University of San Diego

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree builds regional expertise by combining coursework from humanities, social sciences and professional schools. Core elements typically include regional history and comparative politics, cultural and literary studies, contemporary economic and development issues, and intensive language study relevant to the chosen region.

Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• Regional Foundations: courses on the history, society and political institutions of the chosen region (for example Latin America, East Asia, Europe, the Middle East or Africa).
• Language Acquisition: progressive language courses that move students toward professional-level proficiency; opportunities for immersion and language practicum.
• Politics and International Relations: modules on diplomacy, conflict and cooperation, regional organisations and foreign policy.
• Culture and Society: literature, film, religion and cultural studies that provide context for contemporary issues.
• Economics and Development: courses examining trade, development policy, migration and regional economic integration.
• Research Methods and Capstone: training in qualitative and quantitative methods, leading to a senior thesis or capstone project focused on a region-specific question.
• Experiential Learning: study abroad, internships with local consulates, NGOs, border-focused research projects, or community-based placements in the San Diego region.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of San Diego is competitive and based on a holistic review of the applicant. Typical undergraduate entry criteria for the Area Studies programme include:

• A completed secondary school qualification or equivalent recognised by USD.
• A solid academic record with emphasis on social sciences, humanities and language study where available.
• Standard application materials: personal statement, high school transcript and letters of recommendation or counselor report as required through USD's undergraduate admissions process.
• Evidence of language interest or prior language study is advantageous but not always required; placement testing may be used to set appropriate language courses.
• International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements through accepted tests or alternative demonstrations of proficiency.

Transfer students will be evaluated on college-level coursework, and those with prior regional studies, language credits or relevant coursework may receive credit toward the degree. Contact USD Admissions or the programme advisor for detailed articulation and credit-evaluation guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates with an Area Studies degree combine subject-matter expertise and transferable skills valued by employers. Career pathways commonly pursued include:

• Diplomatic service and foreign ministries, consular work and international governance positions.
• International NGOs, humanitarian organisations and development agencies working on region-specific programmes.
• Global business and trade roles requiring regional market knowledge, cultural fluency and language skills.
• Journalism, media and communications focused on international reporting and analysis.
• Education and academia, including teaching languages or regional studies and progression to graduate research degrees.
• Public policy, think tanks and research institutes concentrating on regional security, migration and economic policy.
• Cultural heritage, museum work and public diplomacy roles that draw on cultural competency and contextual knowledge.

Internships and study abroad experiences available through USD often help students build professional networks and practical experience that are directly applicable to these fields.

Why study at University of San Diego

The University of San Diego offers a liberal arts environment with small class sizes and an interdisciplinary approach well suited to Area Studies. Students benefit from personalised attention from faculty who bring regional expertise and applied research perspectives.

San Diego’s geographic location and international ties provide practical advantages: proximity to consulates and cross-border organisations, a strong NGO sector, and extensive opportunities for internships focused on border issues, immigration, trade and bi-national cooperation. USD also supports study abroad and exchange programmes that enable immersive regional learning and language development. Together, these academic and experiential resources make USD a practical choice for students seeking rigorous regional study combined with hands-on professional preparation.