The BA Program offers several concentration areas so that students may structure their curriculum based on specific aspects of international studies. Within the various concentrations, students not only gain depth of knowledge and perspectives within the field of international affairs, but they also acquire diverse skill sets with which to view and analyze the world. The narrowing of interests and lenses through which students study international affairs proves useful within our degree program and also translates into concrete skills that are vital in a globalized job market.

Culture, Society & International Politics

One of the most important and the overlooked aspects of modern international affairs is the interplay of socio-cultural factors and international politics. This concentration area provides students with critical perspectives on society, culture and international politics so that they may use this knowledge to further understand the complexities of international relations. From an analysis of how culture (such as art and film) shapes societies, to a look at the modern Olympic movement, these innovative courses explore how society's norms, attitudes and beliefs help mold international relations and are, in turn, shaped by global trends and organizations.
Skills and Perspectives: Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science

Global Political Economy

Today's economy is rapidly integrating across international boundaries, and students of contemporary global affairs must have a clear appreciation for how this new integration affects economic prosperity, development, and social welfare. The courses in this concentration area prepare students to understand the complexities of the contemporary international economic environment and the ways in which societies, cultures, politics, and people shape the current world. From theoretical perspectives on globalization to policy analysis, this concentration area provides students with a well-rounded background of major economic debates and concerns.
Skills and Perspectives: Political Science, Political Economy, Global Economics

International Development, Gender & Health

In recent years, no set of issues has emerged on the international agenda with more urgency than international health and development. In little more than a decade, the AIDS pandemic threatens nearly 50 years of progress in human development.  Protracted conflict and complex humanitarian crises have shown that development, health and political stability go hand and hand and seldom respect national boundaries. Further, gender has become an area of increasing concern within international affairs. Because of the vital roles women play in the development of societies and the particular health issues that women face, an intersection of development, health and gender is undeniable in the contemporary world. Lastly, the concept of development encompasses even broader issues of human development, including but not limited to environmental, political, and social development and behavior. This concentration area offers an in-depth look at 21st century development, gender and health issues from both practical/policy-oriented and theoretical perspectives.
Skills and Perspectives: Anthropology, Economics, Geography, Political Science, Sociology, Public Health

International Organizations, Law & Human Rights

Since 1948 with the founding of the United Nations, the world has had a universal global organization to help create and enforce international law and to "end the scourge of war." The creation of international organizations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, International Criminal Court and the World Trade Organization bear witness to the fact that new problems in the international society demand treatment in law and coordination in world forums. This concentration area provides students with an understanding of how contemporary international relations are shaped by norms, institutions, customs, and laws.
Skills and Perspectives: Political Science, Law

International Security & Conflict Resolution

Though concerns about international conflicts and security are not novel in international politics, some have argued that the 20th century was the most bloody and strife-ridden period in all of human history. In addition to two major world wars, other forms of violence including civil wars and ethnic conflicts have come to inform the age-old search for peace and stability. In the 21st century, the international community will continue to confront these concerns, along with new and evolving challenges such as terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, which often pose barriers to lasting international peace. This concentration area explores the problems of violence on the world stage and the myriad ways in which states, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations seek to respond to the challenges of promoting peace and security, both domestically and internationally.
Skills and Perspectives: Political Science, Law, Security Studies, Conflict Resolution