International Study Centers are the signature study abroad programs at the University of Oklahoma! Located in three attractive locations, students can take classes taught by OU professors, explore the language and culture of their host country, engage in meaningful dialog with locals, and get active with community service or through internships, while earning credit towards their degrees.
David L. Boren College of International Studies
This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://ou-public.courseleaf.com/.
Farzaneh Hall, Room 107
729 Elm Ave.
Norman, OK 73019-5144
Phone: (405) 325-1396
FAX: (405) 325-7454
cis@ou.edu
www.ou.edu/cis
Administrative Officers
- Scott Fritzen, Ph.D., Dean, Department of International and Area Studies
- Rebecca Cruise, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Student Services and Assistant Professor, Department of International and Area Studies
- Eric A. Heinze, Ph.D., Max and Heidi Berry Chair and Professor, Department of International and Area Studies
- Joshua M. Landis, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Middle East Studies and Associate Professor, Department of International and Area Studies
- Mark Raymond, Ph.D., Director of Cyber Governance & Policy Center
- Mohammad Al-Masri, Ph.D., Director of the Arabic Flagship Partner Program and ConocoPhillips Professor of Arabic Language, Literature and Culture, and Assistant Professor of International and Area Studies and Modern Languages, Literatures and Linguistics
- Afshin Marashi, PhD, Director of Farzaneh Center for Iranian & Persian Gulf Studies
- Kirk Duclaux, M.A., Director of Italian Programs in Arezzo, Italy
- Armando Garcia, Director of OU Programs in Mexico and Co-Coordinator of Latin American Partnerships
- Patsy Broadway, M.H.R., Director of Administration
- Whitney Franca, Director of Education Abroad
- Robyn Rojas, Director of International Student Services
- Suzanne Kern, Director of International Risk Management and Staff Attorney
- Annaly Beck, Director of Study Center Operations
General Information
The David L. Boren College of International Studies (CIS) was officially created in January 2011 as a reflection of former President David Boren’s vision of advancing international educational opportunities for all OU students. Today CIS houses the Dean’s Staff, the academic Department of International and Area Studies, the Office of Education Abroad, the Office of International Student Services, the OU in Arezzo Study Center and a number of other international institutes and centers. Together, these various offices, departments and centers work to provide a range of opportunities for students to learn about the global community in which they live.
The mission of the David L. Boren College of International Studies is to expand the OU international experience and develop compassionate, open minded citizens and leaders by enhancing global engagement and educational opportunities.
Programs Offered
- Asian Studies, B.A.
- European Studies, B.A.
- European Studies: Russian & East European, B.A.
- Global Energy, Environment, and Resources, B.A.
- International Development, B.A.
- International Security Studies, B.A.
- International Studies, B.A.
- Latin American Studies, B.A.
- Middle Eastern Studies, B.A.
- African Studies, Minor
- Asian Studies, Minor
- European Studies, Minor
- Global Energy, Environment, and Resources, Minor
- International Development, Minor
- International Security Studies, Minor
- International Studies, Minor
- Iranian Studies, Minor
- Latin American Studies, Minor
- Middle Eastern Studies, Minor
- Russian and Eastern European Studies, Minor
- Global Engagement, Undergraduate Certificate
- International Studies, B.A./Global Studies, M.A.
- Global Affairs, M.A.
- Global Studies, M.A.
- International Relations, M.A.
Programs & Facilities
Centers and Programs
The David L. Boren College of International Studies offers many learning opportunities for students, faculty and the community with events and guest speakers through our centers and institutes focused on various areas of study.
