Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs

From discussion in the classroom and expert faculty to ambassador visits to campus and unique study abroad opportunities, when you major in International Affairs at the Elliott School you won’t just study it, you’ll experience it. You’ll understand and engage with the world, building knowledge of economics, history and political science, as well as the relevant areas of anthropology and geography and their respective methodologies. You’ll also develop language skills, deepening your knowledge and understanding of the world. All Elliott School students must also complete the General Bachelor of Arts requirements in addition to their major requirements.

 

What You'll Study 

photo: two engaged students listening to a classroom lecture

You'll follow a structure that promotes fundamental knowledge in the social sciences and be taught how to apply that knowledge to multiple contemporary issues in international affairs. Our program will enable you to analyze problems in the field, generalize from that analysis, identify potential outcomes consistent with the theoretical models and apply these theoretical models to different regions of the world. When you major in International Affairs, you will have the chance to explore different concentration themes in the international affairs major such as Conflict Resolution, Contemporary Cultures & Societies, Global Public Health and many more.

 

Opportunities 

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Study Abroad

With more than 70% of Elliott students studying abroad, there are an abundance of programs and countries that you can choose to enhance what you’ve learned in D.C. Our students have traveled across remote areas of China, through major cities like Hong Kong, Seoul, and Taipei, and in other areas of the region and world to enhance their knowledge.

 

 

 

graphic: a side-profile of a cartoon student sitting at a desk with a laptop open, typing. The student's briefcase is placed under the desk

 

 

Internships

While study abroad enhances understanding, you don’t have to leave D.C. to get global experience. Our campus is just blocks from the White House and State Department, a metro ride away from Capitol Hill and close to embassies who call the city home. With GW students finding more than 12,000 internship opportunities each year, you can find something that helps you meet your goals.

 

 

 

 

photo: Julia Goldman stands in front of a light post, people mill around behind her.

Julia Goldman

BA International Affairs 

"The professors at the Elliott School are unparalleled. Whether in the State Department or at the White House, they have been in the rooms helping to make the decisions that we read about for class everyday."