International Politics, B.A.

Program Description

This major, administered within the Department of Political Science, is designed to provide students with a broad, comprehensive education in international politics by offering students options in International Relations, International Political Economy, and Security Studies. While most of the required courses are in the areas of international and comparative politics, the curriculum includes courses in economics, geography, risk analysis, and history. The major provides an opportunity to study in detail a variety of crucial contemporary issues--conflict among and within nations, democratization, economic and political globalization, regional conflicts and the emerging importance of non-state actors--as well as analysis of foreign and economic policy making and security issues in the United States and other nations.

The major prepares students for career opportunities:

• with U.S. government executive agencies dealing with foreign affairs, international and homeland security, and the international economy;
• with relevant committees of the U.S. Congress;
• with multinational corporations, banks, and consulting firms; and
• with international organizations.

The major also provides preparation for law and business schools and for graduate study in political science and international relations.

What is International Politics?

International Politics is an interdisciplinary major focused on how power operates within and between states in the international arena. The program combines economics, history, and political science to examine topics such as human rights, ethnic conflict, terrorism, economic and political development and globalization, the environment, foreign and economic policy making, and national security. Students have the option to concentrate in either International Relations, International Political Economy, or National Security Studies.

You Might Like This Program If...

You are interested in learning about different cultures and political systems around the world and how their interactions create and are influenced by political and economic cooperation and conflict. This major is a good choice for students interested in national security, foreign policy, war, crime, and terrorism as well as in languages and history. International Relations is an exciting interdisciplinary major dealing with today's global problems and potential solutions.

Entrance to Major

In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, a student must:

1. attain at least a C (2.00) cumulative grade-point average for all courses taken at the University; and
2. have at least third-semester classification.

READ SENATE POLICY 37-30: ENTRANCE TO AND CHANGES IN MAJOR PROGRAMS OF STUDY

World Campus

Direct Admission to the Major

Incoming first-year students who meet the program admission requirements are admitted directly into the major. Admission restrictions may apply for change-of-major and/or change-of-campus students.

For more information about the admission process for this major, please send a request to the college, campus, or program contact (listed in the Contact tab).

Degree Requirements

For the Bachelor of Arts degree in International Politics, a minimum of 123 credits is required:

Program Requirements

Requirement	Credits
General Education	45
Electives	15-18
Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements	24
Requirements for the Major	39

0-3 of the 45 credits for General Education are included in the Requirements for the Major. This includes 0-3 credits of GS General Education courses.

3 of the 24 credits for Bachelor of Arts Degree Requirements are included in the Requirements for the Major, General Education, or Electives and 0-12 credits are included in Electives if world language proficiency is demonstrated by examination.

Per Senate Policy 83-80.5, the college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of coursework in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

Requirements for the Major

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
PLSC 14	International Relations	3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
PLSC 7N	Contemporary Political Ideologies 1	3
or PLSC 1	American Politics: Principles, Processes and Powers
Select one of the following:		3
PLSC 3	Comparing Politics around the Globe
PLSC 20
PLSC 22
Requirements for the Option
Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better
Select an option		30

¹

PLSC 7N is recommended for students choosing the National Security Option.

Requirements for the Option

International Relations Option (30 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park, World Campus