- African Studies Institute
- Center for the Americas
- Center for Brazil Studies
- Center for Middle East Studies
- Center for Peace and Development
- Center for the Study of Nationalism
- Cyber Governance and Policy Center
- Diplomacy Lab
- European Union Center
- Farzaneh Family Center for Iranian and Persian Gulf Studies
- Fellowship for Global Engagement
- Friends to International Students
- Fulbright US Student Program
- Institute for US-China Issues
- LEAdership Fellows (LEAF) Program
- Peace Corps Prep
- Phi Beta Delta
Education Abroad
Whitney Franca, Director
Farzaneh Hall, Room 144
Norman, OK 73019-3061
Phone: (405) 325-1693
FAX: (405) 325-7387
ea@ou.edu
www.ou.edu/cis/education_abroad
The mission of Education Abroad is to provide OU students with safe, academically relevant and personally transformative study abroad opportunities across the world. Education Abroad develops programs aimed at increasing cross-cultural awareness and emphasizing international education. The office maintains linkages with professional organizations at the state, national and international levels. This unit works in close liaison with college deans and assists faculty in seeking external funding for international projects and collaborative research. EA has a library and resource center with information on foreign nations, universities, foundations and agencies.
International Study Centers
- OU in Arezzo
OU in Arezzo is the signature study abroad program of the University of Oklahoma! You will take classes taught by OU professors at the OU in Arezzo center in Italy and pay OU tuition and fees. Visit arezzo.ou.edu to see all the courses offered in Arezzo throughout the year. -
OU in Puebla
OU in Puebla is the University of Oklahoma's Mexican Study Center.
Journey Programs
Journey Programs are four weeks long in the summer and offer General Education Credit. These programs are taught by OU professors, have OU tuition and fees, and come with their own scholarship for airfare!
College Sponsored
College Sponsored programs are led by professors from many OU colleges and are geared toward their own majors and are offered mainly in the Summer. Search for the OU colleges offering study abroad programs in the program search engine.
University Exchange
University Exchange means taking classes at a university abroad, but paying OU tuition and fees at your normal rate. These programs are highly immersive and ideal for independent learners and students with financial aid tuition waivers.
Affiliate Programs
Approved Affiliate Programs are programs facilitated by specific affiliate providers or universities abroad with which the University of Oklahoma has an active agreement and where you pay directly to that specific university or provider. Financial aid, excluding tuition waivers, can be applied to this program type if they are listed in the Education Abroad program search engine
Selection Criteria
Students are selected for study abroad programs based on the following criteria: grade point average, personal essay, financial aid requirements, academic standing, and letters of recommendation. For certain study abroad destinations with limited availability, the selection process is quite competitive. All students who qualify for study abroad are offered a location for study, but because of the competitive process, some may not be admitted to the school or destination that they most prefer. Contact the Education Abroad Office for application information.
International Student Services (ISS)
Robyn Rojas, Director
Farzaneh Hall, Room 144
729 Elm Avenue
Norman, OK 73019
Phone: (405) 325-3337
FAX: (405) 325-0197
iss@ou.edu
www.ou.edu/cis/iss
International Student Services (ISS) assists year-round more than 2,000 international students and their dependents from over 100 countries.
ISS should be the first point of contact for international students. We are a federally designated office for creating, extending or terminating visa statuses, and we also respond to federal audits, site visits and requests for information. We maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) compliance for OU, and also register all eligible F-1 and J-1 international students each semester.
F-1 and J-1 visas are issued by US consulates to qualifying students studying in the United States. F-1 visas are issued to students whose primary source of funding for college comes from personal or family funds. Most often these are long-term, degree-seeking students. J-1 visas may be issued to students whose primary funding for school comes from a third party, such as a university, corporation, non-profit or the government.
International students must maintain their lawful visa status in order to pursue and complete their academic programs in the US. It is the student’s responsibility to maintain lawful visa status, and we are here to offer assistance.
F-1 and J-1 students studying at the Norman or Tulsa OU campuses can get assistance from the ISS office in Norman, while F-1 and J-1 students studying at the OU Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) need to visit the HSC Admissions and Records Office for assistance.
Additional services we provide for the OU international community include immigration advising for international students and campus departments, short-term employment authorization advising for qualifying students, extensions of stay, dependent immigration advising, campus outreach programs and more.
International Advisory Committee (IAC)
The International Advisory Committee (IAC) serves as the umbrella organization for the international student organizations at OU. IAC organizes and facilitates various intercultural, social, political, and intramural events among member international student organizations. .
