IAFS Major Requirements - Declared Fall 2023 or later

Complete one class in each of the four Functional Areas and complete two additional classes in any functional area (6 classes, 18 credit hours).

• Our four functional areas are:
  • Functional Area I: Development and Culture
  • Functional Area II: International Economics, Business, and Political Economy
  • Functional Area III: Political Geography, International Security, and Foreign Policy
  • Functional Area IV: Institutions, Rights, and Norms
• Students cannot apply more than four functional area classes from one department (i.e., PSCI, ECON). 

Review the Functional Areas page for more details and specific course information. 

Complete three classes in one of the four Geographic Concentrations (3 classes, 9 credit hours).

• Africa/Middle East, Asia, Europe/Eurasia, or Latin America.
• Students must choose a Geographic Concentration no later than the beginning of their junior year.
• Geographic Concentration should align with the region associated with the foreign language students are studying.
• Coursework should be mainly in the social sciences, must include one course in contemporary history and can include a maximum of three credits of regional literature and arts (taught in the foreign language whenever possible). 

Review the Geographic Concentrations page for more details and specific course information. 

Complete 3 upper division credit hours to fulfill the Off-Campus Experience (1 class, 3 credit hours).

• Students may participate in an upper division study abroad program, register for IAFS 3000: Global and Local Engagement, IAFS 4930: Internship in International Affairs, or one of the other options listed on the Off-Campus Experience website which fulfil the requirement. 

Review the Off-Campus Experience page for more details and specific course information. 

Demonstrate third-year, university-level proficiency in a world language (classes and credits vary). 

• Chosen language should align with the region associated with the Geographic Concentration students are studying.
• Students must declare their language with their IAFS academic advisor by the end of sophomore year.
• Contact your IAFS advisor if you have questions about what is necessary to complete the World Language Proficiency requirements.

Review the table on the World Language Proficiency webpage for specific requirements and more details. 

Complete one of the following senior seminar level upper division courses (1 class, 3 credit hours). 

• IAFS 4500: The Post-Cold War World (different topics)
• IAFS 4800: Honors Seminar in International Affairs
• PACS 4500: Senior Seminar: Research in Conflict Contexts*
  • *IAFS majors enrolled in the Peace, Conflict and Security (PACS) certificateonly

Please review the College of Arts & Sciences Degree Requirements website for specifics about Gen Ed Requirements. Current and prospective students should contact their IAFS academic advisor if they have additional questions about Gen Ed.