Undergraduate Programs

The Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies offers six majors and 17 minors in international studies at the undergraduate level. Students who Major in International Studies may concentrate in one of ten regional studies options, one of two thematic programs, or pursue a broader course of study within the general program in International Studies.

WHY STUDY AT THE JACKSON SCHOOL?

At the Jackson School, we build on a foundation of deep area knowledge to see moments within broader contexts. In doing so, we bridge racial, religious, economic, and cultural differences to lead our global and interdependent community forward. This is how we teach, and this is how our students learn.

The 45 core Jackson School faculty members represent a broad spectrum of social science disciplines and speak and research in over 40 languages other than English. They have won numerous awards for teaching and scholarship within the UW and abroad. Additionally, our practitioner faculty connects students to real-world experiences and opportunities.

Our location in Seattle, a global hub of commerce, philanthropy, and policy, provides a diverse and dynamic environment that connects our alumni with traditional international studies career tracks and growing career markets.

You can find our alumni at:

  • Congressional staffers
  • Department of Justice
  • Amazon
  • China Daily
  • UW Medicine
  • Binaytara Foundation
  • Council on American-Islamic Relations
  • Washington STEM
  • Defense Intelligence Agency
  • FishWise
  • World Concern
  • James Borden Consulting
  • International Rescue Committee
  • McKinsey & Company
  • PATH
  • Peking University, China
  • Peace Corps
  • Smartsheet
  • Starbucks
  • U.S. Foreign Service
  • UNICEF
  • Freelance translator and editor
  • University of Auckland, New Zealand
  • Village Reach

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


The Jackson School is a founding member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA).


Undergraduate Majors


Undergraduate Minors

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


JSIS Departmental Honors Program

Student profile of a Jackson School major focusing on contemporary Korean dramas.

The Jackson School Honors Program is intended for students with the aptitude and commitment required to pursue an in-depth research project, culminating in a thesis of about 30 pages. A UW CUM GPA of 3.30 and major GPA of 3.5 is required.

  • Before applying, students must complete JSIS 300, Claims & Evidence (Note: can be in progress if taking this course in Spring)
    • SOC 300, Foundations of Social Inquiry, will work as a substitute for JSIS 300 for Winter 2025 and Spring 2025.
  • Application Deadline: The Honors Program application is due on the 6th Friday of Spring quarter.
  • Interview: A short, 15-minute informational interview is required of all applicants.
    • Interview appointments will be available between May 2 and May 14th, 2025.
    • Please contact Honors Director, Professor Deborah Porter to set up an appointment.
  • Student Expectations during Senior Year for Accepted Students:
    • Autumn Quarter, Senior Year: JSIS 491, 5 cr. Senior Honors Seminar – In this course, they work on thesis conceptualization and research design. They are matched up with a faculty member who is an expert in the student’s area of research.
    • Winter Quarter, Senior Year: JSIS 492, 5 cr. Senior Honors Seminar – Students spend time this quarter collecting data and writing their theses with their advisor
    • Spring Quarter, Senior Year: Students submit their final Thesis
  • Interested students should make an Undergraduate Student Advising Appointment with the JSIS Advisers, Holli May or Sabrina Tatta.  

Honors Application Form


The Jackson School is a founding member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA).