Program

Degree Requirements

Achievement of a B.A. in International Affairs requires successful completion of 12 courses and advanced level language competency.

 

Click here to download The International Affairs Major -Visual Representation

Click here for the International Affairs Advising Sheet

I.  Introductory Courses (3)

Three of the following five introductory courses may be chosen:

  • A&S 102: Cultural Anthropology (1)
  • ECON 101: Principles of Economics (1)
  • GOVT 102: Introduction to International Politics (1) 
  • HIST 105: History of the Modern World (1)
  • REL 101: Religions in World Cultures (1)

II. Interdisciplinary IA Core Courses (3)

The following three core classes are required for all IA majors. It is recommended that the IA 200 course be taken by first year students and sophomores.  The IA 280 course should be taken by sophomore or juniors.  The senior capstone seminar – IA 400 is for seniors exclusively and is taught only in the spring semester.

  •  A gateway class–  IA 200: Globalization and Its Critics (1)
  • A methodology course–  IA 280: Research Methods in International Affairs (1).
  • A Senior Capstone–  IA 400: International Affairs Senior Seminar (1) 

 

III. Thematic Concentrations (3)

In consultation with your advisor and the program chair, you will design a three-course interdisciplinary program of study that will focus on a theme. Some of the courses for the thematic concentration may be taken abroad with the approval of the advisor and program chair. All of these courses must be beyond the introductory level.

Examples of Themes: (courses should be chosen from at least 2 departments)

  • Global Conflict and Cooperation
  • Development Studies
  • Human Rights and Social Justice
  • Global Networks, Global Cities
  • Culture, Power, and Identity in the Modern World
  • Global Environmental Studies

IA Thematic Concentrations Spring 2025 

IV. Regional Concentrations (3)

In consultation with your advisor and the program chair, you will design a three-course interdisciplinary program of study that will focus on a geographic region.  Some of the courses for the regional concentration may be taken abroad with the approval of the advisor and program chair. All of these courses must be beyond the introductory level.

Examples of Geographic Regions: (courses should be chosen from at least 2 departments)

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Middle East

IA Regional Concentrations Courses Spring 2025 

V. Advanced Level Language Competency

Demonstrated competency (via test or coursework) through the advanced level (211-level) in a second language appropriate to the student’s chosen geographic area of study, with advanced study and/or the study of additional languages, on-campus or off, strongly encouraged.

VI. Study Abroad Experience

Participation in a study abroad program is strongly encouraged. We encourage students to participate in study abroad programs located in the regions selected as concentrations.