Study international cultures, economies, and politics, and explore the challenges and opportunities facing the contemporary world from different disciplinary perspectives.
Why Choose UNC Asheville’s International Studies Program?
Student Spotlight
Andrea Carver (Class of ’22), with a concentration in International Studies and Interdisciplinary Certificate in Sustainability, started the Lights Out Program, which works with building managers, building owners, tenants, and residents to protect migrating birds by turning their lights off from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Joe Franco is graduating with a major in International Studies in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program and a minor in Environmental Studies. He worked as the UNCA Bike Shop Supervisor for several years and completed an undergraduate research project titled “Researching Bike Accessibility on the UNC Asheville Campus and in the Community of Asheville, NC” with faculty advisor, Alison Ormsby. Additionally, Joe has been very involved with the UNCA hub of the Sunrise Movement, a youth-led climate justice organization. After graduation, he plans to travel throughout Latin America before finding a job in the sustainability field.
International Studies Outside the Classroom
At UNC Asheville, your education reaches far beyond the traditional classroom setting. We enrich your time with us through unique campus experiences, including connecting with your peers at Highsmith Student Union, joining a student club or organization, and more.
Student Club
Immerse yourself in an uplifting environment where students encourage one another to build cultural competencies, think critically, take action, and inspire change. With so many student groups to choose from, including Asian Students in Asheville (A.S.I.A.) and the Native American Student Association (NASA), we’re sure you can find a place to thrive.
Don’t see a club you’re interested in? You can also start your own!
Faculty
Our international studies program thrives on the contributions of our diverse and dedicated faculty. These faculty members infuse their wealth of expertise into the learning experience, nurturing a global perspective among our students. More than educators, they are mentors who actively guide students through a transformative journey of exploration and understanding.
Amanda Wray, Ph.D.
Director of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies
| Office: 213 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6412 |
| Email: awray1@unca.edu |
Renuka Gusain, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Interdisciplinary; International Studies and Humanities; HUM 214 Coordinator; CTL Faculty Fellow, 2021-24
| Office: 214 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-3952 |
| Email: rgusain@unca.edu |
Trey Adcock, Ph.D.
ᏣᎳᎩᎯ ᎠᏰᎵ, Cherokee Nation; Associate Professor, Director of American Indian & Indigenous Studies; International Studies
| Office: 214 Zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6961 |
| Email: ladcock1@unca.edu |
Laura Bond, M.F.A.
Professor of Drama & Interdisciplinary Studies
| Office: 120 Whitesides Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-2992 |
| Email: lbond@unca.edu |
Anne Jansen, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary, International Studies and English; Director of US Ethnic Studies; Diversity Intensive Committee Chair
| Office: 212 Karpen Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6582 |
| Email: ajansen@unca.edu |
Jinhua Li, Ph.D.
Professor of Chinese Studies & Language, and International, Interdisciplinary Studies; Faculty-Led Global Studies Program Coordinator
| Office: 213 zeis Hall |
| Phone: (828) 232-5135 |
| Email: jli@unca.edu |
Careers and Outcomes
Both the international studies minor and concentration programs provide an excellent background for those interested in working for government agencies, non-governmental organizations such as the United Nations, and private voluntary and humanitarian organizations.
Graduates may find positions in diplomatic relations, market and trade analysis, international healthcare, journalism and media, international law, tourism, and environmental policy and advocacy. Recent graduates have also pursued advanced degrees from institutions across the nation.
Related Programs
U.S. Ethnic Studies
Ethics and Social Institutions
Connect, Explore, and Understand in UNC Asheville’s International Studies Program
The international studies concentration and minor programs offer abundant opportunities to explore diverse perspectives and cultivate a deep understanding. At UNC Asheville, we nurture your desire to uncover connections and foster an atmosphere that celebrates the exchange of ideas and academic and personal development. Prepare for a liberal arts education unlike any other and graduate poised to thrive in this dynamic industry.
Contact Us
| Interdisciplinary Studies |
| Phone: 828.250.3955 |
| Email: interdisciplinary@unca.edu |
