Society for International Studies

Society for International Studies

The Society for International Studies (SIS) is the BYU student association for IR majors. It is also open to students of any major who are interested in international studies. SIS has three main purposes:

(1) SIS holds regular social, service, and academic activities with an international theme throughout the year. Join us to get to know other students with international interests and to participate in fun activities.

(2) SIS is the gateway for students to join Sigma Iota Rho, the national honor society for international studies (more information below). But you do not have to join the honor society or be an honor student to join SIS. SIS is for anyone at BYU who enjoys international studies.

(3) SIS partners with the Kennedy Center to provide professional development to students. Members can sign up for mentoring with the International Society’s global network of Latter-day Saint professionals.

To join SIS, go to BYU’s Student Organizations website

Sigma Iota Rho National Honor Society

Sigma Iota Rho (SIR) is a national honor society that recognizes top students in international studies from across the county. It has chapters at hundreds of universities, and BYU’s Omega chapter is one of the oldest in the country.

The Greek letters in SIR’s name reflect three qualities that are essential for the conduct of foreign policy:

• Sigma for “synesis,” meaning Prudence
• Iota for “ideodoi,” meaning Ideals
• Rho for “romi,” meaning Power

Belonging to the Society for International Studies gives you the opportunity to apply for induction into the national Sigma Iota Rho honor society as a lifetime member. Applications are due in about January for our annual induction ceremony every April. Joining SIR allows you to

• Include Sigma Iota Rho membership on your resume.
• Wear Sigma Iota Rho regalia at graduation.
• Access journals and other benefits of the national Sigma Iota Rho organization.

For more information visit the SIR national website. For more details about SIR membership benefits, visit this page. To learn more about joining SIR, contact SIS’s faculty advisor, Scott Cooper.

In order to apply for Sigma Iota Rho national membership, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least a junior (60 credit hours of completed course work).
• Complete at least 21 credit hours of graded international studies course work–including Political Science, Economics, Geography, History, Anthropology, area studies, foreign language, and other internationally oriented courses.
• Complete at least 6 credit hours of international studies courses at the 300 or 400 level.
• Have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher and an international studies course GPA of 3.4 or higher.

Congratulations to the 2024 Sigma Iota Rho Honor Society Inductees!