Undergraduate Study
ADMISSION
Students must be admitted to the University of Oklahoma before being admitted to the College of International Studies. First-year students are admitted to University College. The freshman year at the University of Oklahoma is spent in University College, which provides an advisory system for freshmen and assists students in choosing a major. Transfer to the Department of International and Area Studies from University College is automatic upon completion of the IAS admission requirements below.
Admission to the College of International Studies
The minimum requirements for admission are:
- A declared International and Area Studies major;
- At least a 2.00 combined retention grade point average on all college-level work attempted; and,
- At least 24 semester credit hours of earned college-level credit.
International and Area studies majors also have a minimum major grade point average requirement for graduation, as discussed in the graduation requirements section.
STUDENT ADVISEMENT
The College of International Studies (CIS) requires all undergraduate majors to be advised prior to each enrollment. Current students will meet with the professional academic advisors in the Department of International and Area Studies. Advisors assist students in choosing courses appropriate for the IAS major, guide students in career and major-specific information, and assist in the evaluation of study abroad work for major credit. Their telephone number is (405) 325-4547. After advisement, students enroll in classes through the online enrollment system.
The College of International Studies Academic Services Office certifies students for graduation and organizes the convocation ceremonies. The academic counselors in this office answers questions regarding academic standing, transcript evaluation, degree requirements, or other University regulations. Students who have earned 80 hours or more must meet with this office for an official degree check. Appointments with the Academic Services Office can be scheduled by calling (405) 325-1429.
TRANSFER STUDENTS
Students who wish to transfer from other colleges or universities should be aware of the following:
- Transfer students who have completed at least 24 semester credit hours will be admitted directly into the Department of International and Area Studies if they meet the University’s admission requirements.
- Transfer students who have earned fewer than 24 semester credit hours will be admitted to University College.
- The Office of Admissions will determine acceptance of credits from the transferring institutions.
- The Department of International and Area Studies will determine how these credits apply toward the requirements for an IAS degree.
- All newly admitted transfer students must meet with an academic counselor in the Academic Services Office prior to their first enrollment at the University of Oklahoma.
Transfer students should be familiar with the requirements for their chosen International and Area Studies major.
SCHOLASTIC REQUIREMENTS
A student must maintain at least a 2.00 grade point average in order to be in good standing in the Department of International and Area Studies. Any student whose combined or OU retention grade point average falls below 2.00 is placed on academic contract status, and must meet specific conditions established by the Department of International and Area Studies. Failure to meet these conditions will result in denial of enrollment privileges as an International and Area Studies major. Additional grade point average requirements in the major are necessary for a student to be eligible for graduation, as detailed in the Graduation Requirements section of this chapter.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The responsibility for meeting graduation requirements lies with the student.
The requirements for graduation from the Department of International and Area Studies programs normally have four components:
- University-Wide General Education requirements,
- Department of International and Area Studies requirements,
- Major requirements, and
- Free electives.
The specific requirements for majors and minors are listed on Degree Requirements Checksheets.
Graduation Grade Point Average Requirements
The Department of International and Area Studies requires certain minimum grade point averages in each of the following areas:
- Students must earn a minimum of a 2.00 combined retention grade point average (University of Oklahoma and transfer work combined).
- Students must earn a minimum of a 2.00 retention grade point average on all University of Oklahoma coursework.
- Students must earn a minimum of a 2.50 retention grade point average in all major credit courses (University of Oklahoma and transfer work combined), and a 2.50 retention grade point average in major credit courses taken at the University of Oklahoma.
Ten-Year Limitation Rules
A student in the Department of International and Area Studies may elect to follow the degree requirements that were in place at the time of the student's first enrollment in the Oklahoma State System for Higher Education (excluding high school concurrent enrollment) or exercise the option to update to more current degree requirements, in consultation with the academic counselor. Those who elect to follow requirements in place at the time of their first enrollment in the Oklahoma State System for Higher Education must complete the requirements within a maximum of 10 calendar years from the date of that enrollment. If the work for a degree covers a period longer than 10 years, the student must update to the most current degree program requirements.
Credit in a student's major that is more than 10 years old may not be applied toward a bachelor's degree unless it is validated by the Department of International and Area Studies and the respective course departments.
