David L. Boren College of International Studies

Farzaneh Hall, Room 118
729 Elm Ave.
Norman, OK 73019-5144
Phone: (405) 325-1396
FAX: (405) 325-7454
cis@ou.edu
www.ou.edu/cis

Administrative Officer 

• Jonathan Stalling, Ph.D., Interim Dean, College of International and
    Area Studies; Harold J. and Ruth Newman Chair in US-China Issues
    and Professor of International Studies; Co-Director, Institute for US-
    China Issues

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 academic Department of International and Area Studies 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 David L. Boren College of International Studies aspires to be a national center of excellence and innovation in international education. Our goals are to broaden international exchange and research partnerships and to enhance the global fluency of our students so they can become compassionate, open-minded global citizens and leaders. 

Programs Offered

Programs & Facilities

Research Centers and Programs

The David L. Boren College of International Studies is home to 10 research centers and institutes that engage with scholars from all over the world and promote cross-cultural collaboration throughout the university. These centers provide learning opportunities for students, faculty and the community alike, hosting events and guest speakers as well as other initiatives.  

• African Studies Institute, 
  The African Studies Institute (ASI) at the University of Oklahoma is an emerging, interdisciplinary center dedicated to research and the study of Africa, as well as building a community of those interested in Africa in the state of Oklahoma.

• Center for the Americas, 
  The Center for the Americas is dedicated to enhancing programming at the University of Oklahoma in several areas of the Western Hemisphere. Its major focus is in Latin America, but it also promotes activities on the Caribbean, Canada and global U.S. foreign policy.

• Center for Brazil Studies, 
  The Center for Brazil Studies is a hub for teaching, research and outreach relating to Brazil at the University of Oklahoma. The Center works in cooperation with other OU programs/centers, departments, and colleges, as well as with Brazilian institutions, academics and professionals, to provide the OU faculty and students with opportunities to develop language skills (Portuguese), to develop substantive knowledge on/professional experience in Brazil, to engage in contemporary Brazilian debates and to engage in research in, about and with Brazil.

• Center for Middle East Studies, 
  The goal of the Center for Middle East Studies (CMES) is to enrich Middle East programming at the University of Oklahoma. CMES brings three distinguished speakers to the University each semester, sponsors informal "brown bag" lunches, and supports Middle East events on campus.

• Center for Peace and Development, 
  The Center for Peace and Development (CPD) builds on OU’s longtime work with communities in northern Uganda. CPD brings together faculty and students from across the University’s varied disciplines to build collaborative partnerships with communities affected by conflict.

• Center for the Study of Nationalism, 
  The Center for the Study of Nationalism (CSN) engages OU faculty and students in the empirical and theoretical aspects of studying nationalism and related cultural and political issues, including: cultural authenticity and reinvention; self-determination and secession; ethnic conflict and civil war; immigration and citizenship; globalization, development and inequality; minority rights, accommodation and nation-building.

• Cyber Governance and Policy Center, 
  The Cyber Governance and Policy Center is dedicated to enhancing research-based understanding of policy and governance issues pertaining to modern information and communications technology, broadly understood to include cyber-physical systems. The center serves as a focal point for research on such issues at the University of Oklahoma, facilitating collaboration among faculty and graduate students across a range of disciplines including International Relations, Political Science, Law, Communications, Economics, Business, Engineering and Computer Science.

• European Union Center, 
  The European Union Center at OU was founded in September 2001, when University of Oklahoma became one of 15 national universities to host a center for European Union studies. Activities during the Center's first three years were supported by a grant awarded through a national competition by the Commission of the European Communities. The Center seeks to advance knowledge of the European Union at OU as well as throughout the local community, the state of Oklahoma, and the southwestern United States. The European Union Center at the University of Oklahoma has established a network of affiliates at universities throughout the southwest providing the program opportunities for reaching a broad regional audience.

• Farzaneh Family Center for Iranian and Persian Gulf Studies, 
  The Farzaneh Family Center for Iranian and Persian Gulf Studies aims to coordinate a variety of curricular, research and outreach activities at OU that explore the history and culture of Iran and the Persian-speaking world. These activities include lectures, conferences, film screenings, exhibits, concerts and other programs.

• Institute for US-China Issues, 
  The Institute for U.S.-China Issues at the University of Oklahoma was established in August 2006 with the generous financial support of Harold J. & Ruth Newman. The Institute seeks to enhance the understanding and management of U.S.-China relations by simultaneously addressing two sets of interrelated issue clusters — the security, technology, economic, environmental, public health and political (STEEPP) issues, and the instrumental role culture plays in shaping how the two nations perceive and engage each other. To achieve this goal, the Institute works along parallel tracks through public programming, research, publications, symposiums and teaching to tackle both the STEEPP and cultural issues confronting the two nations.

• MENA at OU, 
  The College of International Studies has launched a new "MENA at OU" webpage to serve as home to Middle East and North Africa studies, research, and programs at the University of Oklahoma. MENA covers peoples, cultures, and lands that relate to the Middle East, the Sahel and West Africa, East Africa, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, and their diasporas. 
   

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 Responsibilities

It is the student’s responsibility to make decisions during undergraduate study that ensure academic success and timely graduation. To make such important decisions, it is crucial that students know and understand the following:

• All requirements for admission to and completion of the degree program.
• The rules and regulations that govern enrollment and graduation.
• University deadlines.
• University policies and procedures.
• Availability of required courses to complete the degree.
• Where and when to go for help.

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. The academic counselors in this office answer 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. 

Academic Course Load

Students may enroll in a maximum of 19 credit hours of work in one semester. The minimum requirement for full-time status is 12 hours. To enroll in more than 19 hours, permission must be obtained from the Director of Academic Advising. Students must have minimum OU and combined GPAs of 3.0 in order to receive overload permission. 

Change of Enrollment

Deadlines for enrollment, adding a course, and dropping a course are published in the Academic Calendar. It is the student’s responsibility to meet deadlines set by the University for changing an enrollment. 

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. 

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 from any valid program year (beginning with those 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), in consultation with the academic counselor. Students must complete their requirements within a maximum of 10 calendar years from the date of their program year. If the work for a degree covers a period longer than 10 years, the student must update to more 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 must consult with their academic counselor prior to the beginning of their final semester or term to ensure that their final enrollment will complete all remaining graduation requirements. In order to graduate seniors must also complete a graduation application form and submit it during their final term of enrollment prior to published deadlines. 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 May 1; those finishing in the spring before December 1; and those finishing in the summer before March 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. 

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 another college at the University 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. 

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 Advising 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 or a similar degree program. 
• Be accepted to pursue an additional bachelor's degree by the College of International Studies through a petition process.  
• 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 David L. Boren College of International Studies offers several scholarships sponsored by alumni and friends. IAS scholarships include:

• Admiral William J. Crowe, Jr. Award
• Ambassador Edward J. Perkins Scholarship
• Student Support Grants and Emergency Relief Fund
• St. Elijah’s and Anthony Shadid Award
• Board of Visitors Scholarship
• Latin American Studies Best Paper Contest 
• Parsa Scholarship for Iranian 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. 

Student Life and Careers

The University of Oklahoma has a wide range of student organizations that may be of interest to College of International Studies students.   

Phi Beta Delta

Phi Beta Delta is an association that aims to recognize scholarly achievement in international education. Membership is open to all who qualify as an OU upper-classman or graduate student. 

Model United Nations

Model United Nations imitates the work of the UN and aims to gain a deeper understanding of the work they do in the world. One of MUN'S main tasks is to analyze the work that the UN does and try to simulate innovative ways such a large organization could become even more effective. MUN meets once a week on Mondays and hosts special events throughout the year. Each year, the group travles to their annual Midwest MUN Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, where they participate in debates and mock crisis-solving for three days with delegates from other universities. Model UN is open to all students, regardless of major or experience.

Fulbright

Sponsored by the US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Fulbright U.S. Student Program offers fellowships abroad for one academic year to graduating college seniors, graduate students, young professionals, scientists and artists. Program participants pursue graduate or professional study, advanced research, or English teaching in elementary and secondary schools or universities. Each year, approximately 1,600 Americans traveling to more than 140 countries receive support from the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. 

Peace Corps Prep Program 

The Peace Corps Prep Program (PC Prep) at the University of Oklahoma prepares students for service as a Peace Corps volunteer. Qualified undergraduate students can apply to take part in the program, which equips students in four areas: intercultural competence, sector-specific skills, language development, and professionalism and leadership. After completing the program, students receive a certificate from the Peace Corps. While completion of the program does not guarantee that applicants are selected for service, it makes students much more competitive applicants for Peace Corps volunteer positions. The program is open to all undergraduate students at the University of Oklahoma. 

Internships 

Internship experience can make a very valuable contribution to a student’s educational development, and students in the College of International Studies are strongly encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities when they become available. Under certain conditions, it is possible to earn academic credit for an internship in the Department of International and Area Studies.