Bachelor of Arts in International Studies

The aim of the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies program is to provide students with the essential concepts, theories, approaches, and tools for explaining social, political, economic, and cultural phenomena that extend beyond national boundaries and further understanding the community of states. The program is designed for students that would enable them to scrutinize contemporary problems and trends that occur on a global scale and to find practical and/or innovative solutions to address these issues. Further, students will be equipped with relevant lifelong skills and competencies that are needed in the workforce and different work environments, such as in the civil service, academe, international non-government organizations, non-government organizations, private think tanks, research-based institutions, the private sector, and most especially the foreign service.

Consistent with these objectives, the said program provides courses on the following key subject areas through a multidisciplinary lens: IR theories, diplomatic practice, foreign policy and security policy analyses, international development studies, international political economy, international and regional organizations, world history, religions, philosophies, and cultures. This likewise offers elective courses and special topics on current issues in IR, international humanitarian law and human rights, defense and national security policy-making, the age of the Anthropocene and its global environmental issues, and issues concerning gender. Additionally, the program prepares students to pursue further studies in IR, law, and other related or allied fields.

1. Demonstrate critical thinking through scientific studies and conducting research in investigating and understanding the concept of the ‘international’.

2. Understand the cross-cultural context of local, regional, and international organizations in ever-changing global and international scenes.

3. Develop oral and written communication skills needed by consular, diplomatic, and policymaking sectors.

4. Identify and apply essential concepts, theories, and approaches in International Relations (IR), as well as selected allied disciplines for effective analysis.

5. Exhibit various sensitivities to different cultures, religions, social settings, and environmental aspects.

6. Engage in the development of the discipline and international society as a collaborative stakeholder.

• Upper 50% of those who passed the PUP College Entrance Test (PUPCET)

• 85% or better Senior High School Average

• Interview by the Dean, Chairperson, or any authorized representative

The program adopts the University retention policy.

The Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (BAIS) program develops students who are oriented toward the multi-disciplinary study of human and state relations across borders. Helping them understand and promote inter-socio-cultural relations in the era of an open global society and preparing them to comprehend current international political events. Since BAIS course promotes the study of international relations, international organizations, strategic and security studies, and even the intricacies of globalization and how it globally affects societies, its graduates are expected to enter and have careers primarily in the Diplomatic Corps, Policy Think Tanks, Government Sector, Private and Business Sector, The Academe, Civil Society and in International Development Organizations.

Entry-level job

• Diplomatic or Consular Staff in the Foreign Affairs Department or Embassies

• Technical and Administrative Staff positions in the Civil Service or Bureaucracy, INGOs, NGOs.

• Immigration Assistant/Officer in the Bureau of Immigration

• Foreign Policy / International Relations Researcher in the academe, international organizations, Government, non-government organizations, private think tanks, research-based institutions, and the private sector

• Legislative or Executive Staff/Assistants of elected public officials

• High School/Senior High School Teacher after passing the LET, and College Lecturer/Instructor in Academic Institutions

• International Aid Worker/ International Organization Staff in International Non-Government Organizations

Advanced Office Positions

• Foreign Service Officer / Diplomat / Labor Attaché / Consul (Once passed all the levels of FSO Exams)

• Executive or Managerial positions in the Civil Service or Bureaucracy

• Senior Foreign Policy-Maker/ Senior Foreign Policy Specialist in the government

• International Security and Foreign Affairs Researcher for Military and Government Agencies

• Senior Research Officer/ Research and Survey Analyst / Specialist in Private and Government Think Tanks

• Elected Legislator / Elected Government Executive

• NGO Officer/ Director

• Conflict / Peace Mediator for International Organizations and the Government

• BPO Executives (congruence with the entry-level)

• International Aid Director/ International Organization Official

• International Relations Consultant

• Faculty Member in Colleges and Universities and/or Administrator in Academic Institutions

• Lawyer (after passing the BAR Examination)