Application for Graduation
Students are responsible for filing an official graduation application during their final semester. Graduation applications are submitted online through one.ou.edu. Failure to file the graduation application will result in the student not being eligible for graduation during that semester or term. Those students who plan to graduate in the fall are strongly encouraged to apply for graduation before September 15; those finishing in the spring before February 15; and those finishing in the summer before June 1. In addition to completing all academic requirements for the undergraduate degree, students must also pay all tuition and fees before the degree can be conferred. Students who complete all academic requirements but fail to pay tuition and fees before the beginning of the following semester or session will have the original graduation date printed on their diploma, but only after all tuition and fees are paid.
Special Degrees
Students may qualify for an Honors degree (cum Laude, Magna cum Laude, or Summa cum Laude) by completing specific requirements of the Honors College. A degree will be earned with Distinction if the student completes at least 60 semester hours at OU with at least a 3.60 combined retention GPA and OU retention GPA. A degree will be earned with Special Distinction if the student completes at least 60 semester hours at OU with at least a 3.90 combined retention GPA and OU retention GPA.
DEAN’S HONOR ROLL
The Department of International and Area Studies Honor Roll is compiled at the close of each fall and spring semester. It includes students who have completed at least 12 grade point hours and have earned an average of 3.50 or higher for the semester.
Students enrolled part-time for both the fall and spring semesters of an academic year will be included on the spring semester honor roll, provided that a 3.50 or better is earned for each semester on a minimum of six semester grade point hours with no withdrawals for either semester. There is no honor roll during the summer session or during intersession, and grades earned during these sessions are not included in determining eligibility for inclusion on regular semester honor rolls.
DOUBLE MAJORS
Students may earn two majors between the Department of International and Area Studies and the College of Arts and Sciences as part of a single degree, if they adhere to the following:
- Both majors may not be in the Department of International and Area Studies.
- One major must be in the Department of International and Area Studies, and the other major must be in a different college on OU Norman Campus.
- Both majors must be completed concurrently prior to graduation and must be awarded concurrently in the the same semester.
- The degree will be awarded when requirements for both majors are completed.
- Only one degree will be awarded, but the transcript will indicate both majors.
- Courses used to fulfill one of the majors or a minor may not be used toward either major.
- All general education, college, major, and major support requirements of both majors must be completed.
- The student will be awarded the degree (diploma) for the degree of their choice listed as their “primary” major.
For more information, please contact the Academic Services offices of the Department of International and Area Studies.
CONCURRENT DUAL DEGREES
Students may earn two degrees between the Department of International and Area Studies and another college on campus, if they adhere to the following:
- Both degrees may not be in the Department of International and Area Studies.
- One degree must be in the Department of International and Area Studies, and the other degree must be in a different college on OU Norman Campus.
- At least 30 additional credit hours, 15 of which must be upper-division level, must be completed, in addition to the minimum hours required for one degree. Example: most dual degrees will require a minimum of 150 hours with 63 upper-division hours.
- Both degrees must be completed concurrently prior to graduation and must be awarded concurrently in the same semester.
- The degrees will be awarded when requirements for both majors are completed.
- Two degrees will be awarded, and the transcript will indicate both majors.
- Courses used to fulfill one of the majors or a minor may not be used toward either major.
- All general education, college, major, and major support requirements of both degrees must be completed.
- The student will be awarded the diploma for each degree.
For more information, please contact the Academic Services offices of the Department of International and Area Studies.
ADDITIONAL BACHELOR’S DEGREES
Additional bachelor’s degrees may be earned from the Department of International and Area Studies by satisfying specific requirements beyond those required for a first degree from the department. Students may earn two degrees concurrently, or students holding a bachelor’s degree from another college within the University or from another institution may qualify for an additional (consecutive) degree. To earn an additional bachelor’s degree from the Department of International and Area Studies, a student must:
- Choose a major different from that of the prior degree(s). A student may not earn two degrees within the Department of International and Area Studies.
- Satisfy all current requirements of the additional degree program.
