Regional Studies

The major in Regional Studies allows students to focus on the detailed study of one or more world regions associated with an SFS Center or Program:

  • Africa (Sub-Saharan)
  • Asia
  • Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific
  • Europe
  • The Indian Ocean (offered through GU-Q)
  • Latin America and the Caribbean
  • The Middle East and North Africa
  • Russia and Post-Soviet Eurasia

Students may also propose alternative regional foci that suit their academic interests. Alternatives must be presented by petition and approved by both the Advising Dean and Regional Studies Field Chair.

Goals of the Major

The study of particular regions of the world provides insights that ground theoretic understanding provided by the SFS core and elsewhere. Regional Studies students develop the insight, knowledge and skills needed to understand far-reaching challenges of the contemporary world. They become informed world citizens able to interpret actions and policies across the global arena. 

Students design their own curriculum In the Regional Studies major. Given this self-defined structure, students become responsible for their own education through grounding in a theories and methods course and regionally-focused courses selected to explore one or more topics in greater depth. The theoretical component and rigorous curriculum provide Regional Studies students with the analytical tools necessary for in-depth research. In addition, students acquire language skills appropriate to a region by taking a minimum of twelve credits of language or by passing the SFS proficiency exam in a language of the region. (Study of more than one region does not require study of an additional language.) Understanding of political, economic, social, and cultural realities, as well as language literacy, permits students to do highly specialized work. Graduates are prepared to enter careers in a broad range of fields, including government, law, education, business, and non-governmental organizations.

Objectives of the Major

Through a diverse combination of courses centered on a theme, the Regional Studies major requires students to research and understand a topic or concern within the context of a specific place or places. The major enables students to:

  • Understand the history, culture, and political economy of a region.
  • Develop analytical tools to understand and interpret regional themes.
  • Analyze and compare different aspects and complexities of world regions.
  • Explore and evaluate regional topics through a comprehensive study across multiple disciplines.
  • Engage with experts in SFS program centers dedicated to regionally-focused coursework and research.
  • Gain knowledge of, or proficiency in, a language specific to a region.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service in Regional

Courses in the SFS Core serve as foundational requisites of this major.

Students majoring in Regional Studies complete:

  • One course from a pre-approved list of theories and methods courses
  • Seven region-specific courses related to one region or divided between two regions
  • 12 credits of language or language proficiency in a language of the region (unless the regional language is English).

While students develop their own course of study with their Advising Dean and the Regional Studies Field Chair, they are encouraged to consider the course requirements and advising of the SFS Regional Studies certificates.

Writing in the Major

Students majoring in Regional Studies develop writing skills throughout their major coursework. They receive training in theories and methods to gain analytical tools for detailed regional studies, and they complete multiple writing assignments honing their research, writing, and presentation skills.  Finally, students who pursue the optional honors thesis gain significant experience in writing under the direction of a faculty mentor.

Honors in Regional Studies

Students considered for honors in the major write an honors thesis in senior year. 

In order to graduate with honors in Regional Studies, a student must:

  • Earn a cumulative grade point average of 3.50 and a grade point average of 3.67 in the major by the date of graduation.
  • Successfully complete two semesters of tutorial work and participate in the thesis writers workshop dedicated to preparation of the thesis.
  • Work closely with a faculty mentor and the Regional Studies Field Chair to develop and produce a high quality senior thesis based on original research on an approved topic.
  • Submit a senior thesis which is judged to be of honors quality by a faculty committee.

Regional Studies students who choose not to write a senior honors thesis are required to take the one credit RCST Portfolio course, RCST 4960, in the fall of senior year (beginning with the graduating class of 2026).  This course will provide Regional Studies students with a capstone experience. 

Additional information on the major and required coursework may be found on the BSFS website.

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