Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

The Area Studies major is organised around sustained language training combined with thematic and regional coursework. Students normally select a regional concentration (such as African Studies, East Asian Studies, Latin American & Caribbean Studies, Russian & East European Studies, or Middle Eastern Studies) and complete intermediate to advanced language study relevant to that region.

• Core regional seminars — seminars introducing the history, politics, society and culture of your chosen region.
• Language sequence — progressive coursework in a regional language, emphasising communication, reading contemporary materials and academic research skills.
• Thematic courses — classes on topics such as comparative politics, colonial and postcolonial histories, gender and society, religion and culture, migration, development and international relations.
• Research methods — classes in qualitative and quantitative methods, area-specific source work, and archival or oral-history methods tailored to regional study.
• Capstone or senior project — a sustained research project or thesis that draws on language skills and regional knowledge; many students pursue faculty-mentored projects or independent studies.
• Electives and minors — opportunities to combine the major with complementary fields (e.g. political science, history, anthropology, economics, international studies) and to take courses across IU’s language and area centres.

Students are encouraged to undertake a study-abroad or field-research experience in the region of focus to develop linguistic fluency and on-the-ground understanding. The programme leverages Indiana University’s constellation of regional institutes, specialised libraries and language resources.

Entry requirements

Admission to Indiana University Bloomington is competitive and based on a holistic review of academic records and extracurricular achievement. For the Area Studies major specifically, applicants are expected to demonstrate strong preparation in humanities and social sciences and an aptitude for language learning.

• Typical undergraduate entry — successful applicants present a strong secondary school transcript (or equivalent), including coursework in history, social studies and languages where available.
• Standardised tests — IU has test-optional policies; consult the university for current guidance on SAT/ACT submission.
• International applicants — should meet IU’s general documentation requirements for secondary credentials and demonstrate English language proficiency by recognised tests or approved waivers.
• College internal requirements — once enrolled, admission to the major may require completion of introductory coursework and a demonstrated commitment to language study; consult departmental advising for specifics.

Career prospects

Graduates with an Area Studies degree combine language fluency and regional expertise valued across multiple sectors. Common career paths include:

• Diplomacy and foreign service — roles in national foreign services, consular work and international organisations.
• International development and NGOs — programme management, research, and field coordination for development agencies and non-profit organisations.
• Business and trade — market analysis, international business development and risk assessment for firms operating in specific regions.
• Journalism and media — reporting, editing and analysis focused on regional affairs and cross-cultural communication.
• Research and academia — further graduate study in area studies, history, anthropology, political science or related disciplines leading to research, teaching and policy analysis roles.
• Public policy and intelligence — positions in policy analysis, government research units or think tanks requiring deep regional knowledge.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington is home to a well-established network of regional centres and institutes that support area studies, including centres focused on African, Asian, Latin American, Middle Eastern and Russian/East European studies. The university offers an extensive range of language courses and specialised library collections that support primary-source research and advanced study.

Students benefit from faculty with internationally recognised expertise, opportunities for funded research and travel, and strong partnerships for study abroad and fieldwork. The campus environment encourages interdisciplinary collaboration—allowing students to combine area expertise with professional skills in business, public affairs, journalism and beyond—making IU a strong choice for students aiming for careers that require both language fluency and deep regional understanding.