International Studies

Navigating the Global Community

Cultivate your ability to succeed and lead with a global outlook. You will learn skills for speaking, listening, reading and writing in foreign languages; global perspectives on various world cultures; cross-cultural understanding and communication; and critical thinking skills. Special features of our program include the option to study abroad, attend on-campus international festivals, view cinema from around the world and interact with a diverse student body. You will also have the option to take a wide range of classes about Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, international relations, ecology and global studies.

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

Career Options

Careers

Find your path.

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
Economist – est. salary $100,049
Historian – est. salary $67,837
Market Research Analyst – est. salary $73,394
Reporter or Correspondent – est. salary $44,267

**EMSI Data, 2019; Philadelphia County, PA; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.
map animation where the the Community College of Philadelphia is centered, the map zooms out to show the surrounding counties highlighted representing the areas of job and career growth.
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Transfer Opportunities

Courses and Completion Sequence

The following courses and sequence of courses is designed for the optimal success and completion of the International Studies degree/certificate. Any alterations should be discussed with your academic advisor.

Semester 1

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Gen Ed Req.
ENGL 101 - English Composition I 3 credits Must pass with a grade “C” or better Writing/Research/
Info Lit 1
FNMT 118 - Intermediate Algebra 3 credits   Quantitative Reasoning
World Language * 3 credits Students who wish to focus on a particular world region should consider our various “Distinction” concentrations. Consult with program supervisor for further details.

Two semesters of world language study are required. Students may do so at the elementary or intermediate level. It is recommended that students study a world language through the intermediate level.		  
CIS 103 - Computer Applications & Concepts 3 credits   Technological Competency
EASC 111 - Environmental Conservation  3 credits   Scientific Reasoning (Non-Lab Science)
  • This program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program after earning their associate’s degree
  • Follow this course schedule each semester and you’ll earn your associate’s degree in two years
  • Make sure you discuss your first semester schedule and your educational plan with an advisor or counselor when you register.

Semester 2

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
ENGL 102 - The Research Paper 3 credits   Writing/Research/Info Lit 2
HUM 101 - Cultural Traditions: Ancient to the 13th Century or
HUM 102 - Cultural Traditions: 14th Century to the Present		 3 credits   Cultural Analysis and Interpretation
ENGL 118 - Intercultural Communication or
ENGL 115 - Public Speaking		 3 credits   Oral Communication/
Creative Expression
World Language 1 3 credits Two semesters of world language study are required. Students may do so at the elementary or intermediate level. It is recommended that students study a world language through the intermediate level.  
GLS 101 - Introduction to Global Studies 3 credits   Major Course

Semester 3

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
GEOG 103 - Introduction to Human Geography or
PSYC 101 - Introduction to Psychology or
SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology		 3 credits A 200-level Anthropology, Geography, Psychology or Sociology course is required later in the major.

GEOG 103 and PSYC 101 will fulfill a prerequisite for ANTH 211 or ANTH 215.
SOC 101 will fulfill a prerequisite for 200-level courses in Anthropology and Sociology.
PSYC 101 will fulfill a prerequisite for 200-level PSYC courses.
GEOG 103 will fulfill a prerequisite for GEOG 222.		  
BIOL 106 - General Biology I or
CHEM 105 - Inquiry into Chemistry		 4 credits   Lab Science
World Language* or
ART 103 - History of Art: Ancient to Renaissance or
ART 104 - History of Art II: Renaissance to Modern or
MUS 105 - Music of the Baroque and Classical Eras or 
MUS 106 - Great Romantic Music or
MUS 120 - Music of African-Americans or
MUS 121 - Modern American Music		 3 credits    
ANTH 112 - Cultural Anthropology 3 credits Taking this course will fulfill a prerequisite for 200-level courses in Anthropology or Sociology, required later in the major  
HIST 121 - World History: The Distant Past or
HIST 122 - World History: The Recent Past		 3 credits    

Semester 4

Course Number and Name Credits Advisory Notes Course Type
World Language or
RS 151 - World Religions 		 3 credits A 200 level course in Spanish or HUM 150 may be used to fulfill requirements for Distinction with Latin America Concentration. Consult with program supervisor for further details.

A 200 level course in Arabic, Swahili, Hebrew or French, HUM 170, 180, 190, ANTH 211 or RS 175 may be used to fulfill requirements for Distinction with Africa/Middle East Concentration. Consult with program supervisor for further details.

A 200 level course in Japanese or Chinese, HUM 120, 130, 190, ANTH 215 or RS 180 may be used to fulfill requirements for Distinction with Asia Concentration. Consult with program supervisor for further details.		  
Any 200-level Anthropology, Geography, Psychology or Sociology 3 credits    
HUM 120 - Introduction to Chinese Culture and Civilization or
HUM 130 - Introduction to Japanese Culture and Civilization or
HUM 150 - Introduction to Latin American Cultures and Civilizations or
HUM 170 - Middle East Cultures and Civilizations or
HUM 180 - Introduction to African Cultures and Civilizations or
HUM 190 - Modern Africa and Asia		 3 credits A 200 level course in Spanish or HUM 150 may be used to fulfill requirements for Distinction with Latin America Concentration. Consult with program supervisor for further details.

A 200 level course in Arabic, Swahili, Hebrew or French, HUM 170, 180, 190, ANTH 211 or RS 175 may be used to fulfill requirements for Distinction with Africa/Middle East Concentration. Consult with program supervisor for further details.

A 200 level course in Japanese or Chinese, HUM 120, 130, 190, ANTH 215 or RS 180 may be used to fulfill requirements for Distinction with Asia Concentration. Consult with program supervisor for further details		  
POLS 112 - Introduction to International Relations 3 credits POLS 112 is recommended for students wishing to pursue international relations studies at a transfer institution.  
ECON 181 - Principles of Economics- Macroeconomics 3 credits Temple University requires macroeconomics for its Global Studies program.  
  • Congratulations, this is your final semester! Don’t forget to complete your graduation application.
  • Meet with an advisor when registering for your classes
  • Finalize your transfer plans:
  • Take advantage of our scholarship opportunities for transferring students and apply for a scholarship
  • Visit Career Connections to learn about internships and your future career possibilities

General Education Requirements:

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.

View the College Catalog for More Information

Featured Career

Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the culture and development of an area, an ethnic group, or any other group, such as Latin American studies, women's studies, or urban affairs. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Median Salary
$89,248

Number of Jobs
21,231 
in the region
10 Year Job Outlook
+10.8%
in the region

Typical Tasks

  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as race and ethnic relations, gender studies, and cross-cultural perspectives.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.

How well does it pay?

New workers generally start around $46,727. Normal pay for Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary is $89,248 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $184,725.

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Program Information

International Studies

Degree Type:

Associate in Arts (A.A.)

Credits Needed to Graduate:

61

Online Learning Availability:

70% or Greater

Related Programs:

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