Located in the heart of Brigham Young University’s campus, the Kennedy Center is a dynamic, global center offering a broad spectrum of study and service opportunities. Our richly diverse but intimately interconnected world challenges us to develop a breadth of knowledge and a depth of understanding to comprehend our complex international neighborhood. The Kennedy Center is committed to the university’s injunction to “enter to learn—go forth to serve” and its aspiration to make “the world our campus.”
International Study Programs
Study Abroad: BYU's traditional off-campus study programs. In these programs students are able to further their general education; pursue specialized courses in languages, the social sciences, humanities, fine arts, and other fields; gain valuable insights into their own country; and further international understanding.
Direct Enrollment: Students are integrated into an international university, taught by faculty native to that county, and are not accompanied by BYU faculty.
International Internships: Short-term, on-the-job apprentice training abroad under the direction of a firm, government agency, NGO, or other such institution.
Field Studies: A research experience abroad for small numbers of students directed by faculty, who generally do not accompany the students.
International and Area Studies Program Coordinators
Africana Studies, Chantal Thompson
Ancient Near Eastern Studies, Eric Huntsman
Asian Studies, Eric A. Hyer
European Studies, Nick Mason
International Development, Tim Heaton
International Relations, Ray Christensen
Latin American Studies, Christopher Lund
Middle East Studies / Arabic, Quinn Mecham
Admission to Degree Programs
All undergraduate international and area studies degree programs are open enrollment.
Graduation Requirements
To receive a BYU bachelor's degree a student must complete, in addition to all requirements for a specific major, the following university requirements:
- The university core, consisting of requirements in general and religious education. (See University Core for details. For a complete listing of courses that meet university core requirements, see the current class schedule.)
- At least 30 credit hours must be earned in residence on the BYU campus in Provo as an admitted day student
- A minimum of 120 credit hours
- A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
- Be in good standing with the Honor Code Office
