Rockford University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary programme blends core international relations theory with focused study of national security, intelligence, and conflict management. Students follow a structured pathway of general education requirements alongside major coursework, typically over four years, including classroom study, practical labs and experiential learning.

• Core theory and foundations: international relations theory, comparative politics, political economy, and international organisations.
• Security-focused modules: national security policy, intelligence studies and analysis, counterterrorism, cybersecurity fundamentals, conflict and stabilisation, and defence strategy.
• Law and diplomacy: international law, human rights, diplomacy and negotiation, and regional security studies (e.g. Middle East, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America).
• Research and methods: qualitative and quantitative research methods, statistics for social sciences, practicum in policy analysis, and a capstone or honours thesis on a contemporary security or IR topic.
• Practical experience: internship placements with government agencies, think tanks, NGOs, or private-sector security firms; simulation exercises; guest lectures from practitioners; and opportunities for study abroad.
• Electives and skills: foreign language study, data analysis for policy, public policy writing, and courses in ethics and intelligence oversight.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised secondary school qualification or equivalent. Typical applicants present strong academic achievement across a broad curriculum; familiarity with social sciences, history or languages is advantageous. Rockford University considers the whole application, including academic transcripts, recommendations, a personal statement outlining interest in international affairs or security studies, and any relevant extracurricular or volunteer experience.

For transfer or mature applicants, evidence of college-level coursework, professional experience in related fields, or workplace training in security, public service or international organisations strengthens an application. International applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised qualifications where required.

Career prospects

Graduates of this programme enter a wide range of public- and private-sector careers. The curriculum emphasises analytical skills, research methods and practical experience valued by employers.

• Diplomacy and foreign service roles with national governments and consulates.
• Intelligence and national security positions in government agencies and defence organisations.
• Policy analysis, research and advocacy roles in think tanks, NGOs and international organisations.
• Risk analysis, security consulting and corporate intelligence in the private sector.
• Law, journalism and international business roles where political analysis and regional expertise are needed.
• Further academic study at master’s level in international relations, security studies, public policy or law.

Why study at Rockford University

Rockford University offers small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, allowing students to work directly with instructors who combine academic expertise and practitioner experience. The programme stresses experiential learning through internships, simulations and partnerships with regional organisations, providing pathways into government, NGOs and private-sector employers in the Chicago metropolitan area and beyond.

Students benefit from dedicated career services that help secure internships and placements, a curriculum that balances theory with applied skills (research methods, language, and data analysis), and opportunities to pursue study abroad or collaborative projects that enhance cross-cultural competence and regional knowledge.