University of Southern Mississippi

What you'll study

This undergraduate degree blends core international relations topics with focused courses on national security, intelligence and contemporary security challenges. The programme emphasises both theoretical frameworks and applied skills—research methods, policy analysis, and communication—preparing students to evaluate global threats and policy responses.

• Core theory and foundations: introduction to international relations theory, comparative politics, international political economy and diplomatic history.
• National security and intelligence: courses covering national security policy, intelligence fundamentals, counterterrorism, homeland security and strategic studies.
• Regional and thematic studies: contemporary politics of specific world regions, humanitarian intervention, human rights, and transnational issues such as migration and organised crime.
• Research and methods: quantitative and qualitative research methods, policy analysis, and a capstone seminar or senior project that synthesises theory and practice.
• Skills and experiential learning: writing for policy, public speaking, data analysis for international affairs, internships with government agencies, NGOs or private-sector organisations, and opportunities for study abroad or language study.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school qualification or equivalent for admission to an undergraduate degree. Typical admissions criteria include academic transcripts demonstrating collegiate-level preparation in social studies, English and quantitative reasoning, a personal statement outlining interest in international relations and national security, and one or more academic references.

The university may consider standardised test results where applicable and evaluates international applicants on the basis of equivalent credentials and demonstrated English proficiency. Mature applicants and those with relevant work or military experience are also encouraged to apply; additional documentation such as a résumé or statement of experience can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates leave equipped for a wide range of roles in the public, private and non-profit sectors or for continued academic study. Common career paths include:

• Diplomatic service and foreign affairs roles within national or regional governments
• Intelligence, homeland security and defence-related positions
• Policy analysis and advisory roles in think tanks, NGOs and advocacy organisations
• Risk analysis, security consulting and positions with private-sector firms supporting government or corporate security needs
• Journalism, international development, law and graduate study in international relations or security studies

Why study at University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi offers a personalised learning environment with faculty who teach and conduct research in international affairs and security studies. Students benefit from small class sizes, direct access to faculty mentors, and opportunities for practical experience through internships and local partnerships with government and non-government organisations.

Located within reach of regional government and military centres and with pathways for study abroad and language acquisition, the programme emphasises applied skills—policy writing, research methods and professional communication—alongside a solid theoretical grounding, helping graduates transition into careers or advanced study in international relations and national security.