International Studies and Communication

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Washington
1

<p>I'm hoping to major in international studies and communication. I was looking at the UW website, and it says that these two majors are competitive. During my orientation, the OLs said that some majors say that they're competitive, but in reality, a lot of people are able to get in. </p>

<p>I've heard that international studies really IS a competitive major, so does anyone know what they look for when they accept people? I'm planning on taking the pre-requisites (and hoping to get decent grades in them), but what else? It says that knowledge in a language and international experience are important, but I don't think I have much experience in either of those (even though I can speak Korean and I took French for a couple years...I haven't traveled a lot). The only thing I'm confident about is writing a solid personal statement.</p>

<p>And is comm with the journalism option really that competitive? What do they look for?</p>

<p>I'm planning on meeting with an advisor soon, but I was just wondering if anyone around here had any ideas. Thanks!</p>

2

<p>International studies <em>is</em> competitive, and I don't know what they look for. A classmate of my son applied to the major (Jackson School) and didn't get in, despite being on the Dean's list for 2 years, fluency in an Eastern European language, and lots of travel in that country as well. Good luck!</p>

3

<p>Oh....well, now that's just lovely. It's like a well-rounded, 3.7+ student getting rejected at UW. Thanks though!</p>

4

<p>I sat down with an advisor from International Studies, and here's what she told me: They look closely at your overall GPA, and specifically at how you faired in the prereq SIS class (that's critical, she said). Of course, the other application components will be important as well. Her advice to me was to apply as early as possible since I have a good cum. GPA and got a 3.9 in the prereq SIS class I took. She said, "If you wait longer to apply, you never know how your grades might affect your admission chances. It'd be better to apply while you already have a good GPA." I'm not sure how helpful this was, but I hope it helps a little.</p>

5

<p>So you took Econ 200/201 and SIS 200/201 then? How hard are those classes? And did you end up applying? What was your cumulative GPA? I'm having 90 credits transferring over from Running Start, and my unofficial transcript says my GPA is 3.44...so does that mean that's my GPA right now? </p>

<p>I probably won't be able to apply until winter quarter. Hopefully not spring... because I'm trying to get into SIS 200 right now. The lecture section is still open, and there's ONE more spot open in the quiz section, but I need an add code. The time schedule says it's at MGH 211, but I live three hours away..someone I know who's in Seattle right now might be able to get it for me, but I'm not sure...</p>

6

<p>I have taken Econ 200 (got a 3.3), Econ 201 (got a 3.0), and SIS 201 (got a 3.9). Econ 200 is actually pretty easy; a lot of people get 4.0s in that class. I didn't apply myself as much as I should've in that class (nor Econ 201), so my grades aren't that great in Econ. </p>

<p>When you take Econ 200, make sure you take full advantage of the CLUE session for it (the tutoring help). The CLUE instructor, Jae (if she teaches it again next year), will help you a ton. I wouldn't done as well as I did had it not been for her. Econ 201, on the other hand, was a little more difficult. I took it in a 40 person class taught by a TA (whereas Econ 200 I took in a 700 person lecture). There was no CLUE session for it that quarter. </p>

<p>I am taking SIS 200 this fall (I'll have more to say about this a little later), but I took SIS 201 last spring. I can tell you both from my own experience and from friends' experiences that SIS classes are much more demanding than say a Poli Sci class. Why? They expect a higher level of reading and writing while covering a broader range of topics. For example, in SIS 201, I had 7 books for the 10-week course. We were reading several books at once and had to write several shorts papers (1 page analysis--which is harder than it sounds because they expect it to be jam-packed with ideas that normally take up 2 or 3 pages), a 10-page research paper, and then of course the final. For me, I loved SIS (hence, I'm applying to the major this fall), so the course wasn't as hard to me as it was for others. </p>

<p>To answer your other questions, like I said above I will be applying to the SIS major this fall. My cumulative GPA is a 3.58 (not including a 3.85 from transfer credits). I'm not sure how Running Start credits transfer, but if they transfer like my college-in-the-high-school credits then they don't factor into your UW cumulative GPA. The SIS office, however, will take it into consideration when reviewing your application. I'm not sure if this is making sense to you. Let me know if I can clarify.</p>