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
PLSC 412	International Political Economy	3
or PLSC 481	Global Political Economy
PLSC 418	International Relations Theory	3
or PLSC 442	American Foreign Policy
Select 3-6 credits (no more than 3 credits below the 300 level) of the following:		3-6
HIST 120
HIST 142N	History of Communism
HIST 143N	History of Fascism and Nazism
HIST 144	The World at War: 1939-1945
HIST 173	Vietnam in War and Peace
HIST 175	East Asia since 1800
HIST 179	Latin-American History Since 1820
HIST 181	Introduction to the Middle East
HIST 192	Modern African History
HIST 320	Contemporary World History and Issues
HIST 420	Recent European History
HIST 423
HIST 427	Germany Since 1860
HIST 430	Eastern Europe in Modern Times
HIST/AFAM 431	Black Liberation and American Foreign Policy
HIST/AFAM 432	Between Nation and Empire: The Caribbean in the 20th Century
HIST 434	History of the Soviet Union
HIST 435	Topics in European History
HIST 446	America Between the Wars
HIST 447	Recent American History
HIST 452	History of U.S. Foreign Relations
HIST 454	American Military History
HIST 460
HIST 467	Latin America and the United States
HIST 468	Mexico and the Caribbean Nations in the Twentieth Century
HIST 473	The Contemporary Middle East
HIST 479	History of Imperialism and Nationalism in Africa
HIST 481	Modern Japan Since 1800
HIST 486	China in Revolution
Select 3-6 credits (no more than 3 credits below the 300 level) of the following:		3-6
ECON 102	Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy
ECON 104	Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy
ECON 333	International Economics
or IB 303	International Business Operations
Select 3-6 credits (no more than 3 credits below the 300 level) of the following:		3-6
GEOG 123	Geography of Developing World
GEOG 124	Elements of Cultural Geography
GEOG 128	Geography of International Affairs
GEOG 364	Spatial Analysis
GEOG 424
GEOG 430	Human Use of Environment
GEOG 431	Geography of Water Resources
GEOG 438W	Human Dimensions of Global Warming
GEOG 444	Resource Governance in Africa
GEOG 463	Geospatial Information Management
GEOG 464	Advanced Spatial Analysis
GEOG 468	Geographic Information Systems Design and Evaluation
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 12 credits from one of the following:		12
400-level political science courses in International Relations, Comparative Politics, or Theory/Methodology (excluding courses taken to fulfill other requirements in the major) from an approved department list in consultation with an adviser
World language courses beyond the 12th-credit level 1

¹

9 of these credits must be at the 400 level. With adviser approval, all 12 credits may be below the 400 level, but must be in addition to the language proficiency for BA requirements.

National Security Option (30 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park, World Campus

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CRIM 406	Sociology of Deviance	3
SRA 111	Introduction to Security and Risk Analysis	3
SRA 211	Threat of Terrorism and Crime	3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits of the following:		3
ECON 102	Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy
ECON 104	Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy
ECON 333	International Economics
or IB 303	International Business Operations
GEOG 123	Geography of Developing World
GEOG 124	Elements of Cultural Geography
GEOG 128	Geography of International Affairs
GEOG 364	Spatial Analysis
GEOG 424
GEOG 430	Human Use of Environment
GEOG 431	Geography of Water Resources
GEOG 438W	Human Dimensions of Global Warming
GEOG 444	Resource Governance in Africa
GEOG 463	Geospatial Information Management
GEOG 464	Advanced Spatial Analysis
GEOG 468	Geographic Information Systems Design and Evaluation
HIST 120
HIST 142N	History of Communism
HIST 143N	History of Fascism and Nazism
HIST 144	The World at War: 1939-1945
HIST 173	Vietnam in War and Peace
HIST 175	East Asia since 1800
HIST 179	Latin-American History Since 1820
HIST 181	Introduction to the Middle East
HIST 192	Modern African History
HIST 320	Contemporary World History and Issues
HIST 420	Recent European History
HIST 423
HIST 427	Germany Since 1860
HIST 430	Eastern Europe in Modern Times
HIST/AFAM 431	Black Liberation and American Foreign Policy
HIST/AFAM 432	Between Nation and Empire: The Caribbean in the 20th Century
HIST 434	History of the Soviet Union
HIST 435	Topics in European History
HIST 446	America Between the Wars
HIST 447	Recent American History
HIST 452	History of U.S. Foreign Relations
HIST 454	American Military History
HIST 460
HIST 467	Latin America and the United States
HIST 468	Mexico and the Caribbean Nations in the Twentieth Century
HIST 473	The Contemporary Middle East
HIST 479	History of Imperialism and Nationalism in Africa
HIST 481	Modern Japan Since 1800
HIST 486	China in Revolution
Select 6 credits of the following:		6
PLSC 412	International Political Economy
PLSC 418	International Relations Theory
PLSC/CRIMJ 439	The Politics of Terrorism
PLSC 442	American Foreign Policy
PLSC 481	Global Political Economy
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 12 credits from one of the following:		12
400-level political science courses in International Relations, Comparative Politics, or Theory/Methodology (excluding courses taken to fulfill other requirements in the major) from an approved department list in consultation with an adviser
World language courses beyond the 12th-credit level 1

¹

9 of these credits must be at the 400 level. With adviser approval, all 12 credits may be below the 400 level, but must be in addition to the language proficiency for BA requirements.

