B.A. in International Affairs
Harrisonburg, USA
BA
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 6,434 / per semester **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* regular admission | November 1st, 2022: early admission
** in-state tuition fee | $15,076: out-of-state tuition fee. Additional fees may apply
Key Summary
International Affairs graduates from JMU are prepared to change the world.
This major provides a global perspective on the most important challenges facing the United States and the world today. Students learn to understand the world from a variety of perspectives and have the opportunity to specialize in important global problems and regions. Students develop their understanding of cultural frameworks, foreign languages, international economics and political dynamics. Our vast network of alumni helps students transition to careers in public service and many other fields. These prized abilities serve as a foundation for careers in government, consulting, policy advocacy, business, communications and the non-profit sector.
We seek to enhance the quality of public policy and civic life at home and abroad by teaching students, conducting research and collaborating with people inside and outside of the JMU community.
International Affairs is an interdisciplinary program for students interested in varied aspects of the global community. The major requires classes in political science, economics, history, language, and culture. All students take a capstone course that enables them to apply knowledge and skills gained through previous coursework to a major research project in an area of interest. Students may choose to specialize in international relations or in a particular geographic area. Area specializations in the comparative study concentration include Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.
The departmental faculty includes specialists in international security, human rights, international law, comparative public policy, international political economy and specific geographic areas. The major also draws on faculty from the departments of economics, foreign languages and literature, geography, history, justice studies, religion, sociology and anthropology. Graduates pursue careers in government and politics, intelligence, international business, international non-profit organizations, law, research and analysis, and other fields.
International affairs is a 50-credit hour major, with a 32-credit common core and 18 credits of concentration study. For further information and a complete list of the distribution requirements and eligible courses, contact the coordinator.
Required Courses
- General Education 41 Credit Hours 1
- Foreign Language classes (intermediate level required) 0-14 Credit Hours 2
- Philosophy course (in addition to General Education courses) 3 Credit Hours 3
- University electives 12-26 Credit Hours
- Major requirements (listed below) 50 Credit Hours
Footnotes
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
2 The foreign language requirement may be satisfied by successful completion of the second semester of the intermediate level of the student’s chosen language (typically 232), or by placing out of that language through the Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures’ placement test. The international affairs major requires an additional year of language study. That is, students must have three years of a foreign language appropriate to their course of study in the major. Students majoring in international affairs who use proficiency in a native language to meet the INTA language requirement must make the following substitutions for the two 300-level foreign language courses: AMST 200 and one of the following courses: HIST 225, ENG 247 or ENG 248. Such students who have a diploma from a U.S. high school may take six credits of any foreign language, at any level, instead of the above two courses. These courses must focus on grammar, oral and written communication; they cannot be literature, cinema or civilization courses.
3 If students have taken a PHIL course to meet their General Education requirements, they must take an additional course to meet the B.A. degree philosophy requirement. PHIL 120 and PHIL 150 cannot be used to fulfill the B.A. philosophy requirement.
Major Requirements
Students may choose one of four concentrations: comparative study; foreign policy and global governance; global human development; or international security and conflict. The international affairs major requires that all students complete a common core. Students should be aware that it is not always possible to offer courses on their regular rotation and that new courses may be added and existing ones deleted. Therefore, key requirements should not be left until just before graduation. Any course substitutions must be approved by the international affairs coordinator in consultation with other faculty members.
Core Courses
- ECON 201. Introduction to Microeconomics Credits: 3.00
- ECON 270. International Economics Credits: 3.00 1
- ECON 200. Introduction to Macroeconomics [C4GE] Credits: 3.00
- INTA 295. CrossNational Research Skills Credits: 4.00 2
- INTA 489. Senior Seminar in International Affairs Credits: 3.00-4.00 3
- POSC 230. International Relations Credits: 3.00
- POSC 240. Comparative Politics Credits: 3.00
- FL 300. Grammar and Communication 3.00 4
- FL 320. Oral and Written Communication 3.00 4
- Choose one of the following: 3 Credit Hours
- HIST 330. U.S. Diplomatic History Credits: 3.00 4
- POSC 370. U.S. Foreign Policy Credits: 3.00 4
Footnotes
1 Students should complete these core economics requirements before enrolling in upper-level economics courses. Students double-majoring in economics and international affairs may substitute ECON 370 for ECON 270 to meet their core requirement.
2 Students should note that MATH 220 is a prerequisite for INTA 295. If taken in the summer from an INTA faculty member, POSC 295 will count as INTA 295.
3 This course fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major. Prerequisites: Completion of all courses in the core requirement of the major and senior standing.
4 Students must be proficient at the third-year level of a foreign language. In most languages this will require the completion of courses numbered 300 and 320. Some languages may not use this course numbering. In this instance, students must take two 300-level courses that focus on grammar, oral and written communication. The second 300-level course may not be a literature, cinema or civilization course. Some languages cannot be completed through the 300 level at JMU. Students studying these languages may have to complete course work during the summer or abroad at a specialized language program. Students should consult with the Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures on this point. Each student’s foreign language must be appropriate for their track. French is acceptable for the Africa and Middle East tracks.
