International Politics, B.A.

Program Code: INTPL_BA

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:

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 foreign 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

A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the major. To graduate, a student enrolled in the major must earn at least a C grade in each course designated by the major as a C-required course, as specified by Senate Policy 82-44.

Common Requirements for the Major (All Options)

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
PLSC 14International Relations Keystone/General Education Course3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
PLSC 7NContemporary Political Ideologies Keystone/General Education Course 13
or PLSC 1 American Politics: Principles, Processes and Powers Keystone/General Education Course
Select one of the following:3
Comparing Politics around the Globe Keystone/General Education Course
PLSC 20
PLSC 22
Requirements for the Option
Requirements for the Option: Require a grade of C or better
Select an option30
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

Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
PLSC 412International Political Economy3
or PLSC 481 Global Political Economy
PLSC 418International Relations Theory3
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
History of Communism Keystone/General Education Course
History of Fascism and Nazism Keystone/General Education Course
The World at War: 1939-1945 Keystone/General Education Course
Vietnam in War and Peace Keystone/General Education Course
East Asia since 1800 Keystone/General Education Course
Latin-American History Since 1820 Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to the Middle East Keystone/General Education Course
Modern African History Keystone/General Education Course
Contemporary World History and Issues
Recent European History
Orthodox Christianity: History and Interpretations Keystone/General Education Course
Germany Since 1860
Eastern Europe in Modern Times
Black Liberation and American Foreign Policy
Between Nation and Empire: The Caribbean in the 20th Century
History of the Soviet Union
Topics in European History
America Between the Wars
Recent American History
History of U.S. Foreign Relations
American Military History
HIST 460
Latin America and the United States
Mexico and the Caribbean Nations in the Twentieth Century
The Contemporary Middle East
History of Imperialism and Nationalism in Africa
Modern Japan Since 1800
China in Revolution
Select 3-6 credits (no more than 3 credits below the 300 level) of the following:3-6
Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
International Economics Keystone/General Education Course
International Business Operations
Select 3-6 credits (no more than 3 credits below the 300 level) of the following:3-6
Geography of Developing World
Elements of Cultural Geography
Geography of International Affairs Keystone/General Education Course
Spatial Analysis
Geography of the Global Economy
Human Use of Environment
Geography of Water Resources
Human Dimensions of Global Warming
Resource Governance in Africa
Geospatial Information Management
Advanced Spatial Analysis
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
Foreign 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

Prescribed Courses
Prescribed Courses: Require a grade of C or better
CRIM 406Sociology of Deviance3
SRA 111Introduction to Security and Risk Analysis Keystone/General Education Course3
SRA 211Threat of Terrorism and Crime3
Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
International Economics Keystone/General Education Course
International Business Operations
Geography of Developing World
Elements of Cultural Geography
Geography of International Affairs Keystone/General Education Course
Spatial Analysis
Geography of the Global Economy
Human Use of Environment
Geography of Water Resources
Human Dimensions of Global Warming
Resource Governance in Africa
Geospatial Information Management
Advanced Spatial Analysis
Geographic Information Systems Design and Evaluation
HIST 120
History of Communism Keystone/General Education Course
History of Fascism and Nazism Keystone/General Education Course
The World at War: 1939-1945 Keystone/General Education Course
Vietnam in War and Peace Keystone/General Education Course
East Asia since 1800 Keystone/General Education Course
Latin-American History Since 1820 Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to the Middle East Keystone/General Education Course
Modern African History Keystone/General Education Course
Contemporary World History and Issues
Recent European History
Orthodox Christianity: History and Interpretations Keystone/General Education Course
Germany Since 1860
Eastern Europe in Modern Times
Black Liberation and American Foreign Policy
Between Nation and Empire: The Caribbean in the 20th Century
History of the Soviet Union
Topics in European History
America Between the Wars
Recent American History
History of U.S. Foreign Relations
American Military History
HIST 460
Latin America and the United States
Mexico and the Caribbean Nations in the Twentieth Century
The Contemporary Middle East
History of Imperialism and Nationalism in Africa
Modern Japan Since 1800
China in Revolution
Select 6 credits of the following:6
International Political Economy
International Relations Theory
The Politics of Terrorism
American Foreign Policy
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
Foreign 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

