Foreign Area Studies

“Language, regional and cultural skills… are critical to mission readiness in today’s dynamic global environment. Our forces must have the ability to effectively communicate with and understand the cultures of coalition forces, international partners, and local populations.” (Secretary of Defense Memo, Aug. 10, 2011)

The Foreign Area Studies major is designed to give future officers broad-based, foreign area-related skills for worldwide service commitments. Within this program, cadets delve into an interdisciplinary exploration of one of six geo-cultural regions: Africa, Latin America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Slavic countries while also selecting a disciplinary emphasis from one of four departments—History, Geospatial Science, Military and Strategic Studies or Political Science.

Foreign Area Studies also offers coursework incorporating a comparative framework for understanding cross-cultural dynamics. Cadets can further their understanding of other cultures through the Academy’s International Education Programs or a Foreign Language Minor.