Comparative Study Concentration
The following international/cross-area courses and area courses are required in addition to the core courses listed under Major Requirements. Students in the comparative study concentration must complete the requirements for all three areas. Students may use three credits of INTA 301W for international/cross-area or area credit. INTA 301W will always count as a political science course. The precise manner in which INTA 301W will count toward the major will be determined in consultation between students wishing to take INTA 301W and the international affairs coordinator.
- International and Cross-Area Courses
- Area Requirements
Foreign Policy and Global Governance Concentration
- Political Dynamics of Foreign Policy and Global Governance: 3 Credit Hours
- Historical Patterns: 3 Credit Hours
- Regional and Cross Regional Sociopolitical Dynamics: 3 Credit Hours
- Depth Component: 9 Credit Hours
Global Human Development Concentration
- Political Dynamics of Global Human Development: 3 Credit Hours
- Historical Patterns: 3 Credit Hours
- Regional and Cross Regional Sociopolitical Dynamics: 3 Credit Hours
- Depth Component: 9 Credit Hours
International Conflict and Security Concentration
- Political Dynamics of International Conflict and Security: 3 Credit Hours
- Historical Patterns: 3 Credit Hours
- Regional and Cross Regional Sociopolitical Dynamics: 3 Credit Hours
- Depth Component: 9 Credit Hours
Internships
A maximum of three credits in the major may be earned through an internship. Students must consult with the international affairs coordinator PRIOR to doing an internship to check on its applicability to the major.
Study Abroad and Washington Semester
Many of the courses available to students through JMU’s Office of International Programs and the Washington Semester program can be used to fulfill requirements in the INTA major. Students planning to go abroad should keep this in mind in working out their schedules and must consult the INTA coordinator for course approvals and substitutions.
A successful career and a meaningful life is what it’s all about. Whether it’s an internship, a great first job or a top graduate school appointment, JMU Dukes make their dreams ignite. You will, too.
Here are current openings available to JMU students.
Jobs for JMU Students
International Policy
- Development Associate at REPRO Rising Virginia
- Operations Specialist at KEYENCE Corporation of America
- Administrative Secretary-General Government at Village of Schaumburg
- (#R25225) Blended Case Manager / Salisbury Behavioral Health at RHA Health Services, LLC
- (#R25222) Blended Case Manager / Salisbury Behavioral Health at RHA Health Services, LLC
- Climate and Energy Coordinator - Job ID 59125 at Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
- Research Data Web Developer at Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)
- Principal Planner at COUNTY OF FRANKLIN
- Director of Business Intelligence & Data Strategy at New York City: Department of Housing Preservation & Development
- Disclosure Specialist at Virginia Department of Taxation
- GRADUATE STUDENTS: Civil Health Strategy and Policy Senior Consultant (Master's) at Booz Allen Hamilton
- Deputy Juvenile Probation Officer I- Malta, Montana, Mord at Montana Judicial Branch
- Deputy Juvenile Probation Officer I- Polson, Montana at Montana Judicial Branch
- Project Coordinator at International Association of Chiefs of Police - Internship Program
- Budget Analyst at South Dakota State Government
- Graduate Development Program, Associate Analyst, Market Segmentation at National Grid
- 2023 Campus - National Security Consulting at Guidehouse
- Analyst I - Limited Term at City of Portland Bureau of Human Resources
- Executive Assistant to the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM) Director at City of Portland Bureau of Human Resources
Global Policy
- Operations Specialist at KEYENCE Corporation of America
- Project Coordinator at International Association of Chiefs of Police - Internship Program
- 2023 Campus - National Security Consulting at Guidehouse
- Research Associate, Think Global Health at Council on Foreign Relations
- 2023 - Early Career - General Insurance – Analyst - United States, Multiple Locations at AIG
- Energy4Talent Trainee Program at The AES Corporation
- Media Analyst- Portland, OR at PublicRelay
- Media Analyst - Tysons Corner, VA at PublicRelay
- Reporter, Axios Local (San Diego, CA) at Axios
- Reporter, Axios Local (Portland, OR) at Axios
- Future Teaching Opportunities 22/23 - Scottsdale at BASIS Charter Schools
- Remote State Government Relations Manager-SD, ND, MT at Susan G. Komen Headquarters
- Remote State Government Relations Manager-Susan G. Komen at Susan G. Komen Headquarters
- 2023 Full Time: Supply Chain Finance Assist. Analyst (UG) at PepsiCo
- 2023 Analyst Program – Risk Management Department at SMBC
- 2023 Analyst Program – Capital Markets – Risk Management Group at SMBC
- Corporate & Investment Banking Coverage – Sustainable Finance & Advisory – NY at SMBC
- Customer Experience Assistant, Sales - Washington D.C. at Brilliant Earth
- Human Resources Business Partner (China) at Lenovo
Diplomacy
- Intern - Government Affairs (Summer 2023) at United Airlines
- Human Resources Analyst - Explorer Summer Intern Program - 2023 at Barclays
- Human Resources Analyst - Explorer Summer Intern Program - 2023 at Barclays
- Developer Analyst - Explorer Summer Intern Program - 2023 at Barclays
- Legislative Strategy Intern at BSA | The Software Alliance
