First, the faculty recognizes the value of systematic empirical observation and quantitative analysis in the study of human behavior. Developments in computer science and in mathematics oriented toward the problems of the social sciences, and the refinement of techniques for the observational, experimental, and statistical study of human behavior, have contributed major new elements to social science. Students in the School of Social Sciences will become familiar with the mathematical, computational, and statistical tools underlying modern social science.

Second, many of the most interesting questions in the study of human behavior cannot be fixed within the traditional disciplinary boundaries. Some of the new and evolving areas which cross orthodox boundaries are political sociology, public policy, cognitive anthropology, psycholinguistics and neuroeconomics. Therefore many courses and course modules are built around these interdisciplinary social science phenomena rather than representing social science disciplines.

Third, the school emphasizes the design of hypotheses and of systems of interrelated ideas as an essential part of scientific pursuit. Consequently, the educational programs place substantial emphasis on understanding social science phenomena through the development of theories that can be used to guide empirical studies.

The major in international studies provides an interdisciplinary perspective on global politics, economics, cultures and history. International studies majors acquire twenty-first-century analytical skills and knowledge that will enable them to understand and contribute to shaping the rapidly evolving global community. 

The degree in international studies prepares students for careers in a variety of China Cherry Blossomselds such as international public policy, international business and finance, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and academic research and teaching.Requirements for the major include a core set of courses: an introductory sequence (Global Cultures and Society, International Relations, World History and Global Economics), basic economics, one additional lower division social science class and two quarters of the International Studies Public Forum.