BA in Global Affairs

In pursuing a BA (Bachelor of Arts) in Global Affairs students will study and answer important questions related to international politics, international power, global policies, international law and international economics. 

Students interested in international relations, international development, human rights, international conflict, international law, international political economy and international organizations are well-suited for a BA in Global Affairs. This new degree will help students prepare for a career working with non-governmental organizations, international organizations, government service, graduate school or law, among other fields. Within the degree, students may take courses from the Political Science, Economics, Communication and Sociology departments. The degree also allows students flexibility in designing a curriculum to meet individual needs. 

A BA in Global Affairs is an excellent complement to other BA degrees including Political Science, Economics, Language, History, Sociology and Communication among others.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, the student will have knowledge of:

• Developing writing skills to intellectually communicate their ideas and research findings about domestic and international political, social, communicative and economic topics.
  • Develop the ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively in writing.
  • Develop the ability to effectively take a position and defend an argument against criticism.
  • Be able to write an essay or paper presenting a clear thesis supported by relevant research.
• Develop the analytical skills necessary to think critically about political, social, communicative and economic behavior.
  • Be able to identify and critically evaluate the arguments of scholarly research in global affairs and political science.
  • Engage in conceptual analysis and theoretical interpretation political, social, communicative and economic ideas and phenomena.
  • Develop the ability to analyze a scholarly question in study areas by drawing logical inferences from qualitative and/or quantitative data.
• Develop an understanding of their role as an engaged citizen in domestic and international political systems.
  • Be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of domestic and international political and economic policies.
  • Develop an awareness of the global dynamics that influence the context of domestic and international politics.
  • Develop an understanding of international communication, laws, and organization.
  • Develop the ability to apply social scientific reasoning in the analysis of a wide range of domestic and international issues and problems.
  • Develop an awareness of political systems, governments, institutions and policies around the globe.

Four departments including Political Science, Sociology, Communication and Economics contribute classes to the degree. The learning environment is typical of most social sciences degrees with courses including lecture, discussion and occasionally simulation and debate components. Students are provided with the tools to gain knowledge and develop an analytical tool-set in a classroom environment. Some components of the learning experience may be completed online.

Total Required Credit Hours: 36

Degree Requirements

This program will serve undergraduate students who would like to achieve competency in analytical techniques and knowledge of global affairs across many different dimensions. The analytical tools obtained in a Social Sciences degree paired with an understanding and knowledge of Political, Economic, Sociological and Communication Global issues are in high demand for careers in private enterprise, non-profits, and local, state and federal government positions. The degree should prepare students to immediately join the workforce and/or to establish a strong foundation for post-graduate education.

Professor Rachael Hinkle
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Email Professor Hinkle

Pamela Menshel
Undergraduate Coordinator
Email Pamela Menshel