- State Advocacy Intern at BSA | The Software Alliance
- 2023 Intern - National Security Consulting at Guidehouse
- Operations Analyst - Explorer Summer Intern Program - 2023 at Barclays
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Intern (2023 Summer Intern Program) at Watts Water Technologies
- 2023 - Early Career – General Insurance – Summer Intern - United States, Multiple Locations at AIG
- Clean Energy Policy Intern (Volunteer--Remote/Hybrid--Fall 2022) at Energy Innovation Reform Project
- 2023 Intern: Supply Chain Finance Intern (UG) at PepsiCo
- POLITICAL REPORTER at The Pavlovic Today
- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Intern, Electric School Bus Initiative at World Resources Institute
- International Climate Policy Internship at InterAction
- Public Policy & Congressional Engagement Internship at InterAction
- 2023 Summer Intern Program – Risk Management at SMBC
- College to Corporate Internship – Accounting – PA 2023 at Vanguard
- Policy Intern at DeFi Education Fund
Internships for JMU Students
International Policy
- Legislative Strategy Intern at BSA | The Software Alliance
- State Advocacy Intern at BSA | The Software Alliance
- Paid WCPI Policy Internship Program (Spring 2023) at Women's Congressional Policy Institute
- Undergraduate Intern, Knowledge Management Development at International Economic Development Council
- Community Engagement Intern – Harrisonburg Area at The Berkley Group
- Urban and Regional Planning Intern at The Berkley Group
- Summer Internship with Federal Agency (all majors welcome) at Partnership for Public Service
- Public Policy/Health Outreach/Social Media Intern at Men's Health Network
- Fall 2022 Education & Training Intern at Share Our Strength
- INROADS & The Federal Reserve Bank of New York: 2023 Sophomore Career Exploration Program at INROADS
- INROADS & Federal Reserve Bank of New York: 2023 Junior Summer Analyst Program at INROADS
- Policy Intern at American Conservative Union Foundation
- Global Climate Pledge Research and Communications Associate at U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce
- Legislation & Advocacy Virtual/Remote Internship at Seaside Sustainability, Inc.
- Government Relations Internship (SPRING 2023) at Carmen Group, Inc.
Global Policy
- Intern - Government Affairs (Summer 2023) at United Airlines
- Human Resources Analyst - Explorer Summer Intern Program - 2023 at Barclays
- Human Resources Analyst - Explorer Summer Intern Program - 2023 at Barclays
- Developer Analyst - Explorer Summer Intern Program - 2023 at Barclays
- Legislative Strategy Intern at BSA | The Software Alliance
- State Advocacy Intern at BSA | The Software Alliance
- 2023 Intern - National Security Consulting at Guidehouse
- Operations Analyst - Explorer Summer Intern Program - 2023 at Barclays
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Intern (2023 Summer Intern Program) at Watts Water Technologies
- 2023 - Early Career – General Insurance – Summer Intern - United States, Multiple Locations at AIG
- Clean Energy Policy Intern (Volunteer--Remote/Hybrid--Fall 2022) at Energy Innovation Reform Project
- 2023 Intern: Supply Chain Finance Intern (UG) at PepsiCo
- POLITICAL REPORTER at The Pavlovic Today
- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Intern, Electric School Bus Initiative at World Resources Institute
- International Climate Policy Internship at InterAction
- Public Policy & Congressional Engagement Internship at InterAction
- 2023 Summer Intern Program – Risk Management at SMBC
- College to Corporate Internship – Accounting – PA 2023 at Vanguard
- Policy Intern at DeFi Education Fund
Diplomacy
- 2023 Summer Intern - Data Engineer at Daikin North America
- Procurement Engineer Intern at AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL CONTRACTORS, INC
- Non-Profit Management Intern at World Trade Center Institute
- International Business Development Intern at World Trade Center Institute
- Global Exchanges Intern at World Trade Center Institute
- Non-Profit Accounting, Finance & IT Intern at World Trade Center Institute
- Program Management Intern at World Trade Center Institute
- Marketing & Communications Intern at World Trade Center Institute
Madison awards more than 400 one- to four-year scholarships each year to incoming students. The primary criterion for merit-based scholarships is exceptional academic performance. Other selection criteria may include leadership, involvement, and career goals.
The Madison Scholarships Hub is the application center for all JMU Foundation scholarships at James Madison University. To access the Madison Scholarships Hub, log in to MyMadison. Under the Applicant tab, click on the Madison Scholarships Hub logo.
All students are encouraged to fill out the General Application in the Madison Scholarships Hub to be considered for various scholarship opportunities. Qualifications for the majority of our scholarships are based on the General Application information as well as information pulled directly from your admissions application.
Review the criteria carefully for any recommended scholarship opportunities you are presented with and if you meet the qualifications, click apply to submit the additional required information. Deadlines vary across departments so be sure to complete the General Application as soon as possible to receive full consideration. Some scholarship opportunities become available starting in the fall while others open later so be sure to check back in January, February and March.