courses, chosen from an approved list, to gain knowledge in the sub-plan area.
- At least one course must be at the 400 level.
- Must include at least two academic subjects.
Note: Complete term specific sub-plan and core course lists may be found on the PICS courses page.
- Three electives (9 credits): The electives are designed to allow students to further personalize their major. Students will elect three advanced courses which will be expected to build upon the theme of their sub-plan. The selected courses should thus contribute to the coherence of the student's overall concentration. Students may select additional sub-plan, regional, or relevant study abroad courses, however there is no pre-approved list of electives. Because there is no list, students must seek and obtain the approval of electives - on a course-by-course basis from a PICS advisor. It is strongly advised that this approval be obtained before taking the class.
*Students admitted for Fall 2025 and beyond will follow the International Studies major requirements effective Fall 2025 and complete INTLSTD 390 as the required Research Design Course. Students who were admitted and began coursework at the University of Michigan prior to Fall 2025 should follow requirements for the International Studies major depending on effective term dates and can review the approved PICS Course Lists for Research Methods course options.
Constraints
Courses used to meet the Core, Research Design, Regional, Sub-plan, and Elective requirements may not be used toward more than one requirement within the major; however, they may be shared with other majors and minors in accordance with LSA policies. Courses used to meet the PICS Language Requirement may not be used toward the requirements within the major.
Distribution Policy
No course used to fulfill a major requirement may be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. In addition, courses in the INTLSTD subject area may not be used toward the LSA Distribution Requirement. Exception: The major prerequisite of INTLSTD 101/GEOG 145 may be used in LSA Distribution.
Donia Human Rights Fellows Program
The Donia Human Rights Center (DHRC) is pleased to offer The Donia Human Rights Fellows Program. The Donia Human Rights Fellows Program is a two-year program that recognizes University of Michigan undergraduate students majoring in International Studies who have demonstrated their interest in and commitment to the study and practice of human rights during their time at Michigan.
