Regional Studies

Take a deep dive into the study of one or more world regions in the regional studies major.

The regional studies (RCST) major at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service allows you to combine multiple disciplines to develop an in-depth and nuanced understanding of specific region and their role on the global stage.

You’ll tailor your studies to match your academic and career interests by focusing on one or more of the following regions: Africa; Asia; Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific; Europe; Eurasia, Russia, and East Europe; Latin America and the Caribbean; The Americas; The Middle East and North Africa. You may also propose an alternative regional focus by petition. By specializing in a region, you’ll gain highly valuable expertise in today’s interconnected world.

Major overview

Major declaration dates

Sophomore year

  • Begins: After add-drop in September
  • Ends: Friday before Spring Break

Curricular dean

Annette Russell

Credits

  • 21 Region-specific credits
  • 12 Regional language credits
  • 3 Theories and methods credits

Concentrations

  • Concentrate on one or two world regions of your choice

Program outcomes

Our major equips you with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to excel in global contexts, preparing you for various career paths, including international relations, government, nonprofits and academia. As an RCST major, you will:

  • Develop an in-depth understanding of a chosen region or two
  • Use analytical tools to evaluate complex issues and societies globally
  • Build a comprehensive understanding of social, political and historical contexts through multiple disciplines
  • Gain knowledge of at least one language spoken in your region of study
  • Work independently to design a curriculum around your regional focus and chosen theme
  • Engage with a community of scholars and professionals through the SFS regional program centers, alumni events and study abroad opportunities

Career paths

Regional studies majors specialize in a particular world region, gaining a deeper understanding of its political, economic and cultural dynamics. Combined with a global perspective, this specialized knowledge prepares RCST graduates for careers in law, government, international organizations, business, academia, and many other fields—especially in roles that require cross-cultural expertise.

Academics

The regional studies major enables you to tailor your academic journey around your region of interest, acquiring specialized knowledge through a self-designed curriculum. You’ll select courses from a range of disciplines, such as anthropology, economics, history, government and sociology, to help you explore and understand your chosen region. Throughout your studies, you’ll develop a robust analytical skill set and a comprehensive perspective on global affairs.

student presenting in class in front of classmates

Courses

To get the most up-to-date list of courses available in the regional studies major, as well as past course offerings, visit GU Experience and follow these steps:

  • Go to GU Experience > registration dashboard
  • Under the schedule of classes section, select browse classes
  • Select term
  • In the attribute menu, search RCST and select the attribute that aligns with your region of interest.
  • Scroll down and click the class search button to explore available classes
  • To find additional courses that are not attributed for the major, but might still work for RCST upon request, write the region name and or your specific area of interest in the keyword box.

Faculty

Our regional studies faculty have backgrounds in a range of fields, including theology, economics, political science, history and anthropology. From a historian of modern Russia to a leading expert on migration and refugees in East Africa, RCST-affiliated faculty have a vast array of regional and thematic expertise to share with their students.

Alumni spotlight

Our regional studies alumni are well-equipped to enter careers in a range of international and domestic fields, including law, government, non-governmental organizations, business, and academia. RCST alumni have the specialized knowledge, transferable skills, and global vision to work in almost any field in today’s interconnected world.

Headshot of Kara Swisher

Kara Swisher (SFS’84), New York Times Bestselling Author, Editor-at-large at New York Magazine, CNN Contributor

Headshot of Mark Hetfield

Mark Hetfield (SFS’88), President and CEO of Hebrew Immigration Aid Society

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