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International Politics
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The International Politics major is designed to provide students with a broad, comprehensive education in international relations, foreign policy, and the politics of other nations, all within the context of a liberal arts education with a focus on writing and developing analytic skills. Majors are required to take courses in international and comparative politics as well as in international economics, political geography, and diplomatic history.
Students are given an opportunity to study in detail a variety of contemporary concerns, such as internal and international conflicts, terrorism, European integration, North-South issues, economic competition, as well as foreign policy making in the United States and other nations. Topics ranging from the causes of war to the operation and design of foreign political systems fall within the International Politics major.
RELATED EXPERIENCES
Students are encouraged to participate in Education Abroad Programs. Internship opportunities are also available.
CAREER DIRECTIONS
The major is intended to prepare students for a great variety of career opportunities with employers seeking out those who are broadly trained in the writing and analytic skills provided, in combination with an international focus. Career opportunities include international business and consulting firms; international development agencies; nonprofit organizations; and government agencies of all kinds (including U.S. government agencies such as the State and Defense Departments as well as international agencies such as the World Bank, United Nations, or UNESCO). Some occupations in which international politics graduates are employed include customs officer, foreign correspondent, foreign service officer, foreign trade administrator, foreign affairs specialist, government information analyst, international marketing assistant, management trainee (banking, finance, retail, etc.), market researcher, military officer, museum curator, professor, public relations representative, and teacher.
The major also provides preparation for law and business schools, and for graduate study in political science, international relations, and public policy.