<p>Finally, the one spot in the quiz section for SIS 200 is actually for one of the two honors sections (which would be even more challenging than the regular section but still manageable, I think). MGH 211 is the honors office, and I'm sure if you call them (website's here: <a href="http://depts.washington.edu/uwhonors/%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://depts.washington.edu/uwhonors/&lt;/a&gt;) you can find out more information. They're very friendly. I don't know if you're in the Honors Program, but if you're not, non-Honors students can still take Honors classes.</p>

<p>I hope this helps. Let me know if I can answer any more questions for you.</p>

7

<p>Thanks a lot! That really does help. So I'm still not exactly sure what a quiz section is and what you do in that class. I'm thinking it's like a conference/lab that we had in Running Start, where the lecture class is broken down into smaller groups, you have more one-on-one time with the instructor, and focus more on homework/group activities/exams?</p>

<p>Econ 201...you can take Geog 123 instead of class, can't you? I'm registered for Geog 123 for fall quarter since I'm thinking about minoring in geography (it sounds really interesting).</p>

<p>Is SIS 200 offered all throughout the year, or is it just fall quarter that it's offered? I suppose I could just take it winter quarter if I don't get into that quiz section. Or take SIS 201...Hmm, do you think if I email the Honors office they'll give me the add code??? Also I've heard that if a class gets full, sometimes you can email the professor and ask them if they'll let you in because you're planning on majoring in it or something...is that true?</p>

<p>Finally, what kind of "international experience" and language ability do you have? This is probably the requirement I'm most worried about. I don't really have any international experience...I took French for a couple quarters at the CC, though I didn't even take any of the second year courses for some reason...I passed the Korean proficiency test and it told me to register for 411..</p>

8

<p>I'm glad it was helpful. You are right about what a quiz section is. Normally, large lecture classes at UW (ranging anywhere from 80 to 700 people) are taught by a professor or instructor. However, they only lecture. You'll have a TA who helps you understand the lecture and course material more in quiz sections. I've found that it's sometimes the TA that makes or breaks the class. I had a fantastic TA for SIS 201 and loved the class (even though the prof was dreadfully dull--I skipped several lectures but never my quiz section). Also, the quiz section is really where you earn your grade. The prof doesn't grade anything. Your TA decides what your grade will be. Once in a while (I have only seen this once), the prof will sit in on your TA's quiz section. </p>

<p>Yes, you are right that you can take Geog 123 instead of Econ 201 (you still have to take Econ 200, of course). I wish I could've taken Geog 123 instead of Econ 201, but I'm also majoring in Business Administration so I had to take Econ 201.</p>

<p>As for SIS 200, yes, I believe it is offered year-round. I just checked the course guide and it doesn't say that it's limited to certain quarters. However, I would check with the Jackson School just to be sure. You can take either SIS 200 or SIS 201, but if you're hoping to major in International Studies it doesn't really matter since you'll have to take both. You can try emailing the Honors office, but I just received an Honors email today that said there were no more spots left in that section. And yes, you are also correct that sometimes a prof will give you an add code even though the class is full. Keep in mind, though, that there will be many other students doing the same thing so make sure to do it early.</p>

<p>As for my "international experience" and language ability, I don't really have much international travel experience (although I'm studying in Germany starting in two weeks--Exploration Seminars, definitely recommend checking out this program), but I speak Mandarin Chinese and studied French from second grade through senior year in high school (with a three-year gap in between). Most of my "international experience" has come from my work/service in the community during high school: started a Model UN club at my high school and later went on to serve as Vice Chairman of the Board for the city's World Affairs Council until I started at UW. </p>

<p>Personally, I think you'll be fine. Don't worry about it too much. If I could offer any advice, I'd say take a broad range of classes so you have several major options. It will buy you more time to decide what you really want to study (I changed my major several times in just my freshman year based on class experiences and other factors). If have any more questions, I'd be glad to answer them. You can always send me an email too.</p>

