Florida International University

What you'll study

This programme blends foundational international relations courses with specialised national security subjects and applied skills training. You will study core themes in political science and international affairs alongside modules focused on security practice and regional expertise.

• Core International Relations: IR theory, comparative politics, international political economy, international law and diplomacy.
• National Security and Security Studies: national security policy, intelligence analysis, counterterrorism, conflict and insurgency, homeland security and crisis management.
• Technical and Analytical Skills: research methods for social sciences, quantitative analysis, policy evaluation, geospatial and open-source intelligence basics, and introductions to cybersecurity concepts relevant to policy makers.
• Regional and Thematic Concentrations: focused study of the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East; thematic electives on migration, human security, development, and transnational organised crime.
• Experiential Learning: internships with government, international organisations, NGOs or private-sector security firms; simulation seminars and policy labs; and undergraduate research or a capstone project integrating theory and practice.

Students have flexibility to combine language study (commonly Spanish given FIU’s location), study abroad options, and electives from related departments such as criminal justice, computer science or public administration.

Entry requirements

Admission follows standard undergraduate criteria for Florida International University. Typical expectations include a completed secondary education diploma (or equivalent) with a competitive academic record. Applicants should demonstrate strength in humanities or social science coursework; applicants with experience in debate, Model UN, community service or relevant internships are viewed favourably.

• Domestic applicants: high-school diploma or GED and submission of official transcripts. Standardised test reporting may be optional in some cases; check FIU admissions guidance for details.
• International applicants: secondary school completion validated for US entry and proof of English proficiency through accepted examinations or institutional waivers when applicable.
• Transfer students: official college transcripts and a minimum number of transferable credits as required by FIU; specific course equivalencies may affect progress toward the major.
• Supplementary materials: personal statement or essay and letters of recommendation can strengthen applications, particularly for competitive entry or program specialisations.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in public, private and non-profit sectors. The programme’s combination of policy knowledge, analytical skills and practical experience makes alumni attractive to employers concerned with international affairs and security.

• Diplomatic service and foreign affairs posts
• Federal, state and local government roles in national security, intelligence, homeland security and law enforcement
• International organisations and multilateral agencies
• Policy analysis and political risk roles in think tanks and research institutes
• Security and risk consulting, compliance and corporate security positions in the private sector
• Journalism, communications and advocacy on international and security issues
• Further study in law, public policy, international relations or security studies at graduate level

Why study at Florida International University

FIU’s location in Miami offers strategic advantages for a programme in international relations and national security. The university’s strong links to Latin America and the Caribbean provide ready access to regional expertise, language immersion and internship opportunities with consulates, trade organisations and NGOs.

• Faculty and centres: access to faculty with research strengths in international security and regional studies and to FIU research centres focused on Latin America, migration and transnational issues.
• Experiential opportunities: internship pipelines in a major international hub, practicum courses, policy simulations and study abroad options to build practical skills.
• Interdisciplinary pathways: easy collaboration with programmes in criminal justice, cybersecurity, public administration and journalism to tailor a career-focused degree.
• Cultural and linguistic environment: a bilingual, diverse metropolitan setting that supports language learning and direct engagement with global communities and diaspora networks.

Together these elements create an undergraduate experience that combines rigorous academic training with real-world preparation for careers in international affairs and security.