Welcome
The Institute of International Studies offers programs of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations. This degree will serve as a basis for various careers in the field of international relations, for graduate work in international studies or for the understanding of international affairs.
The Institute of International Studies at Bradley University was created in 1958 at the suggestion of then-Secretary of State John Foster Dulles. Since its founding, the Institute has established a reputation for superior undergraduate instruction. The Institute is committed to providing a strong pre-professional as well as general program of undergraduate study in international relations drawing students from all areas of the country and around the world.
Today the program of study offered by the Institute remains one of the nation's few self-contained programs devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. Unlike at most institutions, International Studies at Bradley is not an interdisciplinary or inter-departmental major. All International Studies courses are offered through the Institute, and every full-time Institute faculty member holds a Ph.D. in International Studies or a related field. Institute class sizes are small and personal attention is the norm rather than the exception.
The International Studies major is appropriately diversified to offer a broad cultural background as well as to prepare students either for a direct entry into government, business or professional service, or for graduate study in international relations, international trade or a related field. The program emphasizes foreign language training, as well as strong theoretical and analytical orientation with equal emphasis on normative and empirical approaches.
The International Studies curriculum includes four functional components (in addition to the University's general education requirements):
A core requirement of seven courses covering all aspects of International Studies including international security and cooperation, development; nationalism, Asian culture and civilization, empirical and normative international relations theory, and research skills;
- Seven International Studies electives which allow the student to build a regional or functional expertise on some aspect of international relations;
- Completion of at least two foreign language courses at the 300-level (where available) or six semesters;
- Courses in economics, statistical analysis, and American government to be completed outside the Institute.
Many Institute students complete majors in other fields including foreign languages, economics, marketing, and journalism. Area studies minors in Western Europe, Russia and Eastern Europe, Latin America, and East Asia as well as the Global Scholars designation of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are also accessible to International Studies majors. A study abroad experience is strongly encouraged and easily integrated into the International Studies curriculum. Approximately 85 percent of the Institute's majors complete a study abroad experience. Further information on study abroad can be obtained from the Bradley's Study Abroad Office.
Numerous student activities, special off-campus programs, co-op assignments, overseas studies and internships are available to enrich the regular program. International Studies majors are strongly encouraged to participate in appropriate internships or co-op programs. Internships and co-op assignments are available through the Smith Career Center. A Department of State internship for qualified students is available directly through the Institute.
Bradley University Institute of International Studies, 1501 W. Bradley
Avenue, Bradley Hall 248, Peoria, IL, 61625
Phone: (309) 677 2450, Fax: (309) 677 - 3256.