Indiana University Bloomington

What you'll study

This degree blends theoretical and practical approaches to global politics, emphasising the causes of conflict and cooperation, the design and implementation of security policy, and tools for analysing international issues. Coursework typically comprises core modules, thematic electives, language study and a culminating experience such as a capstone seminar or internship.

• Core subjects: international relations theory, comparative politics, research methods and political science statistics, and international law.
• Security-focused modules: national security policy, intelligence studies, conflict and peace studies, cybersecurity and emerging threats, defence and strategic studies.
• Policy and practice: US foreign policy, diplomacy and negotiation, public policy analysis, and crisis management.
• Regional studies: focused courses on regions such as Europe, East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East and Latin America to place security issues in geographic context.
• Language requirement: sustained foreign-language study to develop communicative competence and regional expertise.
• Experiential learning: internships, research assistantships, simulation exercises and options for study abroad that provide hands-on experience in government, international organisations or NGOs.
• Capstone: a seminar or senior project that integrates theory and applied research on a substantive international security topic.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on general undergraduate admissions to Indiana University Bloomington and competitive selection for degree programmes in global and international studies. Typical admissions expectations include strong secondary-school academic performance and evidence of interest in social sciences and languages.

• Completed secondary-school diploma or equivalent with strong grades in social studies, history or related subjects.
• Personal statement outlining academic interests and reasons for choosing international relations and security studies.
• Transcripts from previous study; letters of recommendation are sometimes recommended for competitive applicants.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency through an accepted test (e.g. TOEFL or IELTS) or demonstrated English-medium study.
• Some prior coursework in social sciences, mathematics/statistics or a modern language is beneficial but not always mandatory; placement testing may determine appropriate course level for language and methods classes.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with analytical, research and communication skills that are applicable across public, private and non-profit sectors. The programme prepares students for both immediate employment and graduate study.

• Diplomacy and foreign service positions at national foreign ministries and international organisations.
• Roles in national security, defence analysis, intelligence and homeland security agencies.
• Policy analyst, legislative aide or research staffer in government think tanks and NGOs.
• International development, humanitarian assistance and human rights organisations.
• International business, risk analysis and security consulting for private-sector firms.
• Journalism, media and communications with an international focus; continuing to graduate programmes in international relations, public policy or law.

Why study at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington is home to a dedicated global and international studies school with faculty who specialise in security studies, diplomacy and regional affairs. The campus offers robust language programmes, research centres and experiential pathways that complement classroom learning.

• Access to specialised centres and institutes that support research and policy engagement on security and global issues.
• Opportunities for internships in Washington, D.C., and partnerships with government, NGOs and private-sector organisations that facilitate practical experience.
• A broad multilingual curriculum and study-abroad options that deepen regional expertise and cultural competence.
• Small-capstone seminars and faculty-mentored research that develop independent analytical and writing skills valued by employers and graduate programmes.
• The campus environment combines large university resources with opportunities for close faculty interaction and cross-disciplinary study in areas such as law, public affairs and computer science for those interested in cybersecurity or policy technology.