International Political Economy Option (30 credits)

Available at the following campuses: University Park, World Campus

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
PLSC 412	International Political Economy	3
or PLSC 481	Global Political Economy
PLSC 418	International Relations Theory	3
or PLSC 442	American Foreign Policy
Select 9 credits (no more than 3 credits below the 300 level) of the following:		9
ECON 102	Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy
ECON 104	Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy
ECON 333	International Economics
ECON 433	Advanced International Trade Theory and Policy
ECON 434	International Finance and Open Economy Macroeconomics
ECON 443	Economics of Law and Regulation
ECON 444	Economics of the Corporation
ECON 451	Monetary Theory and Policy
ECON 471	Growth and Development
ECON 472N	Russian Economic History
IB 303	International Business Operations
Select 3 credits of the following:		3
AFAM/HIST 431	Black Liberation and American Foreign Policy
GEOG 123	Geography of Developing World
GEOG 124	Elements of Cultural Geography
GEOG 128	Geography of International Affairs
GEOG 364	Spatial Analysis
GEOG 424
GEOG 430	Human Use of Environment
GEOG 431	Geography of Water Resources
GEOG 438W	Human Dimensions of Global Warming
GEOG 444	Resource Governance in Africa
GEOG 463	Geospatial Information Management
GEOG 464	Advanced Spatial Analysis
GEOG 468	Geographic Information Systems Design and Evaluation
HIST 120
HIST 142N	History of Communism
HIST 143N	History of Fascism and Nazism
HIST 144	The World at War: 1939-1945
HIST 173	Vietnam in War and Peace
HIST 175	East Asia since 1800
HIST 179	Latin-American History Since 1820
HIST 181	Introduction to the Middle East
HIST 192	Modern African History
HIST 320	Contemporary World History and Issues
HIST 420	Recent European History
HIST 423
HIST 427	Germany Since 1860
HIST 430	Eastern Europe in Modern Times
HIST/AFAM 432	Between Nation and Empire: The Caribbean in the 20th Century
HIST 434	History of the Soviet Union
HIST 435	Topics in European History
HIST 446	America Between the Wars
HIST 447	Recent American History
HIST 452	History of U.S. Foreign Relations
HIST 454	American Military History
HIST 460
HIST 467	Latin America and the United States
HIST 468	Mexico and the Caribbean Nations in the Twentieth Century
HIST 473	The Contemporary Middle East
HIST 479	History of Imperialism and Nationalism in Africa
HIST 481	Modern Japan Since 1800
HIST 486	China in Revolution
Supporting Courses and Related Areas
Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better
Select 12 credits from 400-level political science courses in International Relations, Comparative Politics, or Theory/Methodology (excluding courses taken to fulfill other requirements in the major) from an approved department list in consultation with an adviser		12

General Education

Connecting career and curiosity, the General Education curriculum provides the opportunity for students to acquire transferable skills necessary to be successful in the future and to thrive while living in interconnected contexts. General Education aids students in developing intellectual curiosity, a strengthened ability to think, and a deeper sense of aesthetic appreciation. These are requirements for all baccalaureate students and are often partially incorporated into the requirements of a program. For additional information, see the General Education Requirements section of the Bulletin and consult your academic adviser.

The keystone symbol appears next to the title of any course that is designated as a General Education course. Program requirements may also satisfy General Education requirements and vary for each program.

Foundations (grade of C or better is required and Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

• Quantification (GQ): 6 credits
• Writing and Speaking (GWS): 9 credits

Breadth in the Knowledge Domains (Inter-Domain courses do not meet this requirement.)

