Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs

Our students become adept observers and problem-solvers of international development, environmental issues, international economic relations and foreign policy. They enjoy careers in international organizations, agencies, government, nonprofits, multinational corporations and journalism.

International affairs majors begin their studies with a survey of the most compelling global issues of the day and create detailed analyses of international relations and economics. Our students explore problems of international development, the environment, international economic relations and U.S. foreign policy.

  • Explore international affairs in relation to political science, economics, history, anthropology, geography and business
  • Gain in-depth knowledge of a region outside of the United States: Africa/Middle East, Asia, Europe/Eurasia or Latin America
  • Become proficient in your region’s language and culture and political activities.

Gain internship experience specifically designed for international affairs students.

Further your study and expertise with one of our six optional certificate specializations.

Learn from acclaimed faculty in multiple disciplines across the university.

Be successful.

A background in international affairs will prepare you to meet the needs of our increasingly interdependent and globalized 21st-century society.

  
$56,259

Median salary of CU Boulder international affairs students 1–5 years after graduation.

 

Work for international organizations and agencies; federal government organizations such as the State Department, Defense Department, CIA or NSA; nonprofits; the Peace Corps; and multinational corporations as a policy analyst, foreign service officer/diplomat, journalist or intelligence specialist.

 

Job growth in some fields related to international affairs has been faster than the average for all jobs in 2016–26.

(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Academic Plan & Requirements

In addition to the general requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, students must complete one class in each of four functional areas and complete two additional classes in any functional area for a total of 18 credit hours.

Functional areas are:

  • Development and culture
  • International economics, business and political economy
  • Political geography, international security and foreign policy
  • International institutions, rights and norms

Students are required to obtain a third-year, university-level proficiency in a foreign language appropriate to their geographic concentration of choice, as well as completion of 9 credit hours concentrating on one of the four following global regions:

  • Africa/Middle East
  • Asia
  • Europe/Eurasia
  • Latin America

International affairs students are required to fulfill one off-campus experience (3 credit hours) from one of the following:

  • Internship in international affairs
  • CU Boulder study abroad course
  • CU in D.C. course
  • Another credit-bearing off-campus experience approved by the program

Additional degree options for international affairs students include:

  • Interdisciplinary undergraduate certificates in four specialty areas:
    • Arctic studies: Prepares students to address pressing environmental, political and cultural issues in the Far North
    • European Union studies: Augments understanding of the development, focus, functioning and future of the EU
    • Global environmental affairs: Enriches educational experience through applied learning and fieldwork
    • Global public health: Encourages IAFS students to extend the breadth of their undergraduate education to include elements of public health
    • Peace, conflict and security: Focuses on advancing our understanding of conflict dynamics and improving our ability to wisely, equitably, and efficiently handle conflict
    • International media: Allows students to explore careers in international reporting, advertising and entertainment

Community & Involvement

International affairs majors have many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.

Be inspired.

The international affairs program has an extensive list of alumni who have worked in fields across the globe.

Some alumni of the program include:

Mary Ann Casey

('70)
Former U.S. ambassador to Algeria and Tunisia, and an honorary member of the International Affairs Advisory Board at CU Boulder.

Steve McCarthy

('80)
Chairman and CEO of Além International, an experiential marketer, creator and producer of special events. He has consulted on, developed, or coordinated and executed the torch relays for every Olympic Games since 1996.

Scott Renner

('86)
Consul general at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and member of the International Affairs Advisory Board at CU Boulder.

Kelly Bendelow

('08)
Protection officer and head of office stationed in Aruba and Curacao with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. She started with UNHCR in 2009 as a resettlement intern.

News & Stories

College of Arts & Sciences magazine cover