9

<p>Oh, wow, business administration and international studies...that's awesome. My mom wanted me to do business admin, but I'm intimidated by the pre-requisites (seems like a lot of math...I'm really bad at math, haha). And wow again, you studied French from second grade through senior year?! That's amazing. </p>

<p>I had a lot of opportunities to prepare myself better at my CC, but it wasn't until winter to spring quarter last year that I finally found classes that really peaked my interests. What year are you, by the way? I'm really a freshman but according to my credits I'm a "junior"...I'm feeling pressured to declare a major really soon because of that 105 credit rule (even though I can do a pre-major extension). But I'm pretty sure I have a solid list of the three main areas I'm really interested in: international studies, comm/journalism, and geography (minor). I'm also interested in international health, although I'm not sure what kind of major that would fall into at the UW.</p>

<p>Have you taken poly sci 203, intro to international relations? I was reading the course description, and it seems interesting, but seems like more of an SIS course. Is it offered as an SIS class too (like how intro to globalization is an SIS and Geog class)?</p>

10

<p>You shouldn't be intimidated by the Business pre-reqs. =) I'm not great at math either, but I only really had to take one actual math class (Math 124). Oh, all those years of French didn't really help me. I'm pitiful at French. haha.</p>

<p>You're in a better position than most students your age in that you've had that experience of exploring classes to find your interest. I'm entering my second year at UW (I'll be 2 credits from junior status after fall quarter). You do have a shorter time to decide on your major. International Studies is great at UW. This study abroad program I'm doing is through the Jackson School (sort of). If you're interested in international health, check out the public health major (I have a few friends majoring in that so if you'd like to talk to them let me know and I can connect you to them). I'm not sure how well it matches your interests, but I would definitely talk to an advisor who can point you in the right direction. They'd probably be able to tell you about a major that fits your interests, one that you or I might not even know of. </p>

<p>Yes, I have taken Poli Sci 203. In fact, I took it during winter quarter before I took SIS 201 in the spring. I don't think it was a huge reason for my getting the grade that I got in that class, but it was semi-helpful at least. It sounds interesting (and it can be), but I found the class to be less interesting than the description made it to be. The prof wasn't too bad, but like I said above, the TA can really influence your classroom experience. In this case, my TA wasn't a very effective nor engaging instructor (unlike my SIS TA), so I didn't enjoy the class as much. Final grade was a 3.2. This class is not offered as an SIS class (at least not to my knowledge) since SIS 201 is pretty much in the same range except on a more global scale. Poli Sci 203 focuses on the US and its policy throughout the 20th century and into today. Who knows, though. If you took both classes, you might have a completely different experience.</p>

11

<p>Awesome. Just awesome. Thanks so much for the info. You rock. (:</p>

<p>I'll definitely be meeting up with an advisor soon to plan things out. I don't think I can do the comm. pre-reqs this quarter because the quiz section causes a time conflict with the econ quiz section. One thing for sure that's different about UW is that it seems like almost every class has a lecture and quiz section that you need to register for separately. It's annoying. Haha. I've been trying to figure things out myself, but it's not working. Haha. Hmm...if SIS 201 is on a more global scale, then I'd probably enjoy it more....But yeah, who knows. </p>

<p>I think I've run out of questions, but more will probably turn up sooner or later...you've definitely helped a lot. (:</p>

<p>But anyway, have fun in Europe!! And if I do get into SIS 200, maybe I'll see you in class!</p>

12

<p>No problem! My pleasure. If you do happen to think of more questions, go ahead and send me an email. I'm bringing my laptop with me to Germany so I can still respond. =) Good luck!</p>

13

<p>I just found this thread but I'm a junior that is an International Studies major. I got fairly good grades in all of my intro classes, but I didn't have much international experience and definitely didn't have fluency in any language. I was worried about this too, but my TA told me that they know that some people just haven't had the same opportunities and they are using college to become fluent in a language and more worldly. What they really look for is passion for the subject along with your grades. However one think I do know they don't like as much is double majors-- they usually take people that are focused only on International Studies (not to say you can't just declare later because I'm doubling in Asian Studies now).</p>