Additional Courses
Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better
PLSC 412International Political Economy3
or PLSC 481 Global Political Economy
PLSC 418International Relations Theory3
or PLSC 442 American Foreign Policy
Select 9 credits (no more than 3 credits below the 300 level) of the following:9
Introductory Microeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
Introductory Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy Keystone/General Education Course
International Economics Keystone/General Education Course
Advanced International Trade Theory and Policy
International Finance and Open Economy Macroeconomics
Economics of Law and Regulation
Economics of the Corporation
Monetary Theory and Policy
Growth and Development
Russian Economic History Keystone/General Education Course
International Business Operations
Select 3 credits of the following:3
Black Liberation and American Foreign Policy
Geography of Developing World
Elements of Cultural Geography
Geography of International Affairs Keystone/General Education Course
Spatial Analysis
Geography of the Global Economy
Human Use of Environment
Geography of Water Resources
Human Dimensions of Global Warming
Resource Governance in Africa
Geospatial Information Management
Advanced Spatial Analysis
Geographic Information Systems Design and Evaluation
HIST 120
History of Communism Keystone/General Education Course
History of Fascism and Nazism Keystone/General Education Course
The World at War: 1939-1945 Keystone/General Education Course
Vietnam in War and Peace Keystone/General Education Course
East Asia since 1800 Keystone/General Education Course
Latin-American History Since 1820 Keystone/General Education Course
Introduction to the Middle East Keystone/General Education Course
Modern African History Keystone/General Education Course
Contemporary World History and Issues
Recent European History
Orthodox Christianity: History and Interpretations Keystone/General Education Course
Germany Since 1860
Eastern Europe in Modern Times
Between Nation and Empire: The Caribbean in the 20th Century
History of the Soviet Union
Topics in European History
America Between the Wars
Recent American History
History of U.S. Foreign Relations
American Military History
HIST 460
Latin America and the United States
Mexico and the Caribbean Nations in the Twentieth Century
The Contemporary Middle East
History of Imperialism and Nationalism in Africa
Modern Japan Since 1800
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 adviser12

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 Keystone/General Education Course 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

Foreign Language (0-12 credits): Student must attain 12th credit level of proficiency in one foreign language. See the Placement Policy for Penn State Foreign Language Courses.

B.A. Fields (9 credits): Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Arts, Foreign Languages, Natural Sciences, Quantification (may not be taken in the area of the student's primary major; foreign language credits in this category must be in a second foreign language or beyond the 12th credit level of proficiency in the first language)

Other 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 General Education 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
301 Outreach Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-863-3283
advising@outreach.psu.edu

Suggested Academic Plan

The suggested academic plan(s) listed on this page are the plan(s) that are in effect during the 2023-24 academic year. To access previous years' suggested academic plans, please visit the archive to view the appropriate Undergraduate Bulletin edition (Note: the archive only contains suggested academic plans beginning with the 2018-19 edition of the Undergraduate Bulletin).

