About
Learn about the world around you as you develop a broad understanding of international events and complex challenges involving peace and conflict, poverty and development, social justice and the environment.
- Four year degree
- Full or part-time program
- You can enter this program directly from high school
- You can begin this program off-campus
What you will learn
This program will equip you with global literacy and key insights into our interconnected world. You will take classes that explore government, business, culture, the environment, politics and international aspects of law, science, conflict and development. You will learn about inequality globally, challenges to cooperation among states, and the reasons for and complexity of crises and conflicts. You will understand and engage with some of the world’s most pressing issues.
A first-year schedule sample
This degree program is flexible and offers you the opportunity to take courses in many different subject areas. Here’s what a typical first-year schedule might look like:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
Fall Term |
|
| IS 110a | Global Issues |
| ENG 114b | Literature and Composition Reading Culture |
| INDG 107d | History Matters Ideas and Culture |
| ECON 111a,d | Introductory Microeconomics |
| SPAN 114e | Elementary Spanish I |
Winter Term |
|
| ECON 114a,d | Introductory Macroeconomics |
| HIST 145e | History Matters War Violence and Politics |
| ANTH 111a | Intermediate French II |
| POLS 112e | Justice and Injustice in Politics and Law |
| SPAN 117e | Elementary Spanish II |
a Required or eligible course for the major
b One of the course options to complete the English Language Writing Requirement
c One of the course options to complete the Indigenous Learning Requirement
d ECON 111 and 114 are required for the major and fulfill the Quantitative Reasoning Requirement
e One of the course options which may be used in the Breadth, Cognate, and/or Electives Requirements
The Course and Program Catalogue has the complete and official listing of required classes and their descriptions for this program.
IS 110: Global Issues
Today, the lives of individuals and communities are increasingly shaped by political, social and economic forces that are of global scope. This course examines the complex relationship between the "local’ and the "global’ by exploring the processes of globalization and the manner in which these affect the prospects of diverse societies around the world. It explores these dynamics in issues such as international law, global governance institutions, non-governmental organizations, terrorism and security, global public health, environmental policy, international trade, foreign aid and development, and the experiences of Indigenous peoples, migrants, and refugees.
IS 211: Introduction to International Studies Development
This course introduces students to key themes in international development. In an interconnected and interdependent world, it is imperative to understand the conditions under which a majority of the world lives, how these conditions have come to be, and what is being done to address concerns of inequity and poverty. Themes of colonialism, globalization, gender, debt, trade, democracy, sustainable development, migration, health, education, and emerging powers are explored. To make sense of such a diverse and complex set of issues, the course has three primary objectives: first, to contextualize international development into its historical setting; second, to introduce the theories which seek to understand and explain international development; and third, to apply these theoretical constructs to specific issues and cases of international development.
IS 401: International Cooperation and Conflict
This seminar explores the contribution that interdisciplinary theory and research make toward understanding international issues, particularly international cooperation and conflict. Topics will include nationalism and ethnicity, the role of international organizations in conflict resolution and democratization, human rights, militarism and peacekeeping.
Interdisciplinary
You will choose courses from anthropology, economics, geography, history, languages, law, Indigenous studies, political studies, sociology and women’s & gender studies.
Study abroad
You will be strongly encouraged to engage directly with international issues by taking advantage of study abroad programs offered in many countries.
Hand-on experience
You will have the opportunity to become actively engaged with community-based organizations locally or abroad. This experience will help you reflect on our responsibilities as engaged global citizens to work in support of social justice.
Careers
Some career opportunities include:
- Diplomat
- Export or import sales manager
- Foreign affairs advisor
- Foreign services officer
- Immigration officer
- International trade officer
- Legislative aide
- Consultant on international issues for businesses and organizations
- English as a second language teacher
- Consular assistant
- International affairs reporter
- NGO officer
- Humanitarian assistance provider
Tuition estimates
| Canadian students | International students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $7,547 | $36,528 |
| Student fees | $1,121 | $1,121 |
| Books | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Total | $10,168 | $39,149 |
Tuition will vary depending on the type and number of classes you take in a year. This estimate reflects a typical amount you could expect to pay in your first year if you enroll in a full course load, the maximum number of courses allowed (2024-2025 Canadian dollar rates).
Student fees are used to fund specific student benefits, including health, vision and dental coverage, a bus pass, recreational programs and fitness centre access.
The cost of books and supplies varies widely depending on the courses you choose. It is recommended that you budget between $1,500-$2,500 per year.
Program options
These Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) International Studies degrees are offered by the University of Saskatchewan's College of Arts and Science:
You should consult with an academic advisor in the college when you begin your studies to decide if you want a four-year or honours degree.
Admission requirements and deadlines
Deadlines
Ready to apply?
Create an admissions account and start your application today. When you are ready to submit your application, you will be assessed a non-refundable application fee of $90 CAD. Effective December 2, the application fee is increasing to $120 CAD.
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