International Affairs—Bachelor of Arts
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Website: Department of Political Science
College/School: College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
Apply to UIW: Application for the Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs degree program is interdisciplinary in nature, drawing upon courses and faculty in schools and departments from across the University. An emphasis is on a broad understanding of the globalized world, including language preparation, to make the most of cross-border cultural experiences and study abroad opportunities. The International Affairs major and concentration includes an international inter-cultural experience in cooperation with the Liza and Jack Lewis III Center of the Americas. The Center of the Americas offers bi-national courses in collaboration between UIW Campuses in Bajío, Irapuato, Centro Universitario Incarnate Word in Mexico City, and the Broadway Avenue campus in San Antonio. Students are encouraged to participate in an immersive, longer-term study abroad experience as well.
Knowledge of the interdependent world in which we live and work is essential to all citizens. The International Affairs degree program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation to expand awareness and understanding of the complex world and promotion of responsible development, peace, and justice. An appreciation of others’ values and institutions increases mutual understanding, enriches individual lives, and prepares citizens and students for work in the global environment. The major and concentration provides students with a broad, internationally-grounded education helping students to appreciate what the United Nations calls the “common heritage of mankind”—the contributions to knowledge made by the many societies of our globe—to recognize and value cultural pluralism, and to feel comfortable negotiating a multicultural world. With this focus on globalization, the degree program aims to educate the next generation of scholars and professionals who will carry forward a commitment to international knowledge, teaching, and service.
A minimum of 120 credit hours are required to complete the Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs degree program.
Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs Degree Plan
International Affairs majors must also complete either a minor or an interdisciplinary concentration in addition to the major. Students who are majoring in International Affairs and taking the concentration in Pre-Law may not count courses toward both the major and the concentration with the exception of POLS 1315.
UIW Undergraduate Core Curriculum
UIW core coursework is required. Review the Undergraduate Core Curriculum Here and review the degree plans for each concentration for scheduling of the core curriculum classwork. In addition, 45 Community Service hours are part of all bachelor's degree programs. See Community Service.
| UIW Core Curriculum |
| Composition and Rhetoric |
6 credit hours |
| Literature and Art |
6 credit hours |
| Science and Mathematics |
7 credit hours |
| History and Behavioral Science |
6 credit hours |
| Philosophy and Religion |
9 credit hours |
| Second Language |
6 credit hours |
| Wellness and Physical Education |
3 credit hours |
| |
43 total core credit hours |
| |
|
| Community Service |
45 clock hours (non-credit) |
Required Courses
| POLS 2305 | Introduction to Political Studies | 3 |
| POLS 2320 | International Relations | 3 |
| POLS 2325 | Social Science Research Methods | 3 |
| POLS 3110 | International Studies Colloquium | 1 |
| POLS 4495 | International Affairs Capstone | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 15 |
POLS 3110 must be taken twice for a total of 2 credit hours.
Study Abroad Experience
The Study Abroad requirement may be satisfied through cross-border cultural experience with participation in Liza and Jack Lewis III Center of the Americas bi-national courses or other study abroad experience as approved by the International Affairs advisor.
Modern Languages Requirement
6 credit hours of Modern Languages beyond the elementary level are required. Substitution for international students may be available.
Fine Arts and Humanities Requirements
9 credit hours to be selected from Fine Arts and Humanities courses, as listed.
Social Sciences and Business Requirements
9 credit hours to be selected from Social Science and Business courses, as listed.
General Electives
General elective courses must be taken as needed to fulfill the 120 credit-hour program requirement.
Total Credit Hours: 120