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IAS

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

WEBSITE

Advisement Center: 

273 HRCB

801-422-3548

kennedy_advisement@byu.edu

WEBSITE

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

  • American Studies, Jamin Rowan

  • Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Matthew Grey

  • Asian Studies, Marc Yamada

  • European Studies, Rob McFarland

  • International Development, Darren Hawkins

  • International Relations, Scott Cooper

  • Latin American Studies, Jeff Shumway

  • Middle East Studies/Arabic, Joshua Gubler

  • Global Environmental Studies, George Handley

  • Global Women's Studies, Valerie Hegstrom

  • Scandinavian Studies, Nate Kramer

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