• Arts (GA): 3 credits
• Health and Wellness (GHW): 3 credits
• Humanities (GH): 3 credits
• Social and Behavioral Sciences (GS): 3 credits
• Natural Sciences (GN): 3 credits

Integrative Studies

• Inter-Domain Courses (Inter-Domain): 6 credits

Exploration

• GN, may be completed with Inter-Domain courses: 3 credits
• GA, GH, GN, GS, Inter-Domain courses. This may include 3 credits of World Language course work beyond the 12th credit level or the requirements for the student’s degree program, whichever is higher: 6 credits

University Degree Requirements

First Year Engagement

All students enrolled in a college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies at University Park, and the World Campus are required to take 1 to 3 credits of the First-Year Seminar, as specified by their college First-Year Engagement Plan.

Other Penn State colleges and campuses may require the First-Year Seminar; colleges and campuses that do not require a First-Year Seminar provide students with a first-year engagement experience.

First-year baccalaureate students entering Penn State should consult their academic adviser for these requirements.

Cultures Requirement

6 credits are required and may satisfy other requirements

• United States Cultures: 3 credits
• International Cultures: 3 credits

Writing Across the Curriculum

3 credits required from the college of graduation and likely prescribed as part of major requirements.

Total Minimum Credits

A minimum of 120 degree credits must be earned for a baccalaureate degree. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 credits. Students should consult with their college or department adviser for information on specific credit requirements.

Quality of Work

Candidates must complete the degree requirements for their major and earn at least a 2.00 grade-point average for all courses completed within their degree program.

Limitations on Source and Time for Credit Acquisition

The college dean or campus chancellor and program faculty may require up to 24 credits of course work in the major to be taken at the location or in the college or program where the degree is earned. Credit used toward degree programs may need to be earned from a particular source or within time constraints (see Senate Policy 83-80). For more information, check the Suggested Academic Plan for your intended program.

B.A. Degree Requirements

World Language (0-12 credits): Student must attain 12th credit level of proficiency in one world language in addition to English. This proficiency must be demonstrated by either examination or course work. See the Placement Policy for Penn State World Language Courses.

B.A. Fields (9 credits): Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arts, World Languages, Natural Sciences, Quantification (may not be taken in the area of the student's primary major; world language credits in this category must be in a second world language in addition to English or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the first language). Credits must be selected from the list of approved courses.

World Cultures (0-3 credits): Select 3 credits from approved list. Students may count courses in this category in order to meet other major, minor, elective, or General Education requirements, except for the University Cultural Diversity (US/IL) requirement.​

Integrated B.A. in International Politics and M.I.A. in International Affairs

Available at the following campuses: University Park

Requirements for the Integrated B.A. in International Politics and M.I.A. in International Affairs can be found in the Graduate Bulletin.

Program Learning Objectives

• Students will develop substantive knowledge of the discipline of Political Science.
  • Students will be able to define and use the concepts political scientists employ to make and substantiate knowledge claims.
  • Students will be able to describe the central debates and theoretical frameworks of political science and international politics.
• Students will develop knowledge about how political scientists use empirical analysis to gain insight into political and social processes, to advance political and social goals, and to evaluate the effects of programs and policies.
  • Students will be able to explain multiple approaches to empirical research, such as large-scale observational research, experiments, surveys, case studies, formal modeling, and elite interviewing.
  • Students will be able to describe both the application, and the advantages and disadvantages of different research methods in relation to particular problems.
• Students will develop the ability to create coherent, persuasive, and empirically grounded oral and written arguments.
  • Students will be able to construct and defend logical arguments.
  • Students will be able to present evidence to support empirical claims.
  • Students will be able to communicate ideas effectively in conformity with academic standards.
• Students will develop the ability to systematically analyze problems and draw evidenced based inferences. Students in different majors will accomplish this with different emphases depending on the courses they take as part of the BA/BS.
  • Bachelor of Arts students in PLSC and INTPL will analyze problems and draw evidence based inferences using a broad range of techniques according to programmatic focus and individual preference.
  • PLSC Bachelor of Science majors will analyze problems and draw inferences using various data sources and statistical tools.
  • PLSC SODA majors will analyze problems and draw inferences using computational tools appropriate to large complex data sets.
• Students will develop the ability to combine the substantive knowledge, modes of inquiry, and analytic skills learned in the classroom to address contemporary problems in an uncertain world.
  • Students will be able to draw upon political science research to construct testable explanations of novel situations.
  • Students will be able to weigh the arguments, evidence and inferences used to address problems under conditions of uncertainty.
• Students will develop ethical reasoning and citizenship skills to participate in a global, pluralistic society.
  • Students will be able to trace the possible ethical implications of public policies and political structures and their consequences for democratic political values.
  • Students will be able to articulate the goals, conditions, and challenges of democracy and describe the roles of citizens and public officials in manifesting and preserving democratic values.
  • Students will be able to critically evaluate the values inherent in the exercise of power through political systems, social structures, information, and collective action.

