Canisius University

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme blends core international-relations theory with applied national-security topics, research methods and a liberal-arts curriculum. Students develop skills in critical analysis, policy evaluation, quantitative and qualitative research, and professional communication.

• Core theory and history: Introduction to International Relations, Cold War and contemporary global history, theories of international politics.
• Security and policy: National security policy, intelligence and counterintelligence fundamentals, terrorism and asymmetric threats, defence policy and civil–military relations.
• Methods and analysis: Research methods for the social sciences, statistics for public policy, geographic information systems (GIS) basics for security studies, and policy analysis workshops.
• Regional and thematic studies: Comparative politics, US foreign policy, European security, East Asian security, human security and development, and global governance.
• Practical skills and experiential learning: Model United Nations and simulations, crisis-management exercises, internships with government agencies, NGOs or private-sector security firms, and opportunities for study abroad.
• Capstone and electives: Senior seminar or capstone research project in international relations or national security, plus electives such as cybersecurity policy, intelligence collection and analysis, negotiation and mediation, and legal aspects of international security.

Entry requirements

Entry to the bachelor’s programme typically requires a high-school diploma or equivalent with evidence of academic readiness. Applicants are expected to demonstrate strong written and analytical skills and an interest in international affairs.

• Academic credentials: Competitive secondary-school grades appropriate to Canisius University admissions standards. Submission of official transcripts is required.
• Standardised tests: Canisius evaluates standardised-test scores according to current institutional policy; test submission may be optional depending on the applicant’s academic background.
• English language proficiency: For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of proficiency via recognised tests (such as TOEFL or IELTS) or other accepted documentation is required.
• Supporting materials: Personal statement or essay outlining interest in international relations and national security, and at least one academic or professional reference. Relevant extracurricular experience (Model UN, debate, volunteering, internships) is advantageous.
• Transfers and advanced standing: Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and may be eligible for credit transfer following review of course content.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a variety of public- and private-sector roles where analytical, research and communication skills are prized. The programme prepares students both for immediate employment and for graduate study.

• Public sector and diplomacy: Roles in federal, state or local government, foreign service or consular work, and public policy offices.
• Intelligence and security: Positions in national and regional intelligence agencies, homeland security, defence analysis and security consulting.
• International organisations and NGOs: Programme management, advocacy, humanitarian assistance and human-rights work for international organisations and non-governmental organisations.
• Policy, research and think tanks: Research analyst, policy adviser, program evaluator and other roles in research institutes and advocacy organisations.
• Private sector and law: Compliance, risk analysis, corporate security, international business roles, and a pathway to law school or postgraduate study in international relations, security studies or public policy.

Why study at Canisius University

Canisius offers a liberal-arts education rooted in Jesuit traditions that emphasise ethical leadership, critical thinking and community engagement. The university’s small class sizes provide close interaction with faculty who are active in research and public policy.

• Experiential learning: Strong emphasis on internships, simulations and a senior capstone to apply classroom knowledge to real-world problems.
• Location and partnerships: Proximity to regional government offices, non-profit organisations and cross-border issues in the Great Lakes/US–Canada area creates practical internship and research opportunities.
• Study abroad and interdisciplinary options: Opportunities to study abroad and to combine international-relations coursework with political science, history, economics, cybersecurity or legal studies.
• Career support: Career services and faculty advising that help students secure internships, practicum placements and postgraduate pathways in government, NGOs, the private sector and graduate schools.