Program

International Affairs is an interdisciplinary major in the College of Arts and Sciences. The International Affairs program is designed (a) to prepare today's students with the knowledge and skills needed to survive and to lead in this global marketplace -- a marketplace not simply of products and services, but also of ideas, identities, and values; and (b) to promote "global citizenship" and social responsibility among all members of the international community.

Students who major in International Affairs in the College of Arts and Sciences focus on topics that are both historical and current in order to gain perspective on the forces that shape the events around us. Students will complete six required courses and six elective courses to be selected from courses in the International Affairs program's categories of Regional Analysis (three courses) and Global Dynamics and Development (three courses).

In addition to required and elective course work, foreign language proficiency (through Intermediate I) is required, and higher levels (through Intermediate II) are strongly recommended. Students also are required to complete an international experience. Students may fulfill this requirement by completing two of IAF's "Dialogue of Civilizations" programs, through Northeastern's Study Abroad Program, or international co-op.

Transferring to the major:

Students are encouraged to apply to the program by their sophomore year to begin planning early for their International Experience. Acceptance into the major will be based on students meeting the program's criteria for admission and availability of space in the programs. A 2.75 minimum grade point average is required for transferring into the major.

Progress in the major:

Students majoring in International Affairs should maintain a 2.5 minimum grade point average. Required courses for the major should be taken for a grade and not be taken pass/fail. Current Northeastern students wishing to declare an International Affairs major must have a minimum 2.75 grade point average. Students are advised that the study abroad option in their international experience component generally requires a 3.0 average.