What Can I Do with My Regional and Comparative Studies Major?

Overview

By majoring in regional and comparative studies (RCST), students have the opportunity to concentrate their education on either one (“regional studies”) or two (“comparative studies”) areas of the world. The RCST major is organized around six stand alone geographic regions: 1) Africa, 2) Asia, 3) Europe, 4) Latin America, 5) Middle East, 6) Russia, Eurasia, and Eastern Europe. Additionally, for the purposes of comparative studies, only, students may choose either the United States or a region comprising Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific as one of their regions. RCST majors look to sociology and anthropology for the foundations of theory and methodology, and then branch out to study the theories or methods of at least one other discipline as well. Students gain expertise in their region(s) of interest by taking courses from a wide range of academic departments and studying a language relevant to the area.

Regional and comparative studies majors, like all students within the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service, develop acute analytical and critical thinking skills. In addition, they are required to develop proficiency in at least one foreign language during their time as an undergraduate – a skill that often makes them more competitive upon graduation. With an emphasis on excellent communication skills and objective analysis, students graduating from the School of Foreign Service are well-prepared for careers in both the public and private sectors, as well as success in both graduate and law school.

Skills Acquired with the BSFS Degree

Critical Thinking

Understanding complex factors within problems
Perceiving patterns/structures
Comparing/contrasting interpretations
Assessing cultural differences
Assessing conflicting viewpoints

Communication

Analytical writing
Editing
Drafting documents
Summarizing and presenting information
Public speaking
Language proficiency
Strong writing skills

Research

Defining problems
Formulating and assessing hypotheses
Gathering and analyzing information
Using original sources
Understanding cultural contexts
Interpreting data
Evaluating evidence and results
Reading critically

Sample Internship Opportunities

White House Fellows
U.S. State Department
International labor organizations (e.g., AFL-CIO)
U.S. or State Congress
Research Institutes/Think Tanks (e.g., Brookings Institute, Urban Institute)
International development and relief (e.g., Freedom House, AED, USAID)
Environmental organization (e.g., EPA, PIRC, Green Peace)
Educational programs (e.g., Summerbridge)
Financial services (e.g., The Emerging Markets Private Equity Association)
Consulting firms (e.g., Drum Cussac Inc.)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Intelligence and National Security (e.g., Intellibridge.com, CIA)
Political Action Committees (PACs) (e.g., American Israeli PAC)
Government consulting (e.g., DFI, SAIC)
Non-Governmental Organizations (e.g., Search for Common Ground)

Where are Regional and Comparative Studies Majors Now?

Attorney
Campaign staffer
Consultant
Creative writer
Development associate
Economist
Editorial assistant
Financial Analyst
Foreign Service officer
Intelligence officer
Journalist
Legislative assistant
Librarian
Military Services
News producer
Paralegal
Physician
Policy analyst
Production coordinator
Professor
Program assistant
Reference researcher
Social worker
Speech writer
Student Services administrator
Teacher
University admissions officer

Relevant Websites and Publications

For more information about career options, internships and full-time opportunities contact the Career Education Center at One Leavey Center, (202) 687-3493. For more information about the major and degree requirements visit the School of Foreign Service website or stop by 301 ICC. The department can also be reached at (202) 687-5696.