Academic Advising

The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.

Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.

READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY

University Park

Liberal Arts Academic Advising
814-865-2545
Use the Liberal Arts Meet the Academic Advisers web page to see the contact information for the specific adviser(s) of this program

World Campus

Undergraduate Academic Advising
100 Innovation Blvd
Suite 225
University Park, PA 16803
814-863-3283
advising@worldcampus.psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2024-25 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition.

International Political Economy Option: International Politics, B.A. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

‡

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

†

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in World Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as World Cultures courses.

International Relations Option: International Politics, B.A. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
PLSC 14 (IL)*	3	PLSC 3, PLSC 20, or PLSC 22*	3
World Language Level 1	4	World Language Level 2	4
General Education Quantification‡	3	General Education Course	3
FYS/General Education Course	3	General Education Course	3
ENGL 15, 30H, 137H, CAS 137H, or ESL 15 (GWS)‡	3	CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, CAS 100C, CAS 138T, or ENGL 138T (GWS)‡	3
	16		16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
PLSC 1 or 7N (US)*	3	PLSC 400-level (non-American) or beyond 12th credit level of World Language*	3
World Language Level 3	4	HIST/ECON/GEOG option*	3
HIST/ECON/GEOG option*	3	General Education Course	3
General Quantification (GQ)‡	3	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3	BA Fields	3
	16		15
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*	3	PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*	3
HIST/ECON/GEOG option*	3	HIST/ECON/GEOG option*	3
General Education Course	3	General Education Course	3
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (GWS)‡	3	BA Fields	3
BA Fields	3	Elective (WAC)	3
	15		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*	3	PLSC 412, 418, 439, or 442*	3
PLSC 412, 418, 439, or 442*	3	Elective	3
General Education Course	3	Elective	3
Elective (OC)	3	Elective	3
Elective	3	General Education Course (GHW)	3
	15		15
Total Credits 123

*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

‡

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

†

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Bachelor of Arts Requirements:

Bachelor of Arts students must take 9 credits in Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Fields (Humanities; Social and Behavioral Sciences; Arts; World Languages [2nd language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the 1st]; Natural Sciences; Quantification). The B.A. Fields courses may not be taken in the area of the student’s primary major. See your adviser and the Degree Requirements section of this Bulletin.

Bachelor of Arts students must take 3 credits in World Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as World Cultures courses.

National Security Option: International Politics, B.A. at University Park Campus

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
PLSC 14 (IL)*	3	PLSC 3, PLSC 20, or PLSC 22*	3
World Language Level 1	4	World Language Level 2	4
General Education Quantification‡	3	SOC/CRIM 12 (GS)	3
FYS/General Education Course	3	General Education Course	3
ENGL 15, 30H, 137H, CAS 137H, or ESL 15 (GWS)‡	3	CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, CAS 100C, CAS 138T, or ENGL 138T (GWS)‡	3
	16		16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
PLSC 1 or 7N (US)*	3	PLSC 400-level (non-American) or beyond 12th credit level of World Language*	3
World Language Level 3	4	SRA 111*	3
HIST/ECON/GEOG option*	3	General Education Course	3
General Education Quantification‡	3	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3	BA Fields	3
	16		15
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*	3	PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*	3
SRA 211*	3	CRIM 406*	3
General Education Course	3	General Education Course	3
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (GWS)‡	3	BA Fields	3
BA Fields	3	Elective (WAC)	3
	15		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*	3	PLSC 412, 418, 439, or 442*	3
PLSC 412, 418, 439, or 442*	3	Elective	3
General Education Course	3	Elective	3
Elective (OC)	3	Elective	3
Elective	3	General Education Course (GHW)	3
	15		15
Total Credits 123

