International Affairs BA
- Major
- BA
- Hybrid
- In-Person
- Online
- Greeley
- Online
- Area Studies
- International Political Economy
4 Years
Program Overview
Explore global issues and prepare for an internationally focused career with UNC’s International Affairs BA. This undergraduate program combines political science with fields like economics, history, anthropology and geography, giving you a broad and flexible foundation.
You’ll learn in small, discussion-based classes from faculty who bring real-world experience from living and working abroad. Many students expand their learning through study abroad programs in places like Germany, Italy, Morocco, Japan and Argentina, building language skills and cultural understanding that set them apart after graduation.
With two tracks to choose from, Area Studies or International Political Economy, you can tailor your degree to match your interests and goals. No matter which path you take, you’ll gain the skills, perspective, and experience to make a difference in a globally connected world.
All International Affairs majors at UNC complete a shared foundation in political science, international relations and foreign language study. Coursework will vary depending on the track you choose, Area Studies or International Political Economy.
The International Affairs BA at UNC requires 120 credits, including:
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Liberal Arts Curriculum (31 credits):
General education courses in writing, math, arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and cultural and international studies. -
Required Major Courses (36 credits):
Core courses in political science, international relations and foreign language. Students choose one of two tracks:-
Area Studies: Focus on a region such as Africa & the Middle East, Asia, Europe or Latin America.
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International Political Economy: Combine political science and economics with courses in business, sociology, history or environmental studies.
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University-Wide Credits (53 credits):
Additional courses to meet the 120-credit graduation requirement.
Students must achieve oral proficiency in a foreign language and work closely with an assigned major advisor each semester to plan their coursework. View full degree requirements in the academic catalog buttons below.
Degree Requirements – Area Studies Concentration
Degree Requirements – International Political Economy Concentration
Political Science Minor
Gain a strong foundation in government and international politics while sharpening your communication and critical thinking skills. This 18-credit program offers flexibility to explore political systems, global issues, and policy. Additional opportunities for internships at the local, state, and international levels. For detailed course requirements, visit the academic catalog button below.
This plan is a recommended schedule to complete this bachelor’s degree in 4 years. Courses are subject to availability. Students must consult with their major advisor to receive information on any additional graduation requirements and course sequence guidance.
Four-Year Plan – Area Studies Concentration
Four-Year Plan – International Political Economy Concentration
Concentrations
Tailor your degree through one of two concentrations, Area Studies or International Political Economy. Area Studies focuses on a specific world region, while International Political Economy combines political science and economics with courses from other disciplines.
Interested in diving deep into a particular world region? The Area Studies concentration builds a broad understanding of global issues through an interdisciplinary lens, with a focus on Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East, or Latin America. You’ll combine political science with history, geography, anthropology, and more. All while also strengthening your foreign language skills.
You’ll learn to:
- Analyze the history, politics, and culture of your chosen region
- Compare global issues across different societies and contexts
- Communicate effectively in a second language
- Apply interdisciplinary approaches to complex international challenges
Curious about how politics and economics intersect on the world stage? The International Political Economy concentration combines in-depth study of political science and economics with courses from fields like business, sociology, anthropology, and environmental studies. You’ll gain the tools to understand and address issues like globalization, trade, and development.
You’ll learn to:
- Examine the relationship between politics, markets, and global systems
- Evaluate policies and economic trends that shape international relations
- Conduct analytical research on global development, trade, and finance
- Communicate across cultures with the required foreign language proficiency
Why UNC for International Affairs?
Discussion, Not Just Lectures
With small classes, discussion-based courses, one-on-one advising, and even pizza study groups, you’ll find a community that cares about your success.
Faculty Excellence & Research
Our faculty are active scholars who bring their expertise into the classroom. They’ve earned support from the Ford Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and most recently, Professor Bownas received a Fulbright Scholar Award for research in Nepal.
Global Experience
Gain a real-world perspective through study abroad, international research, and learning from faculty with extensive overseas experience.
Where Your Degree Can Take You
Politics & Advocacy
Elected or appointed official, campaign manager, political consultant, policy advisor, or public relations specialist.
Government & Public Service
Foreign Service officer, intelligence analyst (CIA, Department of State), legislative aide, regional planner, city or county administrator, or program director.
Education & Research
K–12 government teacher, higher education leadership professional, professor, or researcher.
Law & Justice
Public policy analyst, international law specialist, legal researcher, or law enforcement leadership.
International & Nonprofit Work
Human rights advocate, international development specialist, environmental or energy policy advisor, NGO administrator, or foundation manager.
Journalism & Communications
Reporter, editor, digital news writer, communications specialist, or media relations professional.
Nonprofit Management & Fundraising
Program manager, public relations coordinator, fundraising strategist, or association leader.
Faculty Spotlight
FACULTY
"It’s a really interesting case study for a political science and social scientist of development, or maybe you could say failed development because it’s one of those places that has kind of fallen behind in terms of modernization and industrialization even though there is a lot of aid going to Nepal."
Professor Richard Bownas, Ph.D.
Department of Political Science and International Affairs
Professor Bownas received a Fulbright Scholar Award for study in Nepal from January to July 2024.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
Political Science & International Affairs
The Department of Political Science and International Affairs offers two main college degrees: Political Science and International Affairs. We also offer a minor in Political Science for students who want to add it to another major.
- PoliticalScience.InternationalAffairs@unco.edu
- (970) 351-2707
- McKee Hall 318