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.

• Politics has been the fourth most popular major over the past 10 years (2016-25), accounting for nearly one of every 10 graduates.
• Six of the 18 Rhodes Scholars in Wake Forest history have majored in Politics.
• Consistent with the University’s commitment to update degree requirements in a changing world, the major requires graduates to take a class in statistics.

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

---

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:

* 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.

---

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.

---

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:

• American Constitution Society
• College Democrats
• College Republicans
• Deacs Decide
• Federalist Society
• Girl Up United Nations Foundation
• Global Food Committee
• Hydrating Humanitate
• International Affairs and Model United Nations Club
• International Justice Mission
• LGBTQ Center
• Pre-Law Council
• Social Justice Incubator
• Social Justice Theme House
• Student Association for the Advancement of Refugees
• Student Government
• Students Helping Honduras
• The Alexander Hamilton Society

---

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

• Account Executive
• Attorney
• Campaign Coordinator
• Chief Financial Officer
• CIA /FBI Agent
• City/Urban Planner
• Commercial Real Estate Agent
• Congressional Aide
• Conservationist
• Consultant
• Credit Manager
• Debate Coach
• Detention Officer
• Diplomat
• Educator
• Financial Advisor
• Foreign Service Officer
• Human Resources Specialist
• Insurance Agent
• Judicial Clerk
• Labor Relations Specialist
• Legal Assistant
• Legislative Assistant
• Legislative Correspondent
• Lobbyist
• Marketing Coordinator
• Litigation Clerk
• Paralegal Investigator
• Peace Corp Volunteer
• Policy Analyst
• Political Analyst
• Probation/Parole Officer
• Public Relations Specialist
• Public Service Worker
• Senator
• Technical Analyst

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.