International and Area Studies
David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies
Located in the heart of Brigham Young University’s campus, the Kennedy Center is a dynamic, global center offering a broad spectrum of study and service opportunities. Our richly diverse but intimately interconnected world challenges us to develop a breadth of knowledge and a depth of understanding to comprehend our complex international neighborhood. The Kennedy Center is committed to the university’s injunction to “enter to learn—go forth to serve” and its aspiration to make “the world our campus.”
Mission Statement:
The David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies is the heart of international engagement for the BYU community. By supporting and implementing interdisciplinary international experiences on campus and abroad, the Kennedy Center raises global awareness and competency, and equips the community with international perspectives and tools to promote intellectual, physical, and spiritual well-being throughout the world.
Administration
Director: V. Stanley Benfell
Contact Information:
237 HRCB
801-422-3377
kennedy@byu.edu
Advisement Center:
273 HRCB
801-422-3548
kennedy_advisement@byu.edu
Programs
Admission to Degree Programs
All undergraduate international and area studies degree programs are open enrollment.
International & Area Studies Program Coordinators
Africana Studies, Leslie Hadfield
Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Cecilia M. Peek
Asian Studies, Marc Yamada
European Studies, Heather Belnap
International Development, Randy Page
International Relations, Ray Christensen
Latin American Studies, Jeff Shumway
Middle East Studies/Arabic, Quinn Mecham
Global Women's Studies, Valerie Hegstrom
International Study Programs
Study Abroad: BYU's traditional off-campus study programs. In these programs students are able to further their general education; pursue specialized courses in languages, the social sciences, humanities, fine arts, and other fields; gain valuable insights into their own country; and further international understanding.
Direct Enrollment: Students are integrated into an international university, taught by faculty native to that country, and are not accompanied by BYU faculty.
International Internships: Short-term, on-the-job apprentice training abroad under the direction of a firm, government agency, NGO, or other such institution.
Field Studies: A research experience abroad for small numbers of students directed by faculty, who generally do not accompany the students.
Graduation Requirements
To receive a BYU bachelor's degree a student must complete, in addition to all requirements for a specific major, the following university requirements:
The university core, consisting of requirements in general and religious education. (See University Core for details. For a complete listing of courses that meet university core requirements, see the current class schedule.)
At least 30 credit hours must be earned in residence on the BYU campus in Provo as an admitted day student
A minimum of 120 credit hours
A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
Be in good standing with the Honor Code Office
