International Studies Major

Rita Torres

“I educated Peace Corps staff about Deaf Culture and accessibility issues that could be resolved in order to recruit more deaf volunteers. People listened to my vision and statements with interest.”
Rita Torres, ’13

Rita interned with the Peace Corps in Washington, D.C., and is now employed there. Learn more about her internship.

Gain a Competitive Edge with Global Opportunities

Intern with the Peace Corps, WorldTeach or the U.S. Department of State. Or learn LSF (French Sign Language) in Paris. Guided by expert faculty in several fields, Gallaudet international studies majors gain international experience and prepare for a wide range of careers in law, government, international service, education, finance and research.
As an international studies major, you have many choices as you learn other languages-including signed languages-and take courses about global cultures, international policies, humanitarian law, and economic, social, political, and environmental issues.

You will integrate classroom theories with practice during a summer or semester internship abroad in fields such as education, humanitarian relief, health and international relations. Recent sites include:

  • Guam
  • Guatemala (2 year of Spanish, minimum)
  • Quito, Ecuador (2 year of Spanish, minimum)
  • LSE Summer Courses in Spain (2 year of Spanish, minimum)
  • Xalapa in Veracruz, Mexico (2 year of Spanish, minimum)

Many employers today are seeking job applicants with a global perspective. Alumni have gone on to business and education careers; they have also earned graduate degrees for careers in linguistics, international development, teaching and translation.

See list of all Gallaudet majors

Keep reading to learn more about the international studies program and career outcomes.

An Interdisciplinary Major

The International Studies Program includes faculty and courses from the following Gallaudet departments:

At Gallaudet, you can take courses, complete internships or engage in service or research projects around the globe.

Learn more about the Department of World Languages and Cultures, a world leader in opening international experiences to deaf students.

Courses and Degree Requirements

Internships

All international studies majors must complete at least one 10-week international internship or a study abroad course in French or Spanish. Gallaudet faculty and staff help students choose from the many opportunities in Washington, D.C., throughout the United States and in other countries.

Career Outcomes

Many of Gallaudet's recent international studies and Spanish majors are employed or in graduate school within one year of graduation. Learn more about alumni of the Department of World Languages and Cultures.

Training and Job Outlook

Interpreters and translators must have a bachelor's degree and native-level fluency in English and at least one other language. Employment in this field is projected to grow 46 percent from 2012 to 2022, much faster than the average for all occupations. Learn more.

International studies majors can tailor their program to many career fields, such as business. Most management occupations require a bachelor's degree. Employment is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations. Learn more.