Stay on top of the world.
Global affairs are in constant motion, buffeted by politics, economics, religion, cults of personality, and crises both natural and manmade. Major in international affairs at the University of Mary Washington to understand this interplay of forces through an interdisciplinary lens. Hone your focus through internships, study abroad or rigorous independent research as you prepare yourself to help shape a complex world.
Degree Awarded
Students majoring in international affairs who complete all requirements earn the degree of Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in international affairs.
Areas of Study
The major offers classes in national security studies; international economics and business; politics of developing countries; American foreign policy; geopolitics; Eastern and Western Europe; South and East Asia; North Africa and the Middle East; and Latin America.
Career Opportunities
Graduates have forged successful careers in higher education teaching, law, nonprofit organizations, politics, government, the Peace Corps, national security, journalism, banking, and business. Many have excelled in graduate programs.
Internships
Mary Washington’s location midway between two centers of politics — Richmond, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. – offers numerous opportunities for internships.
In the past several years, international affairs and political science majors have had internships in congressional and other governmental offices, and with the World Bank, the American Enterprise Institute, Common Cause, ABC News, and The Washington Monthly.
Students with at least a 3.4 grade-point average overall and a 3.4 GPA in the major can choose to write an honors thesis, with the permission of a thesis adviser and the department chair.
Major Requirements
The major in international affairs requires 19 credits in core classes and 21 elective credits from such disciplines as economics, geography, history, political science, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. To meet the language requirement, a student may complete two foreign languages through the intermediate level or earn six credits in one foreign language at the advanced level.
Minor Requirements
UMW offers a minor in security and conflict studies. The minor requires 18 credits including selected classes in political science, international affairs, and history. A three-credit internship may count as an elective with the approval of the minor program director. You’ll also write a three-credit senior thesis on an aspect of security and conflict studies.