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Politics and International Affairs class.

Politics & International Affairs Degree

Bachelor of Arts, Minor

Program Type:

Major, Minor

Career Path:

Law and Government

Program Site:

Department of Economics

College or School:

Undergraduate College

Why study Politics & International Affairs?

Political science is the study of government, public policies and political behavior. It uses both humanistic perspectives and scientific skills to examine the United States and all countries and regions of the world.

The Political & International Affairs degree is offered as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and a minor.


What classes would I take?

Our model and curriculum educate the whole person and often help students discover interests they had never previously discovered. Students generally take 100-200 level courses during their first year of college, while registering for higher level courses as upperclassmen.

Sample courses that you may take as a Politics & International Affairs student include:

  • American Government and Politics
  • International Politics
  • Public Opinion and Pro Humanitate
  • Political Parties, Voters, and Elections
  • Politics and the Mass Media
  • Advanced Quantitative Methods for Social Research
  • Individual Study
  • Internship in Politics
  • Senior Seminar in Political Science

* Courses listed above are offered during the current academic year. Course availability and offerings can change at any time. Refer to the Academic Bulletin to view all major requirements.


What kind of experience will I gain?

As a Politics & International Affairs major, you will hone the writing, communications, analytical and computer skills that are critical to a liberal arts education. The courses offered in the politics & international affairs department will prepare you to think critically and independently, with tolerance for others and concern for current affairs.

Majoring in politics & international affairs can qualify you for many different careers in private for-profit and nonprofit organizations, as well as public sector organizations. Students often pursue careers in business; law; consulting; state, local, and federal government; journalism and communications; international organization; finance; polling and campaign management; community service and non-governmental organizations (NGOs); and pre-college and college teaching.

Political science training also provides valuable preparation for participating in community organizations, electoral politics, movements on behalf of specific policies, and for seeking elective or administrative positions in government. While many of these are voluntary activities, participation in them develops skills and creates opportunities for career success.

Students in this program will develop the following skills:

  • Skillful at speaking, reading, and writing
  • Ability to effectively communicate ideas
  • Able to associate with people with differing beliefs
  • Skilled at developing personal thoughts/theories
  • Ability to assess crises and problem solve
  • Awareness of community needs
  • Quantitative literacy (ability to calculate, interpret and present statistical data using statistical software programs)
  • Propensity to be a leader

Are there extracurricular activities?

Joining a club or organization is a great way to get involved and do more with your major. Our Politics & International Affairs students participate in the following programs:


What kind of job can I get?

Careers that often interest Politics & International Affairs majors, and fields our graduates work in, include:

Politics majors have become leaders in government, business and philanthropy in a wide variety of sectors. They include a deputy attorney general of California; a deputy director of UNICEF; executives for Delta Airlines; an official at The World Bank; and many others.

Business & Enterprise Management

The Business & Enterprise Management major is designed to preserve a generalist business curriculum that develops in students a holistic and integrated perspective of business.

Business & Enterprise Management

Communication

The Department of Communication at Wake Forest pursues the theoretical, critical, and scientific study of human communication in all its forms.

Communication

Economics

Economics students learn about the nuts and bolts of economic theory and the usefulness of economic theory in managing their personal affairs and dealing with social and political problems.

Economics
Students working in an engineering class
Students participating in Holi
Hearn Plaza with Reynolda Hall in the distance
The Demon Deacon shows up during New Student Orientation.

Let us know you’re interested in Wake Forest and we’ll do the rest.

Families visiting campus during spring Campus Days.
Wait Chapel in the fall