2024-2025 Bradford Campus Catalog
International Affairs, BA
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Return to: The Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Contact: Dr. Patrick Troester
The International Affairs major program integrates a strong foundation in political science and economics with interdisciplinary electives and foreign language study. Students are required to gain intercultural competency via an approved study abroad program or international field experience. International Affairs majors are encouraged to participate in applied service-learning, internship, and research experiences that are multicultural or international in scope. Students pursuing the International Affairs major may be interested in careers and graduate study in fields such as international affairs, international relations, comparative politics, public policy, diplomacy, global environmental policy, human rights, international law and organization, international business, international political economy, international development, peace and conflict resolution, international service, and international humanitarian relief.
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International Affairs Curriculum
Core classes (24 credits):
Research Methods (3 or 4 credits):
Capstone Course (3 credits):
Electives in Comparative Government and Politics and International Politics (9 credits, at least two upper division):
Electives in Economics, Finance, Management, or Marketing (9 credits, at least one upper division):
Interdisciplinary electives (9 credits, in at least two disciplines):
In addition to the core requirements, three additional classes must be taken in at least two disciplines. These courses must be selected from an approved list of interdisciplinary electives. Students should consult with their advisor as to which classes best serve their professional interests and career goals. Possible electives include:
Intercultural Competency via Approved Study Abroad Program or International Field Experience (3 or more credits):
International Affairs majors are required to gain intercultural competency by participating in an approved study abroad program or international field experience. Students may study abroad during the fall, spring, or summer terms. If planning on studying abroad, students should consult with the Director of Study Abroad as well as their advisor in planning their course of study. In lieu of studying abroad, students may also participate in a directed research, directed study, or internship experience that is international in scope. Students should consult with their advisor as to which type of experience would meet this requirement and best serve their professional interests and career goals. Students are encouraged to complete major requirements while studying abroad.
Foreign Language Study (0 to 6 credits):
International Affairs majors are required to gain foreign language competency in preparing for careers and graduate study in which foreign language competency is often used as a criterion in hiring and admissions decisions.
- This requirement can be met via any of the following credit-bearing options:
- 1 semester of language study during a study abroad program
- 2 semesters of elementary-level language study in one language
- 2 semesters of language study of two different languages (1 semester in each language)
- Student who has passed at least 1 semester of language study at the intermediate level or higher (students may also count such intermediate or advanced language courses as interdisciplinary electives for the International Affairs minor)
- This requirement can also be met via any of the following non-credit-bearing options, by permission of the program director:
- Bilingual student if testing in at intermediate level
- Student who has studied at a secondary-level institution or university outside the United States, in a non-English language
Additional specialization:
Students are encouraged to select minors or a secondary major that complement their International Affairs curriculum and allow them to specialize further. This concentration will allow students to focus on particular themes, geographic regions, and disciplines. Students may double-count courses from the major, in secondary majors or minors. However, at least two courses must be unique to any minor (and may not be double-counted). For double-majors, a unique capstone course must be taken in each major.
Total Credits for Major: 60-67
Suggested Course of Study
Total Credits for Major: 60-67
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Return to: The Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences
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