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.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 14 (IL)*3PLSC 3, PLSC 20, or PLSC 22*3
World Language Level 14World Language Level 24
General Education Quantification3General Education Course3
FYS/General Education Course3General Education Course3
ENGL 15, 30H, 137H, CAS 137H, or ESL 15 (GWS)3CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, CAS 100C, CAS 138T, or ENGL 138T (GWS)3
 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 1 or 7N (US)*3PLSC 400-level (non-American)3
World Language Level 34ECON 102 or 104*3
HIST/GEOG Option*3General Education Course3
General Education Quantification3General Education Course3
General Education Course3BA Fields3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 400-level (non-American)3PLSC 400-level (non-American)3
ECON advanced-level option*3ECON advanced-level option*3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (GWS)3BA Fields3
BA Fields3Elective (WAC)3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 400-level (non-American)3PLSC 412, 418, 439, or 442*3
PLSC 412, 418, 439, or 442*3Elective3
General Education Course3Elective3
Elective (OC)3Elective3
Elective3General 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 Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 14 (IL)*3PLSC 3, PLSC 20, or PLSC 22*3
World Language Level 14World Language Level 24
General Education Quantification3General Education Course3
FYS/General Education Course3General Education Course3
ENGL 15, 30H, 137H, CAS 137H, or ESL 15 (GWS)3CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, CAS 100C, CAS 138T, or ENGL 138T (GWS)3
 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 1 or 7N (US)*3PLSC 400-level (non-American) or beyond 12th credit level of World Language*3
World Language Level 34HIST/ECON/GEOG option*3
HIST/ECON/GEOG option*3General Education Course3
General Quantification (GQ)3General Education Course3
General Education Course3BA Fields3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*3PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*3
HIST/ECON/GEOG option*3HIST/ECON/GEOG option*3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (GWS)3BA Fields3
BA Fields3Elective (WAC)3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*3PLSC 412, 418, 439, or 442*3
PLSC 412, 418, 439, or 442*3Elective3
General Education Course3Elective3
Elective (OC)3Elective3
Elective3General 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 Other Cultures.
See your adviser and the full list of courses approved as Other 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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 14 (IL)*3PLSC 3, PLSC 20, or PLSC 22*3
World Language Level 14World Language Level 24
General Education Quantification3SOC/CRIM 12 (GS)3
FYS/General Education Course3General Education Course3
ENGL 15, 30H, 137H, CAS 137H, or ESL 15 (GWS)3CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, CAS 100C, CAS 138T, or ENGL 138T (GWS)3
 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 1 or 7N (US)*3PLSC 400-level (non-American) or beyond 12th credit level of World Language*3
World Language Level 34SRA 111*3
HIST/ECON/GEOG option*3General Education Course3
General Education Quantification3General Education Course3
General Education Course3BA Fields3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*3PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*3
SRA 211*3CRIM 406*3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (GWS)3BA Fields3
BA Fields3Elective (WAC)3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*3PLSC 412, 418, 439, or 442*3
PLSC 412, 418, 439, or 442*3Elective3
General Education Course3Elective3
Elective (OC)3Elective3
Elective3General 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.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 14 (IL)*3PLSC 3, PLSC 20, or PLSC 22*3
World Language Level 14World Language Level 24
General Education Quantification3General Education Course3
FYS/General Education Course3General Education Course3
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15 (GWS)3CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C (GWS)3
 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 1 or 7N (US)*3HIST/GEOG option*3
World Language Level 34General Education Course3
General Education Quantification3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course (GHW)3
General Education Course3Elective (WAC)3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 400-level (non-American)*3PLSC 400-level (non-American)*3
ECON 102 or 104*3ECON advanced-level option*3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (GWS)3BA Fields3
BA Fields3Elective (OC)3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 400-level (non-American)*3PLSC 400-level (non-American)*3
PLSC 412, 418, 439, or 442*3PLSC 412, 418, 439, or 442*3
ECON advanced-level option*3Elective3
BA Fields3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 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 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.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 14 (IL)*3PLSC 3, PLSC 20, or PLSC 22*3
World Language Level 14World Language Level 24
General Education Quantification3General Education Course3
FYS/General Education Course3General Education Course3
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15 (GWS)3CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C (GWS)3
 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 1 or 7N (US)*3HIST/ECON/GEOG option*3
World Language Level 34General Education Course3
General Education Quantification3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course (GHW)3
General Education Course3Elective (WAC)3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 400-level (non-American) or beyond 12th credit level of World Language*3PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*3
HIST/ECON/GEOG option*3HIST/ECON/GEOG option*3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (GWS)3BA Fields3
BA Fields3Elective (OC)3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*3PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*3
PLSC 412, 418, 439, or 442*3PLSC 412, 418, 439, or 442*3
HIST/ECON/GEOG option*3Elective3
BA Fields3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 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.

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
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 14 (IL)*3PLSC 3, PLSC 20, or PLSC 22*3
World Language Level 14World Language Level 24
General Education Quantification3SOC/CRIM 12 (GS)3
FYS/General Education Course3General Education Course3
ENGL 15, 30H, or ESL 15 (GWS)3CAS 100, CAS 100A, CAS 100B, or CAS 100C (GWS)3
 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 1 or 7N (US)*3HIST/ECON/GEOG option*3
World Language Level 34General Education Course3
General Education Quantification3General Education Course3
General Education Course3General Education Course (GHW)3
General Education Course3Elective (WAC)3
 16 15
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 400-level (non-American) or beyond 12th credit level of World Language*3PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*3
SRA 111*3SRA 211*3
General Education Course3General Education Course3
ENGL 202A, 202B, 202C, or 202D (GWS)3BA Fields3
BA Fields3Elective (OC)3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*3PLSC 400-level (non-American) or 400-level World Language*3
PLSC 412, 418, 439, or 442*3PLSC 412, 418, 439, or 442*3
CRIM 406*3Elective3
BA Fields3Elective3
Elective3Elective3
 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
220 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