Overview

The International Studies programme at Southern Methodist University provides a rigorous interdisciplinary framework for understanding complex global issues. Students engage with a diverse curriculum that combines core theoretical knowledge with specialised regional expertise to foster a deep understanding of international affairs.

This degree is structured to ensure both breadth and depth, requiring students to complete a basic core curriculum before focusing on a specific geographic area. The academic journey culminates in a mandatory senior seminar, which serves as a capstone experience for final-year students to synthesise their learning on campus.

A distinctive feature of the curriculum is the emphasis on linguistic proficiency.

Why International Studies at Southern Methodist University?

Studying within the Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences offers students access to a prestigious academic environment with deep roots in research and interdisciplinary collaboration. The university provides a robust support system through various institutes and dedicated research centres focused on global challenges.

Students benefit from an extensive and active alumni network, with over 36,000 graduates worldwide and a strong presence of 10,000 alumni in the local Dallas area. This community provides a significant advantage for networking and professional development within the field of international relations and beyond.

The programme is distinguished by its commitment to practical global engagement, evidenced by the strict modern language requirements and the inclusion of specialised regional tracks. These features ensure that every graduate possesses the cultural and linguistic tools necessary for effective international communication.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 30940 per semester
National fee: USD 30940 per semester
Local fee: USD 30940 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is divided into core requirements and specialised regional study. Modules may include:

International Studies
Area Studies
Senior Seminar
Modern Foreign Languages
Global Perspective

Careers with International Studies

Graduates from this programme are prepared for diverse roles in the contemporary global workforce. The combination of regional specialisation and modern language skills makes students highly attractive to international organisations, government agencies, and private sector firms operating on a global scale.

The focus on interdisciplinary research and analytical thinking equips students for careers in diplomacy, international policy, and global business. By completing the senior seminar and advanced coursework, graduates demonstrate the high-level communication and problem-solving skills required in today's international job market.

Programme Structure

Courses:

Spanish-American Civilization

The Harkis

Postcolonial France

Latam Through Film

Modern German Culture

Internationl Political Economy

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-25 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Dallas, United States

Disciplines

International Relations View 665 other Bachelors in International Relations in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Completed application

$60 nonrefundable application fee

Official high school transcript

Official or self-reported SAT or ACT scores.

Official TOEFL, IELTS, OR Duolingo English Test (DET) results are required for students whose language of instruction is bilingual or not solely in English.

Counselor recommendation

Teacher recommendation (optional)

Extracurricular résumé

Home School Supplement (if applicable)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

61880 USD / year

≈ 61880 USD / year
Out-of-State

61880 USD / year

≈ 61880 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

61880 USD / year

≈ 61880 USD / year

Living costs

Dallas

United States

1140 - 1925 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for International Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Dallas

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners