Villanova University

What you'll study

The International Studies programme at Villanova is organised around an interdisciplinary core that blends theory and applied methods to understand processes of globalisation. Core topics typically include global governance and international institutions, comparative politics, international political economy, development studies, transnational migration, globalisation and culture, and regional area studies.

Students normally take:

• Foundational courses in international relations and globalisation theory.
• Methods courses in research design, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and policy evaluation.
• Electives that allow concentration in areas such as global development, human rights, international political economy, security studies, or regional specialisations (e.g. Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa).
• Language study, with a requirement to reach an intermediate or advanced competency in a modern language (options depend on current departmental offerings).
• An experiential component such as a credit-bearing internship, community-based research, or a practicum with a partner organisation.
• A senior capstone or honours project that synthesises coursework and research, often involving a substantial research paper or applied policy project.

Students are encouraged to combine International Studies coursework with minors or double majors in fields such as economics, political science, business, communication, or environmental studies to tailor their preparation for particular careers.

Entry requirements

Admission to Villanova University is based on a holistic review of secondary-school achievement and curricular preparation. Typical expectations for applicants to the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences include a strong academic record in core subjects, including social studies and English. Successful candidates usually present:

• A completed secondary-school diploma or equivalent with a competitive academic profile.
• Transcripts showing rigorous coursework; advanced or honours-level classes are advantageous.
• Personal statement or essay that demonstrates interest in global issues and an explanation of academic and extracurricular engagement.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or guidance counsellors that speak to academic promise and character.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency through recognised tests or other accepted measures.

There are no programme-specific standardised test minimums published here; applicants should consult Villanova admissions for current testing policies and any additional requirements for transfer students or credential evaluation for international applicants.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BA in International Studies and a focus on Globalization move into a wide range of public, private and third-sector roles. Common career paths include:

• Diplomacy and foreign service, or roles in consulates and international organisations.
• Public policy and government analysis at local, national or international levels.
• International development and humanitarian work with NGOs, foundations and multilateral agencies.
• International business, consulting, and global supply-chain or market roles that require cross-cultural understanding.
• Communications, journalism and advocacy on international topics.
• Graduate study in fields such as international relations, law, public policy, business administration or development studies.

Internships, study abroad, language skills and the senior capstone are key elements that employers and graduate programmes often look for in candidates from this discipline.

Why study at Villanova University

Villanova combines a strong liberal-arts curriculum with a distinctive commitment to service and ethical leadership rooted in its Augustinian values. The International Studies programme leverages small class sizes to provide faculty mentorship and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across departments.

Students benefit from a range of experiential learning opportunities, including established study-abroad partnerships, internship placements in Philadelphia and beyond, and community-engaged projects that connect classroom learning to real-world global challenges. The University's global learning office and language programmes support students in building the linguistic and professional skills that enhance graduate and career prospects.

Finally, the emphasis on ethics, civic responsibility and reflective practice prepares graduates not only to navigate global systems but to do so with a focus on social impact and responsible leadership.