Jun 17, 2026  
SUNY Orange 26-27 Catalog 
  
SUNY Orange 26-27 Catalog

International Studies, A.A.

Location(s): Middletown Campus, Distance Learning


Hegis # 5622

Program Description

The Associate in Arts degree program in International Studies provides students with a range of studies that emphasize the interconnections among global political, economic, social, and cultural events and processes. As globalization literally makes the world a smaller place, International Studies helps prepare students to take advantage of those changes, both in terms of their personal growth and career opportunities. The degree is designed to prepare students for transfer and continued academic success within a liberal arts setting, especially one dedicated to the study of international and global events. This program also features a solid grounding in liberal arts education.

The curriculum is designed to include a broad range of courses with international themes in the humanities and social sciences. In addition to core courses in the liberal arts common to many programs, International Studies requires students to take classes in foreign languages, international relations, world history and international literature. Through these courses, students will develop critical learning skills, a foundation of knowledge about the international system and the ability to clearly write, analyze and communicate about concepts in the discipline.

This degree has been approved by SUNY and NYS Education Department for online distance learning delivery. This does not mean that SUNY Orange offers every course in the program online; however, many are offered in this format. Please check the current credit course schedule for online DL virtual course listings offered each semester.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • demonstrate foundational knowledge of and an appreciation for the cultural, social, and natural worlds
  • recognize the diversity of human experience, values, and perspectives
  • demonstrate an understanding of the forms of artistic expression and their creative processes
  • apply critical thinking and systematic reasoning skills
  • demonstrate information management, quantitative skills, and an understanding of the role of empirical measurement
  • use effective oral and written communication skills
  • transfer to, and succeed at, an upper-level institution
  • understand the processes that contribute to globalization and increased interdependence among people, governments and states

Admission Criteria

Admission to this program requires that students be high school graduates or have high school equivalency diplomas (HSEs). If students are home schooled, they may be eligible for admission.

Transfer Options

SUNY Orange has special relationships with upper-level colleges and universities for transfer. These transfer institutions include:

  • four-year SUNY campuses
  • a variety of public and private four-year colleges with whom articulation agreements are under development

Your Career Coach

Career opportunities exist in the following fields:

  • language interpreter
  • high school teacher
  • international business
  • international law
  • government or diplomatic work
  • export-import work

Explore careers with Career Coach

International Studies Degree Map


International Studies Gateway Courses:


First Semester


Total Semester Credits: 16-17


Milestones
During this semester, students should:

  • Register for second semester classes

Second Semester


Total Semester Credits: 16-17


Milestones
During this semester, students should:

Third Semester


Total Semester Credits: 15


Milestones
During this semester, students should:

Fourth Semester


  • Credits/Units: 3 cr.
  • General Elective Credits/Units: 3 cr.
  • Liberal Arts Science or Math Credits/Units: 3-4 cr. **
  • Restricted Elective Credits/Units: 3 cr. ***
  • Restricted Elective Credits/Units: 3 cr. ***

Total Semester Credits: 15-16


Milestones
During this semester, students should:

  • Complete restricted electives (choose 2 from the list)
  • Complete language requirement (competency at or above 102 level)
  • Apply for graduation

Total Degree Credits: 62-64


Notes:
*Elementary 2 or higher

**Math elective, if chosen, must be MAT 113  or higher

***Choose two of the following courses: ECO 203 , HIS 220  (G5A), HIS 222  (G5A), HIS 223  (G5A), HIS 224  (G5A), HIS 233  (G5A), HIS 234  (G5A), Non-Western Art, Foreign Language Intermediate 1 (or higher), HIS 232  (G5A & G6A), BUS 207