The bachelor's degree in Politics and International Affairs presents a global viewpoint of domestic and international public policy and the governments at work around the world. In-depth and timely coursework will introduce interconnections, synergies, and conflicts between countries, political movements, multinational corporations, and non-governmental agencies. Students may study the regions of the world that most interest them along with gaining a firm foundation in comparative politics.
Having a grasp of the interdependence of the nations of the world is vital for diplomatic relations, international business, and making decisions affecting the future of the nation. If your view of the world tends to be a global one, then the degree will provide the tools to accomplish your goals.
By focusing on comparative and international issues, you will broaden your understanding of the world today. Courses in Political Science and courses in other fields, such as anthropology, economics, and, history, will provide you breadth and depth of understanding. If you have yet to acquire one, you will also learn a second language, which is crucial in pursuing employment opportunities internationally.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the general studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | 2.0 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| Foreign Language | Required |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| Research | Optional |
| Study Abroad | Optional |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Politics and International Affairs provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to understand and participate in the world's political systems. This degree will prepare students to take meaningful roles in our increasingly interconnected world.
This degree builds a strong foundation in the basic knowledge of political systems and enables students to use key concepts and analytical approaches from U.S. Government and Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations. This degree grounds students in various factors shaping politics and international affairs, including history, religion, culture, and language.
Building upon this fundamental knowledge, our curriculum ensures that students can define, design, and implement effective research projects in political science. In addition, they will be able to make clear and effective presentations of their work in writing and in public presentations. Students will also leave this program ready to understand, and be able to meet, the expectations of professionalism and citizenship. Students will also leave with the ability to speak, read, and write in a second language. They will develop a broad perspective on the experiences and realities of politics and international affairs.
Our goal is to train students to be active, engaged, and informed participants in politics and international affairs who not only understand the world around them but also shape and influence it.
Student Learning Outcomes
This major requires 52 units distributed as follows:
Politics and International Affairs Course Requirements (24 units)
Comparative Politics/International Relations (3 units)
Political Theory/Political Economy (3 units)
US Government and Politics, Public Administration, and Public Law (3 units)
Experience of Difference Requirement (3 units)
As part of their degree program, students are required to complete 3 units of an experience of difference. This requirement can be met by completing one of the following courses:You must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English that is equivalent to four terms of university coursework in the same language. You may satisfy this requirement by taking language courses or through credit by exam. (16 units)
At least six of the 16 units of the foreign language requirement must be at the 300- or 400-level.
Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs and start a Master of Arts in Political Science at NAU.
A total of 12 units will be shared between the plans:
Students accepted into the Accelerated Program should complete the following requirements:
Major Requirements
This major requires 55 units distributed as follows:
Comparative Politics/International Relations (3 units)
Political Theory/Political Economy (3 units)
US Government and Politics, Public Administration, and Public Law (3 units)
Experience of Difference Requirement (3 units)
As part of their degree program, students are required to complete 3 units of an experience of difference. This requirement can be met by completing one of the following courses:You must obtain prior written approval from a POS faculty member if you take POS 408, POS 485. You may only use experience of difference coursework with a course prefix other than POS in exceptional circumstances, with your advisor's prior approval. If you take more than 3 units of experience of difference coursework, they will count in general elective credit.
You must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English that is equivalent to four terms of university coursework in the same language. You may satisfy this requirement by taking language courses or through credit by exam. (16 units)
At least six of the 16 units of the foreign language requirement must be at the 300- or 400-level.
Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or General Studies Requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.