The BIS: Bachelor of International Studies includes four flexible components:

1. study at SSU (60 credit hours)
2. study of an applied skill or trade at a technical college or similar recognized training institution (30 credit hours)
3. an SSU semester in Southeast Asia (15 credit hours)
4. an SSU semester in Europe (15 credit hours)

Students have opportunities to learn applied and professional skills at home and abroad, such as teaching literacy, serving as health care aides, apprentice journalists, artists, community planners, IT support workers, emergency response personnel and project managers.

The BIS degree requires successful completion of at least 120 credit hours (15 credit hours per semester), with a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.0 (“C”). At least 30 credit hours may be taken in professional or applied studies at a recognized technical college in New Brunswick or elsewhere. The BIS degree is typically conferred after a successful completion of four years of full-time study, which includes four semesters in residence at SSU, two semesters at a technical college, and study-abroad semesters in Asia and Europe.

The cross-cultural semesters in Asia and Europe include courses in disciplines such as Cultural Anthropology, History, Literature, International Studies, Philosophy and World Religions.

A technical college qualification (or its equivalent) could be completed before enrolling at SSU or after two years of study at SSU. The approved college program could last one year or two years, with 30 credit hours being transferred toward the BIS degree. Upon completion of the BIS degree requirements, graduates may apply for a post-BIS Internship by transferring into the BA/IS stream.

You may also be interested in the Bachelor of Arts, Major in International Studies.