What is International Affairs?

The program of study in International Affairs leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. The degree plays an integral role in the School of Government and International Affairs. In this interdisciplinary major, the student must complete four required upper division major courses followed by six courses of upper division major electives. This is followed by five classes of interdisciplinary Related Studies. It is within this area that we encourage students to complete a certificate or minor or to participate in a coop/internship program or study abroad. This degree prepares graduates for careers in business, nonprofit organizations, law, or government service. 
IA

Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Admission Requirements

None.

This program does not have specific admission requirements. Only admission to ÈâÈ⴫ý State University is required to declare this major.

World Language Requirement

All International Affairs majors must demonstrate competence in a world language up through the level of WLC 2002. Students may select from WLC, SPAN, FREN, GRMN, ITAL, RUSS, CHIN, JPN, LATN, PORT, KOR, or HEBR course prefixes.

Note: WLC 2001 and WLC 2002 must all be taken in the same foreign language.

Double Owl Pathways

Not majoring in this? Check out these non-degree options!

Sample Classes

  • This course explores the conduct, substantive policy issues and problems associated with American foreign policy. The contemporary aspects and problems evolving out of and confronted by America’s foreign policy are emphasized.
  • This course examines the system of law governing relations between nation-states, and the roles and functions of international organizations. It explores the conventional international law in the areas of diplomacy, territorial questions and armed conflicts, as well as the developing regimes in trade and human rights. In addition, the course examines the structures and functions of some contemporary organizations in the security and economic areas and evaluates their performance and contribution.
  • This course explores the primary threats to international security in the 21st century and examines the response of national governments, the United Nations, and regional international organizations in meeting the challenges posed by those threats.
  • This course examines the process of democratization from a cross-national comparative perspective, with significant emphasis placed on the relationship between economic and political development. It begins with an examination of Western conceptions of democracy and the paths to democratic governance that Western states have taken. It then examines the concept of democracy through the lenses of non-Western cultures and values, and compares the distinct paths that states in each region of the world have taken toward democratization. In so doing, students critically analyze the merits of many controversial arguments put forth by political development scholars.