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College of International Studies

Welcome to the OU College of International Studies

Bringing the world to the heartland and University of Oklahoma students to the world.

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The David L. Boren College of International Studies at the University of Oklahoma offers a unique small-college experience within a flagship research University. Behind the doors of beautiful Farzaneh Hall, you will find an intellectually curious, diverse community of students, professors and staff who care — not only about the issues facing our world, but about each other. Here you will find small classes, impromptu post-class discussions, prominent and influential guest speakers, unique international events and programming, and above all, opportunity. Do you want to pursue an internship in Washington, D.C.? An undergraduate research project that will take you to your first academic conference? A study abroad program in a country far from home? At CIS, it’s possible. And our faculty and staff will support you all the way.

With a multi-disciplinary curriculum offering 9 majors, 11 minors, 2 graduate programs, and an accelerated BA/MA degree, the College of International Studies offers a strong foundation of knowledge across multiple international fields of study with the flexibility to accommodate diverse interests and career goals. We provide a range of scholarships specifically for our majors, and we strongly support participation in study abroad and away programs. A degree in International & Area Studies from OU not only opens the door to a global career, but fosters an international perspective and growth mindset that distinguishes our alumni on the job market.

Why Choose a Major or Minor in CIS?

  •  Supportive, small liberal arts atmosphere with an emphasis on small classes and hands-on learning. 
  • A welcoming community that allows you to connect with your professors and classmates and participate in fun activities and meaningful events 
  • A record of success connecting undergraduate students with research, internship and international opportunities
  • A world-class faculty who are experts in a wide range of regions and specialties
  • An exceptionally international college where students and faculty of different backgrounds, nationalities, experiences and perspectives come together in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding and dedicated to preparing students for careers with purpose
  • Regular events and speakers hosted by our nine international research centers, as well as a close relationship with international student programs, provide many extracurricular ways to meet friends, learn and share ideas
  • Alumni go on to successful careers in diplomacy, government and intelligence agencies, think tanks, Humanitarian and Development nonprofits and NGOs, politics, international journalism, business, security, academia and more

Meet Our Faculty

Learn more about some of our CIS faculty, the journeys that led them to international studies, and what to expect from their classes!

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Hannah Chapman

Theodore Romanoff Assistant Professor of Russian Studies
Assistant Professor, International & Area Studies


Currently teaching:
IAS 3003 How to Be a Dictator
IAS 5723 Global Policy Workshop

Fall 2024 courses:
IAS 5940 Russian Foreign Policy


Fabio de Sa e Silva

Associate Professor of International Studies
Wick Cary Professor of Brazilian Studies


Currently teaching:
IAS 2003 Understanding the Global Community
IAS 3353 Modern Brazil


John Emery

Assistant Professor of International Security


Currently teaching:
IAS 3003 National Security Policy
IAS 5003 U.S. Foreign Relations

Fall 2024 courses:
IAS 3303 National Security Policy
IAS 3823 Technology & War


Manata Hashemi

Farzaneh Family Associate Professor of Iranian Studies


Currently teaching:
IAS 3393 Iranian Society Through Cinema
IAS 3763 Women and Gender in the Middle East

Fall 2024 courses:
IAS 3983 Anti-Muslim Racism


Natalie Letsa

Wick Cary Assistant Professor of Political Economy


Currently teaching:
IAS 5583 African Politics and Society

Fall 2024 courses:
IAS 3323 Political Economy of Development
IAS 3792 African Politics and Society


Rachel Schwartz

Assistant Professor of International & Area Studies


Currently teaching:
IAS 3543 International Peacebuilding
IAS 5902 Global Political Turbulence

Fall 2024 courses:
IAS 2133 International Sports
IAS 3313 Latin American International Relations

News and Events

Sooner Magazine
September 18, 2024

A Strategic Alliance

Distinguished combat veterans bring decades of hard-won defense experience to OADII



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