POTSDAM -- SUNY Potsdam has been approved to offer a new baccalaureate program in international studies.

The new interdisciplinary social science major will combine coursework from politics and economics, with a history foundation.

International studies graduates will also speak and write in at least one foreign language, and will be required to have at least one academically oriented intercultural experience, through study abroad, a travel course or an international internship.

"In our rapidly globalizing world, employers and graduate schools are looking for college graduates who possess an understanding of the global system, and an appreciation for different regions and cultures," said college president Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg.

The international studies BA program requires 31 to 37 credit hours to complete, and includes a choice of upper-level elective courses in governance, economy, history and society.

International studies students will be encouraged to complement their major coursework with existing minor program offerings in African, Arabic, Asian, French or Spanish studies.

Graduates of the international studies program can find career opportunities with federal and state government executive agencies, multinational corporations, law firms, international organizations such as the United Nations, non-profit organizations, and schools, according to the press release from the college announcing the new major. An international studies degree also prepares students for a course of study in graduate school, for example in business, government and law.

The new international studies degree will also provide training public speaking, writing, working in teams and managing quantitative information, and the economics foundation is solid preparation for many professional careers in business, finance, non-profit organizations and government.

To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu/academics/interdisciplinary.