Dual Degree: International Affairs and Asia Pacific Studies

Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs from St. Edward's University

International Affairs at St. Edward’s is an interdisciplinary major based in the social sciences and it introduces multiple subjects studied through the international perspective, such as geography, world history, and international politics. Students will debate key issues facing the global community today and explore the social, political, cultural and economic changes shaping our world. The BA in International Affairs includes a combination of geography, global studies, history, and political studies. Students choose both a regional and a thematic concentration. Students take a minimum of 120 credits at St. Edward's. 

Bachelor of Social Science from APU

In Asia Pacific Studies (APS), students are challenged to tackle a vast array of global issues and develop new ways of thinking to face these obstacles head on. Students combine study from different fields to gain a broad understanding of the diverse political systems, economies, societies and cultures of the Asia Pacific while gathering advanced skills in language, information technology, and research. APS prepares students for a wide variety of careers in government, international organizations, media, the travel industry, and multinational corporations. Dual degree students mainly study International Relations. Students take a minimum of 124 credits at APU. 

Program Timeline

Students must apply by March 1 of their freshman year to be considered. Admission offers will go out by mid-March.

Freshman Year: At St. Edward's (in Austin)

Sophomore Year: At APU (in Japan)

Junior Year: At APU (in Japan)

Senior Year: At St. Edward's (in Austin)

Application details are available on the program page in the Study Abroad Portal. Students must:

• Have a minimum 2.75 GPA
• Apply in their first year at SEU
• Currently be (or change to) Global Studies majors
• Understand the timeline. Students must attend SEU the first and fourth years of the program and attend APU the second and third years of the program. There is no option to graduate in less than four years or to NOT return to St. Edward's for the final year (2 semesters). All St. Edward's students must complete 30 of their final 50 credits in residence at St. Edward's.

Students pay tuition all four years in the program and can use financial aid and scholarships both at St. Edward's and during their time at APU. Tuition, deposit, tech fee, and international insurance will be billed by St. Edward’s and aid will apply as it usually does in other semesters on campus. Housing and other expenses will be billed externally. Aid might support these costs, but consult your financial aid advisor.  

Scholarships available for study abroad include, but are not limited to: 

• St. Edward's Study Abroad Scholarship: Scholarship offered to St. Edward's students with financial need. Students will receive an email from Study Abroad after admission regarding applying to this scholarship. 
• St. Edward's Ayako Isami Lawson Study Abroad Memorial Endowed Scholarship (Lawson Scholarship): Scholarship offered to St. Edward's students studying abroad in Japan. Students will receive an email from Study Abroad after admission regarding applying to this scholarship.
• Freeman Asia: Scholarship for students studying abroad in Asia. Fellowships Office on campus will co-advise on this application.
• Bridging Scholarships: Scholarship for American undergraduates studying abroad in Japan. Scholarships are $2,500 - $4,000.
• Tanaka & Green Scholarship: Supports 1 semester ($4,000) or one academic year ($5,000) of study in Japan. 
• Toshizo Watanabe Study Abroad Scholarship Program: Scholarship for one semester or one year of study in Japan. 
• Gilman Scholarship: U.S. State Department scholarship offered to Pell Grant recipients. Study abroad and Fellowships Office on campus will co-advise on this application.
• Diversity Abroad: Diversity Abroad has partnered with several organizations to offer study abroad grants and scholarships for minority/low-income students.
• Fund for Education Abroad: Scholarships of up to $10,000 and ongoing support to minority and first-generation college students.
• Boren Awards: U.S. State Department Scholarship offered to those interested in National Security work post-grad. Fellowships Office on campus will co-advise on this application.

Environment and Development

Profit-driven development has brought with it a raft of environmental and other issues, and sustainable development is an urgent issue. This cluster tackle this question of sustainable development in relation to efforts to balance environmental conservation and economic development. Students also examine sustainable development policies in light of the systems and laws in each country and region.

Hospitality and Tourism 

As cultural exchange and promotion of regional industries through tourism are vital to the development of the Asia Pacific region, this cluster explores multiple facets of tourism through the lenses of culture, society, and community. Students focus on the theory and practice of hospitality as it relates to the tourism, health, and welfare industries.

International Relations and Peace Studies 

This cluster allows students to delve into the intricacies of conflict resolution and peace-building as well as to cultivate the ability to deal with increasingly complex global issues to become a future expert. Studies draw from the three disciplines of international law, political science and economics and help students gain the necessary critical thinking skills and a policy-oriented approach to succeed in the fields of international relations, dispute resolution, and peace-building.

Culture, Society and Media

This cluster enables students to analyze the societies, cultures and values of Asia Pacific to deepen their understanding of the problems this region faces. Coursework includes study on information technology, culture and new media studies. Students gain a global perspective and the ability to view the region from several angles.

View the complete Asia Pacific Studies subject list. 

There is no language requirement to be admitted to the dual degree program; however, students are strongly encouraged to enroll in Japanese in fall and spring of their first year at St. Edward's. While at APU, students must enroll in Japanese language courses for a minimum of 16 credits. Students will take a Japanese language placement test upon arrival at APU to determine which level of language courses they will enroll in. Students with sufficient language abilities may require fewer Japanese language credits.