<p>I've virtually memorized the International Studies major requirements and have visited the advisers multiple times so if you have any questions just let me know. Also any questions about classes are great too because I've taken a bunch of SIS classes and a lot of my friends are SIS majors too.</p>

<p>Haha I bet the dull teacher was Bachman! I had him for 201 too... Also a warning to you that 202 is traditionally a terrible class because it isn't as organized as 200 or 201 is and it really depends on who is teaching it. Also stay the HELL away from Chaloupka classes.</p>

14

<p>Oh...they don't really like double majors??? I really really wanted to apply to international studies by winter quarter, but all the SIS 200 quiz sections are closed. I've been checking the schedule everyday, but it doesn't seem like any of them will be opening any time soon...</p>

<p>But I'll be ready to apply to journalism by winter quarter, so do you think it'll be best to apply to international studies first, get accepted (hopefully), and THEN apply to journalism?</p>

<p>That's interesting, though. I have heard that international studies is a difficult major with a lot of reading, so I guess I can understand why they would prefer students who focused primarily on international studies. But at the same time, I think it's kinda unfair.</p>

<p>So...the international studies pre-requisites are:
Econ 200 or Econ 201/SIS/Geog 123
and
SIS 200 or SIS 201</p>

<p>It wouldn't really matter WHICH of those classes I take, would it? For example, right now I'm only registered for SIS/Geog 123. I know that Econ 200 is required anyway, but do they prefer that you take one class or the other for a pre-req? Like do they prefer you take SIS 200 over SIS 201? Or should you just take all of them???</p>

<p>One other question: the SIS 200 time schedule says: </p>

<p>"NO OVERLOADS EXCEPT FROM INSTRUCTOR IN FIRST WEEK OF CLASS. MUST<br>
ATTEND FIRST DAY TO LEARN OVERLOAD POLICY."</p>

<p>Is this only for the lecture section?</p>

15

<p>seaissa, you're right. The dull professor WAS Bachman! Man, did he put me to sleep. </p>

<p>What would you suggest then as far as my plans for the double degree? I spoke with a Business School advisor today, and I'm pretty much set on that end. As for SIS, I've met with the advisor as well, and she said that I should just apply to the Jackson School this fall. My other option is to just major in Business with a minor in International Studies. That might actually suit my interests more since I don't really have a passion for Mandarin (I'm going to be taking CHIN 211-213 this year if I continue on this route). If I minor in International Studies, I won't need the foreign language requirement assuming I get into the Business School. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations?</p>

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<p>Tennis07--</p>

<p>I would still check the time schedule to see if anyone drops 200 by the time school starts. Even if you aren't successful you can at least go to the first day of class, talk to the professor to learn the overload policy and see if anyone drops it within the first couple days. I think that if they allow you to overload the lecture they would have to let you overload the quiz section as well. That said by talking to the professor during the first day of class he will tell you all of the policies.</p>

<p>My advice if you are worried that being a double major will be a factor in the decision process is to first see if you can find out if the journalism major cares about it at all. If they don't then I would probably apply to the International Studies major first, but if they do then I would pick which one you want to get into more. However I also want to point out I have known people who got into the International Studies major with another major so I know it isn't impossible.</p>

<p>They don't prefer any of the intro classes over another. When I applied to the major I had only taken ECON 200 and SIS 201 and was enrolled in SIS 200. I've heard that the more intro classes you have completed the better, but really the most important factor is your grades.</p>

<p>Proud Husky--</p>

<p>Arg I have to take more Bachman classes because he teaches a bunch of intro Asian Studies courses.</p>

<p>I think it wouldn't hurt to apply to the International Studies major if you are interested in it. If you decide that you don't want to continue with Mandarin then you can always switch it to the minor. That said the International Studies major is pretty intense to double major in because of all of the requirements (I'm currently dreading the qualifying paper I have to do next quarter). However, one of the perks of the major is getting to take a lot of classes that are restricted to major only.</p>