*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

‡

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

†

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

International Political Economy Option: International Politics, B.A. at Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

‡

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

†

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

International Relations Option: International Politics, B.A. at Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

‡

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

†

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

National Security Option: International Politics, B.A. at Commonwealth Campuses

The course series listed below provides only one of the many possible ways to move through this curriculum. The University may make changes in policies, procedures, educational offerings, and requirements at any time. This plan should be used in conjunction with your degree audit (accessible in LionPATH as either an Academic Requirements or What If report). Please consult with a Penn State academic adviser on a regular basis to develop and refine an academic plan that is appropriate for you.

First Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
PLSC 14 (IL)*	3	PLSC 3, PLSC 20, or PLSC 22*	3
World Language Level 1	4	World Language Level 2	4
General Education Quantification‡	3	SOC/CRIM 12 (GS)	3
FYS/General Education Course	3	General Education Course	3
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15 (GWS)‡	3	CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C (GWS)‡	3
	16		16
Second Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
PLSC 1 or 7N (US)*	3	HIST/ECON/GEOG option*	3
World Language Level 3	4	General Education Course	3
General Education Quantification‡	3	General Education Course	3
General Education Course	3	General Education Course (GHW)	3
General Education Course	3	Elective (WAC)	3
	16		15
Third Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
PLSC 400-level (non-American) or beyond 12th credit level of World Language*	3	PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*	3
SRA 111*	3	SRA 211*	3
General Education Course	3	General Education Course	3
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (GWS)‡	3	BA Fields	3
BA Fields	3	Elective (OC)	3
	15		15
Fourth Year
Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*	3	PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*	3
PLSC 412, 418, 439, or 442*	3	PLSC 412, 418, 439, or 442*	3
CRIM 406*	3	Elective	3
BA Fields	3	Elective	3
Elective	3	Elective	3
	15		15
Total Credits 123

*

Course requires a grade of C or better for the major

‡

Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education

#

Course is an Entrance to Major requirement

†

Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement

University Requirements and General Education Notes:

US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures).

W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement.

General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

All incoming Schreyer Honors College first-year students at University Park will take ENGL 137H/CAS 137H in the fall semester and ENGL 138T/CAS 138T in the spring semester. These courses carry the GWS designation and satisfy a portion of that General Education requirement. If the student’s program prescribes GWS these courses will replace both ENGL 15/ENGL 30H and CAS 100A/CAS 100B/CAS 100C. Each course is 3 credits.

Career Paths

Employment opportunities have grown steadily for international politics graduates due to the global integration of political and economic activity and the increasingly global scale of both human problems and efforts to solve them. The ability to navigate across cultures, as well as a knowledge of foreign governments, legislative processes, international organizations, terrorism and conflict, and economic development are vital to the fields of business, finance, journalism, and activism for social change at the global level. The BA in International Politics prepares people for governmental and non-governmental jobs, as well as positions in multinational corporations, banks, consulting firms, and international organizations.

Careers

Graduates of the program have pursued careers with the federal government in positions with the CIA, the military, U.S. embassies, and the Department of Commerce. Others work for international organizations such as the United Nations, UNICEF, and the Red Cross as well as in international business and legislative affairs.

Contact

University Park

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
202 Pond Lab
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-4597
https://polisci.la.psu.edu/undergraduate/advising/

https://polisci.la.psu.edu

World Campus

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
202 Pond Lab
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7515
ajh38@psu.edu

https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/degrees-and-certificates/penn-state-online-international-politics-bachelor-of-arts-degree