International affairs (also referred to as international relations, foreign policy or global studies) is the field that explores the world’s people, places and systems. It’s a broad, multidisciplinary area that encompasses political science, history, economics, geography, law and even language and culture. UC programs in the field often integrate these fields, and prepare students to think flexibly across time periods, cultures and systems.
The study of international affairs examines how countries, NGOs and multinational corporations interact with each other, whether on diplomacy, economics, environmental policy or human rights. It’s a dynamic field that connects with real-world issues and problems, from navigating global trade agreements to leading humanitarian efforts. It also requires strong communication skills to work with stakeholders who come from diverse backgrounds, cultures and belief systems.
Today’s global challenges are complex and cross borders. They range from a costly pandemic and unprecedented climate change to racial injustice and far-right extremism. As a result, many of these issues defy a single country’s solutions.
Whether you dream of working at the UN or are drawn to global business, a degree in international affairs can help you make an impact on these challenges. From accelerated bachelor’s degrees to master’s options, you can build the foundation of knowledge to tackle these challenges and take your career in a new direction. You can choose to focus on specific areas of interest, like global policy or law, or take a more interdisciplinary approach to learning through experiences like Model United Nations, internships and hands-on research.