International Studies

The program is open to all interested students. Students are required to satisfy placement at the time of admission. Students identified as needing developmental course work must satisfactorily complete the appropriate English and mathematics courses as a part of their degree program.

All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College's general education requirements is also available.

To qualify for the Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree in International Studies, a student must complete a minimum of 61 credit hours as prescribed and attain a grade point average of 2.0 ("C" average).

Graduation with Distinction

Graduating with “Distinction” sets students apart from their peers and may give them the edge they need for successful transfer to a four-year college or employment in a desired field. Motivated students may graduate with “Distinction” either in International Studies in general, or with a concentration in Latin America, Africa/Middle East, or Asia Studies. “Distinction” plans can include a study abroad experience and intensive language study. They provide flexible, individualized coursework to meet students’ particular needs and goals.

Requirements to receive “Distinction” on transcripts and diploma:

1. Students must have a GPA of at least 3.2 after completion of 35 credits in major
2. Students must complete at least three Humanities or Social Sciences courses with Global Diversity with a GPA of at least 3.2, excluding world language courses
3. A) Students must successfully complete a CCP study abroad program or B) complete a third semester for world language study.
4. A summative impact paper of at least two typed pages summarizing how 3A or B broadened their perspectives will be submitted during the semester preceding graduation. This paper should describe examples of personal growth and should connect language study and/or study abroad experiences to global diversity courses, readings, and/or future plans.
5. Students may not use time amnesty or academic amnesty to meet minimum GPA requirements.

The International Studies curriculum provides a strong foundation in global and international studies. The curriculum is designed for students planning to transfer to baccalaureate programs with an international or global focus in such subjects as world language or literature, area studies, international relations and international studies. The courses required in the International Studies curriculum are designed to be transferable to other colleges and universities.

Students are expected to consult with a counselor or an academic advisor upon entry into the program and in subsequent semesters. Transfer planning should begin early so that the student can gain the most benefit from the program. Students who follow the International Studies curriculum and plan to attend a specific four-year college after graduation should choose elective courses that duplicate as closely as possible those in the first two years of the program at that college.

Note: Some international programs at transfer institutions require world language proficiency at least through the intermediate level. It is recommended that students complete, if possible, a world language through the intermediate level. Students should consult with the Career and Transfer Center about world language requirements at transfer institutions.

Upon completion of this program graduates will be able to:

• Analyze, explain, and evaluate a wide range of topics, such as conflict, pandemics, scientific advances, banking, and political systems, from a variety of global perspectives.
• Communicate effectively in another language in all four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, to develop intercultural competence and distinction in the labor market.
• Write in the standard academic English used in the field of international studies.
• Use scientific and quantitative research methods to investigate and solve problems from a global perspective.