What Makes International Studies Programs Successful? A Survey-Based Assessment

Abstract

As is commonly the case with interdisciplinary programs, International Studies (IS) programs often have an “identity crisis,” particularly in institutions dominated by traditional academic departments. At the same time, these programs continue to flourish; in some cases, IS programs service as many or more students than many traditional departments. The rapid growth of these programs, and the vast diversity of ways in which they are administered, raises the question of what specific factors contribute to program success. Utilizing a comprehensive database of all IS programs across the country, we survey program directors to uncover some of the key factors and practices that contribute to program success. In addition to providing systematic insights into IS as a field of study, we also contribute to a better understanding of how interdisciplinary programs can flourish within their home institutions, and provide some guidance for ascertaining “best practices” in our field of study.