Wartburg College

What you'll study

The programme integrates core international relations theory, comparative politics and the history of international security with specialised study of national security policy, intelligence studies and conflict resolution. Courses emphasise critical thinking, research methods, quantitative and qualitative analysis, and ethical considerations in the practice of foreign policy.

• Core modules typically include: Introduction to International Relations, Comparative Government, International Law, International Political Economy, and Security Studies.
• National security and policy-focused modules: Intelligence Analysis, Counterterrorism and Homeland Security, Military Strategy and Civil–Military Relations, and Policy Formulation and Evaluation.
• Research and methods: Political Research Methods, Statistics for Social Science, and a capstone research seminar or senior thesis that develops primary-source research and policy-oriented recommendations.
• Regional and thematic electives: American Foreign Policy, European Politics, Middle East Politics, Global Human Rights, Cybersecurity and International Organisations.
• Language and experiential learning: Sustained language study (for example Spanish, German or another modern language), study abroad opportunities, field placements and internship credits with government agencies, think tanks or non-governmental organisations.

Small seminars, faculty-led research projects and practical workshops—such as simulation diplomacy and crisis management exercises—are used to develop oral communication, negotiation and analytic skills important to careers in the field.

Entry requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent with a strong college-preparatory record. Admissions decisions are based on academic performance across a broad curriculum.
• Successful applicants typically present competitive grades from secondary school; relevant coursework in social studies, history, economics or mathematics is an advantage.
• Submission of a personal statement or essay that outlines interests in international affairs and career goals, plus one or more letters of recommendation from teachers or mentors.
• Standardised test requirements follow the college’s general admissions policy; check Wartburg College admissions for current guidance on test-optional or test-required status.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency is required through recognised tests or previous English-medium study.

Career prospects

Graduates develop analytical, communication and research skills valued across public, private and nonprofit sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Foreign service and diplomacy, working for national ministries or international organisations.
• National and homeland security roles in government agencies, intelligence analysis and policy planning.
• Policy research and advocacy for think tanks, NGOs and international development organisations.
• International business, risk analysis and corporate security positions that require geopolitical awareness.
• Journalism, legal careers and graduate study (master’s or doctoral programmes) in international relations, public policy, law or security studies.

Internships, study abroad and faculty mentorship at Wartburg support practical placement and graduate-school preparation, helping students build networks and professional experience before graduation.

Why study at Wartburg College

• Liberal arts foundation: A broad-based curriculum encourages interdisciplinary approaches to global problems, pairing political science with history, economics, languages and ethics.
• Small classes and personalised mentoring: Faculty-led seminars, close advising and opportunities for one-on-one research supervision help students develop rigorous analytic and writing skills.
• Experiential learning: Wartburg emphasises internships, off-campus study and service learning; students can gain hands-on experience with policy organisations, government offices and international partners.
• Global perspective and study abroad: Support for semester and short-term study abroad programmes helps students deepen regional knowledge and language proficiency.
• Career support: The college’s career services and alumni network assist with internship placement, career planning and graduate-school preparation in fields related to international relations and national security.