International Affairs

• LOS 1: Develop critical thinking, analytical tools, and social science methods to break down and grasp complex global or international problems in their historical, economic, and political dimensions and develop problem-solving capacities by applying analytical skills to contemporary issues of global politics.
• LOS 2: Understand and work with quantitative and qualitative data; apply basic statistical skills and quantitative and qualitative methods in academic and professional contexts, and demonstrate proficiency in a second language equivalent to two years of university language instruction.
• LOS 3: Demonstrate competency in information literacy, i.e., work with multiple databases, locate sources and references, and regularly distinguish and read academically informed news sources, academic journals and diverse digital media in order to conduct independent research on current global issues.
• LOS 4: Learn to write research and policy papers according to the standards of excellence in the field of international affairs and effectively present problems and independent research on international politics and economics in concise, engaging, and lively presentations in diverse academic, professional, and multicultural contexts.
• LOS 5: Become ethically informed leaders capable of crafting sound and humane policies and aware of professional standards and ethics.

To earn your B.A. degree in International Affairs, you must complete core courses in political science, economics, history, and international relations. Additionally, you will need to study a second language and are encouraged to engage in experiential learning opportunities such as internships, study-abroad programs, and research projects.

A. The Proficiency and General Distribution Requirements of the University (the Social Sciences and Humanities requirements will be satisfied by completing the core curriculum courses below).

B. Additional Foreign Language Requirement

You will need to demonstrate language proficiency in a language other than English, defined as:

• two years of U.S. college-level language instruction or,
• level B2 or higher in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or,
• completion of a secondary education in a language other than English.  

You may demonstrate language proficiency by taking JCU placement tests in Italian, Spanish, or French or the Dialang, which covers 14 European Languages. These services are offered by JCU’s Foreign Language Resource Center. If you wish to be evaluated for languages for which the Dialang is not available, contact the Coordinator of the Foreign Language Center, Professor Gina Siddu Pilia.

C. Core Curriculum**

• PL 209 World Politics
• PL 210 Introduction to Political Theory
• PL 212 International Organizations
• PL 223 Comparative Politics
• HS 210 Nineteenth-Century Europe and the World
• HS 211 Twentieth-Century Europe and the World
• MA 208 Statistics I or PL 208 Statistical Analysis for Political Science
• EC 201 Principles of Microeconomics
• EC 202 Principles of Macroeconomics
• EC 316 International Economics
• PL/LAW 320 Public International Law
• One PL 400-level Writing Intensive Senior Seminar (in lieu of this seminar, students with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above and the required prerequisites can choose to write a thesis).

You are required to earn an overall minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all courses taken at the University, with no more than two grades lower than C- in core courses.

D. Major Electives

Six major electives are required for the International Affairs major, to be chosen from the PL, LAW, EC and HS listings not included in the core curriculum. Of these courses, no more than two EC or two HS courses each may be taken as major electives. In addition, credit earned from an internship can be applied towards the Major Electives. All courses must be at the 200 level or above and at least four courses must be at the 300 level or above. MA 209 Stats II can count as a major elective for the International Affairs major.

E. General Electives sufficient to give a total of 120 credits.

Please note that students cannot earn a double major or a double degree in International Affairs and Political Science.

Requirements for the Degree

A. The Proficiency and General Distribution Requirements of the University (the Social Sciences and Humanities requirements will be satisfied by completing the core curriculum courses below).

B. Additional Foreign Language Requirement

International Affairs students will need to demonstrate language proficiency in a language other than English. Language proficiency is defined as:

• two years of U.S. college-level language instruction or,
• level B2 or higher in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or,
• completion of a secondary education in a language other than English.  

Students may demonstrate language proficiency by taking JCU placement tests in Italian, Spanish or French or the Dialang which covers 14 European Languages. These services are offered by JCU’s Foreign Language Resource Center. Students who wish to be evaluated for languages for which the Dialang is not available should contact the Coordinator of JCU’s Foreign Language Center, Professor Gina Siddu Pilia: [email protected].

C. Core Curriculum**

• PL 209 World Politics
• PL 210 Introduction to Political Theory
• PL 212 International Organizations
• PL 223 Comparative Politics
• HS 210 Nineteenth-Century Europe and the World
• HS 211 Twentieth-Century Europe and the World
• MA 208 Statistics I
• EC 201 Principles of Microeconomics
• EC 202 Principles of Macroeconomics
• EC 316 International Economics
• PL 320 Public International Law
• PL 470 International Affairs Senior Seminar

The University requires an overall minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all courses taken at the University, with no more than two grades lower than C- in core courses.

D. Major Electives 

Six major electives are required for the major, to be chosen from the PL, LAW, EC and HS listings not included in the core curriculum. Of these courses, no more than two EC and two HS courses each may be taken as major electives. In addition, credit earned from an internship can be applied towards the Major Electives. All courses must be at the 200 level or above and at least four courses must be at the 300 level or above.

E. General Electives sufficient to give a total of 120 credits.

Please note that students cannot earn a double major in International Affairs and Political Science.

At JCU, we strive to make your education affordable. We offer a range of financial aid options to support your studies, including merit-based scholarships and need-based assistance grants. Explore our financial aid resources to learn more about funding opportunities for your International Affairs degree.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

JCU's Career Services Office can help connect you to internship opportunities with several prominent international organizations based in Rome, including the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Throughout the academic year, JCU organizes several conferences and events sponsored by the Guarini Institute for Public Affairs. You'll interact with policymakers, statesmen, journalists, and other professionals, building a network that will give you a leg up in your job search.

Enrich your learning experience at JCU with student-led clubs and societies related to International Affairs, such as the Model United Nations, the International Relations Club, and more. These groups offer networking opportunities, leadership roles, and events that complement your academic pursuits.

Clubs and Organizations