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College of International Studies

International Studies Graduation

Welcome to the OU College of International Studies

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


New Office of Global Engagement

International students in graduation regalia carrying flags in a parade.

Education Abroad, International Student Services, and the Center for English as a Second Language have all moved under the Office of Global Engagement. The College of International Studies is still the home of the Department of International & Area Studies, our research centers, and other academic programs.

   Visit the Global Engagement Site

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.

Farzaneh Hall, with trees, a lamppost with an OU flag, and a red phone booth.

News and Events

March 01, 2024

OU Big Idea Challenge Funds CIS Faculty Research Project

Two CIS faculty members are among the recipients of OU's "Big Idea Challenge 2.0," a program facilitated by the Office of the Vice President for Research and Partnerships and designed to foster cross-disciplinary research projects. The projects selected for this year's challenge are focused on solving major worldwide challenges and are expected to attract substantial external funding in the future. The project involving CIS faculty is titled “Climate Information and Actionable Timescales for Climate Security in Latin America." It is led by Kathy Pegion, an associate professor and Williams Chair in the OU School of Meteorology, with co-principal investigators Fabio de Sa e Silva, Associate Professor of International Studies and Wick Cary Professor of Brazilian Studies in CIS, and Rachel Schwartz, Assistant Professor of International & Area Studies in CIS.


February 29, 2024

In Remembrance of College of International Studies Board Member Steve Dolman

CIS Board of Visitors member Steve Dolman passed away on February 16, 2024. CIS Interim Dean Jonathan Stalling has shared the below message reflecting on Dolman's legacy at the College of International Studies: Many CIS students, faculty and staff who call Farzaneh Hall their campus home enter the building each day through the double doors that open from the Marjorie Buchner Dolman Courtyard, and many of us take a moment every week to talk with colleagues, students or friends at one of several tables near the water fountain. Yet this space became all the more meaningful to us last week with the passing of Steve Dolman, a long-term advocate of OU Study Abroad and a longtime member of the CIS Board. His gift made in honor of his mother Marjorie has left a lasting legacy for our college by providing us with a lovely commons on our college grounds to meet and discuss global affairs, plan our next study abroad adventure, catch up on the news of the day, or simply sit alone to study for the next exam. A world traveler, international businessman, and Sooner through and through, I know seeing this shared space getting used daily is something that Steve would be proud of.


February 23, 2024

IAS Assistant Professor Hannah Chapman Publishes Book with Cambridge University Press

Hannah Chapman, who is an assistant professor of International & Area Studies as well as the Theodore Romanoff Assistant Professor of Russian Studies, has just published a new book with Cambridge University Press, Dialogue with the Dictator: Authoritarian Legitimation and Information Management in Putin's Russia. The book examines how non-democracies use quasi-democratic participation opportunities to shore up their regimes – and the potential costs of such strategies.


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!

Hannah Chapman
Theodore Romanoff Assistant Professor of Russian Studies and 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 and 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 Natioanl 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