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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
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  Enroll for Summer  

Make a plan, review the course schedule, find a class, and enroll in OU summer semester. Banked hours may be available to reduce the cost of summer courses.

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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 5723.001 Global Policy Workshop

Fall 2025 courses:
IAS 3003.001 How to Be a Dictator
IAS 3003.003 Comparative Politics and Society


Fabio de Sa e Silva

Associate Professor of International Studies
Wick Cary Professor of Brazilian Studies


Currently teaching:
Sabatical

Fall 2025 Courses:
IAS 2003.010 Understanding the Global Community
IAS 5940.002 Autocratic Legalism


Joshua Landis

Sandra Mackey Chair and Professor in Middle East Studies

Director, Farzaneh Family Center for Iranian and Persian Gulf Studies

Director, Center for Middle East Studies


Currently teaching:
IAS 3433.0001 International Relations in the Middle East

Fall 2025 courses:
IAS 3203.001 Middle East Since WW1


Manata Hashemi

Farzaneh Family Associate Professor of Iranian Studies


Currently teaching:
IAS 3683.001 Poverty & Inequity in the Middle East
IAS 3393.001 Iranian Society Through Cinema

Fall 2025 courses:
IAS 3763.001 Women & Gender in the Middle East
IAS 3983.001 Anti-Muslim Racism


Natalie Letsa

Wick Cary Assistant Professor of Political Economy


Currently teaching:
IAS 3813 Development Practice
IAS 4013 Senior Capstone

Fall 2025 courses:
Planned Sabattical


Rachel Schwartz

Assistant Professor of International & Area Studies


Currently teaching:
Visiting Fellow at Notre Dame

Fall 2025 courses:
IAS 3313.001 Latin American International Relations
IAS 3533.001 Political Violence

News

Campus & Community
October 14, 2024

Former US Ambassador to Russia Discusses New Book, Diplomatic Experiences

John J. Sullivan, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia, recently visited the University of Oklahoma to discuss his newly published book, Midnight in Moscow, a Memoir from the Front Lines of Russia’s War Against the West.



Events

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