About the Program

One of five area studies programs in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, European Studies offers an academic major leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree. Students with an interest in the rapidly changing face of Europe may combine their work in a European language (currently Spanish, French, German, Italian, or Russian) with relevant courses from a wide range of disciplines, including: Economics, Political Science, History, Philosophy, Literature, Geography and the Fine Arts. Each student's program is tailored to individual interests, but all participants achieve a working understanding of the historical, political, economic, and cultural forces shaping today's Europe. A capstone colloquium focuses on a different topic each Spring.

Students electing to major in European Studies must also complete a second major. Popular choices have been: International Relations, Geography, History, Political Science, Economics, or a European language. The double competency achieved by this model widens career opportunities while simultaneously giving each student's program unusual depth. A period of study or work abroad is strongly encouraged. In most cases, students can complete both majors and an integrated period of study or work abroad within normal four year collegiate experience.

Because of the historic ties between the United States and Europe, virtually every sector of our economy, every branch of government and a steadily growing number of important non-governmental agencies provide career opportunities for individuals versed in European languages and informed about European issues. As the expansion of the European Union and the introduction of a single European monetary unit, the euro, take the different nations of Europe closer towards integration, the need in our public and private sectors for young men and women knowledgeable about this process and its consequences grows stronger. European Studies graduates are prepared to make significant contributions in the Foreign Service, in international banking, with non-governmental humanitarian, environmental, and relief agencies, as well as in the steadily growing number of transnational and global corporations operating in Europe. Other students will use the undergraduate degree in European Studies as preparation for law school; while still others will go on to seek graduate degrees in fields such as international relations or education. What unites European Studies majors is a deep interest in Europe and a desire to pursue that interest in one of the many careers which will enable them to continue to explore the rapidly changing contours of a perpetually fascinating continent.