About International Affairs

An International Affairs major studies the world and the influence of politics, culture, and economics on global affairs. Students of International Affairs endeavour to understand how interconnected politics, economics, and law interact on the global scale, to impact our daily lives.

　　Working in the International Affairs field usually requires spending time, even years, living and working abroad. Professionals may spend time working abroad and then return to their home countries to advance to management or enter the consulting sector. Politics, history, anthropology and sociology, statistics, economics, and data science are among the courses available to students. Many International Affairs programmes require students to focus on a specific subject, such as global security or human rights, as well as a particular region of the world.

　　

Is International Affairs right for me?

Do you want to work in law, trade, foreign service, international business, or non-profits? This major can lead you to all these exciting fields!

　　International Affairs majors should be interested in what is going on in the world. They should enjoy staying updated about current affairs from credible sources, as well as discussing and analysing it with their peers. Language skills are also beneficial in this field, as most International Affairs degrees require students to complete advanced courses in at least one language.

　　It is also a good major for students who want to learn about important global issues. Working in international Affairs requires exceptional interpersonal, analytical, decision-making, and negotiation skills. Demand for people with this degree is increasing, not least because the world is undergoing unprecedented changes. This major provides you with unique insights as well as the adaptability to pursue a variety of career paths. If you think this degree matches you interests and talents, then opting for it can lead you to exciting career tracks.

　　

International Affairs study options and costs

　　International Affairs can be studied at the bachelor's, master's, and doctorate (PhD) level. A bachelor's in international affairs is intended to help you develop a highly valuable set of skills and academic knowledge. It will arm you with the tools needed to understand, explain, and interact with a complex and rapidly changing global environment. This will increase your chances of success in your future career and more importantly in your life. For the academic year 2021-2022, the average tuition and fees for the International Relations and Affairs programmes were $9,190 for state residents and $31,953 for out-of-state students.

　　A master's degree in International Affairs will help you develop your critical thinking and help you connect ideas — something that employers highly value. For the academic year 2021-2022, the average tuition costs for the International Relations and Affairs programme were $11,858 for state residents and $22,541 for out-of-state students.

　　The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in International Affairs prepares students to conduct cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research in key areas of international affairs and political science. PhD students attempt to answer important questions through a combination of in-depth hands-on fieldwork and comprehensive theoretical study.

　　

Future outlook

International Affairs students are expected to be in high demand as the global need for policy analysts and critical thinkers soars in our globalised world. International Affair graduates play vital roles in federal and intergovernmental agencies worldwide as well as international NGO’s.

　　The number of International Affairs graduates in the labor force has increased at a 3.28 percent annual rate, from 3.82 million in 2018 to 3.95 million in 2019. Average starting salaries for undergraduates are $32,965, and $53,000 for master's degree holders.

　　

Career pathways for International Affairs graduates

　　

Diplomat

　　Diplomats may lead delegations to friendly countries or they may be in charge of managing and improving relationships with other countries. Being a diplomat requires adaptability, conflict resolution abilities, and networking abilities. The average annual salary of a diplomat is $122,220.

　　

Public affairs specialist

　　Public affairs professionals serve as an organisation's ‘face’ to establish and maintain a strong positive image. This requires frequent communication via media such as by creating press releases. Working as a public affairs specialist with a nonprofit or government agency may entail attempting to gain support for specific bills or policies. The average annual salary of a public affairs specialist is $43,574.

　　

Immigration Specialist

　　Individuals looking to emigrate are assisted by an immigration specialist. Filing paperwork, applying for work permits, assisting with citizenship, assisting with adoptions, and providing legal advice are all part of their job description. The average annual salary of an immigration specialist is $55,064.

　　

Archivist

　　An archivist is an information professional who evaluates, investigates, and appraises original documents. Photographs, films, maps, and various paper documents, such as manuscripts, are examples of these documents. An archivist may also catalog items, update databases, and assist in making items more accessible to the general public. The average annual salary of an archivist is $65,722.