- Earn a minimum of 30 credit hours in International and Area Studies courses not applied toward a previous degree, 15 of which must be upper-division.
- Earn a minimum 2.00 average on all work attempted for the additional degree, along with any specific grade point average requirements for the chosen major (including a 2.5 major grade point average for the International and Area Studies degree).
- Meet the required residency regulations for the second degree.
Graduate Study
Refer to the Graduate tab on the Department of International and Area Studies of this catalog for information concerning graduate programs.
Opportunities
Scholarships and Financial Aid
In addition to general scholarships offered through the University of Oklahoma, the Department of International and Area Studies offers several scholarships sponsored by alumni and friends. IAS scholarships include:
- Admiral William J. Crowe, Jr. Award
- International Scholars Award
- Ambassador Edward J. Perkins Scholarship
- Student Support Grants
- St. Elijah’s and Anthony Shadid Award
- Board of Visitors Scholarship
- Thomas W. Adams Best Paper Award
- Latin American Studies Best Paper Contest
- Percy Buchanan Award for Undergraduate of Asian Studies
- Boren Scholars and Fellows Program (NSEP)
- Additional undergraduate and graduate level scholarships and awards
The Admiral William J. Crowe, Jr. Award is awarded annually to the most outstanding graduating senior in the Department of International and Area Studies. The Award recognizes an IAS student that has demonstrated high academic achievement, a commitment to public service and a desire to pursue a career in global affairs. The recipient receives a cash award and recognition at the IAS convocation.
Visit the International and Area Studies website for more information on the scholarships above and for application details.
International Student Scholarships
OU offers limited international student scholarships through Education Abroad and International Student Services.
- Cleo Cross Scholarship
- Greenberg Scholarship
- International Advisory Committee (IAC) International Student Emergency Relief Scholarship
- International Leadership Class (ILC)
- Paul and Rose Sharp Scholarship
- Sue Williams Service Award and Scholarship
- Yoshi and Koko Sasaki Scholarship
Students should contact the Student Financial Center, 1000 Asp Avenue, Room 105, Norman, OK 73019, 405-325-9000, for scholarship and financial aid information..
Courses
INTL 1000. Study Abroad.15 Credit Hours.
1 to 15 hours. Designed to facilitate student participation in study abroad and reciprocal exchange programs. (F, Sp, Su)
INTL 2000. Study Abroad.1-19 Credit Hours.
1 to 15 hours. Designed to facilitate student participation in study abroad and reciprocal exchange programs. (F, Sp, Su)
INTL 2970. Special Topics.1-16 Credit Hours.
1 to 15 hours. Designed to facilitate student participation in study abroad and reciprocal exchange programs. (F, Sp, Su)
INTL 3000. Study Abroad.1-15 Credit Hours.
1 to 15 hours. Designed to facilitate student participation in study abroad and reciprocal exchange programs. (F, Sp, Su)
INTL 4000. Study Abroad.1-15 Credit Hours.
1 to 15 hours. Designed to facilitate student participation in study abroad and reciprocal exchange programs. (F, Sp, Su)
INTL 4970. Special Topics.1-15 Credit Hours.
1 to 15 hours. Designed to facilitate student participation in study abroad and reciprocal exchange programs. (F, Sp, Su)
INTL 5000. Study Abroad.1-15 Credit Hours.
1 to 15 hours. Prerequisite: permission of the graduate dean and the student's major department before enrollment. Designed to facilitate student participation in study abroad and reciprocal exchange programs. (F, Sp, Su)
INTL 5940. Topics In International Relations.1-4 Credit Hours.
Topics In International Relations. 1 To 4 Hours. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing Or Permission Of Instructor. May Be Repeated With Change Of Content; Maximum Credit 9 Hours. Analysis Of One Or Several Selected Topics In International Relations, International Development, And/Or International Management. (Irreg.)
INTL 6000. Study Abroad.1-15 Credit Hours.
1 to 15 hours. Prerequisite: permission of the graduate dean and the student's major department before enrollment. Designed to facilitate student participation in study abroad and reciprocal exchange programs. (F, Sp, Su)