The College of International Studies aspires to be a national center of excellence and innovation in international education. Our goals are to broaden international exchange and research partnerships and to enhance the global fluency of our students so they can become compassionate, open-minded global citizens and leaders.
The David L. Boren College of International Studies (CIS) advances international educational opportunities for all OU students. In the Institute for International Education's Open Doors report, CIS ranked 23rd in the nation for sending students abroad in 2020-2021, and in the top 40 for doctoral-granting institutions in 2018. CIS houses the Dean’s Staff, the Department of International and Area Studies, the office of Education Abroad, the office of International Student Services, the Center for English as a Second Language, the OU in Arezzo and OU in Puebla Study Centers, and several international institutes and centers. Together, these entities enhance research and learning about global affairs and amplify global engagement for the entire University of Oklahoma campus. Big 12 statement against racism
The Department of International and Area Studies is a multi-disciplinary department comprised of talented professors who study diverse regions and issue areas. IAS offers 9 majors, 11 minors, and 3 master's programs.
International Student Services assists more than 2,000 international students and dependents from over 130 countries. ISS offers guidance on student visas and U.S. immigration regulations and also facilitates students programs and activities.
Through Education Abroad, nearly 1,500 OU students study at approximately 80 countries each year. EA offers signature programs at International Study Centers in Mexico and Italy as well as faculty-led, exchange, affiliate, and direct enroll programs.
The Center for English as a Second Language offers intensive English language courses on OU's Norman campus. CESL prepares students to attend U.S. universities by teaching academic English and U.S. culture.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield is U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and a former colleague and friend of the late Ambassador Edward J. Perkins, the first executive director of the University of Oklahoma's International Programs Center, which became the College of International Studies. Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield sent her congratulations and well-wishes via video message on the occasion of the College's 10th anniversary celebration in November 2022.
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The scholars-at-risk program is an initiative of the College of International Studies to host scholars across the University of Oklahoma campus who have been displaced from their countries due to conflict or curtailing of academic freedoms.
The OU College of International Studies is proud to partner with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City to welcome Afghan refugees to the OKC metro area.
Learn about the College of International Studies Afghan Refugee Project
