Georgia Institute of Technology

What you'll study

This undergraduate degree blends foundational international relations concepts with specialised study of national and transnational security issues. Coursework emphasises theory, empirical methods and policy-relevant analysis, and typically includes a balance of core modules, electives, language study and a practical capstone or internship.

• Core international relations: introduction to international relations theory, comparative politics, international law and diplomacy.
• Security and defence-focused modules: national security strategy, intelligence and analysis, counterterrorism, conflict and stability operations, cybersecurity policy and weapons proliferation.
• Political economy and global governance: international political economy, trade and development, human security and global institutions.
• Quantitative and qualitative methods: statistics for social sciences, research methods, data analysis for policy, and GIS or computational approaches where available.
• Area studies and languages: regional politics (e.g. Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, Latin America), plus a requirement or strong recommendation to study a foreign language to proficiency.
• Practical experience: policy workshops, simulation exercises (e.g. crisis simulations, Model UN-style exercises), internships with government agencies, think tanks or NGOs, and a senior seminar or capstone research project.

Entry requirements

Admissions are selective and consider academic achievement, curricular rigour and extracurricular engagement. Typical successful applicants present strong grades in secondary school across a broad curriculum, including social studies and English; quantitative preparation is valued given the programme's methodological components.

• High secondary-school achievement with challenging coursework (e.g. A-levels, IB, or equivalent).
• Preparation in social sciences; background in history, government, economics or related subjects is beneficial.
• Demonstrated written and analytical ability; strong essays and recommendations that show interest in international affairs or security topics strengthen an application.
• Language study and relevant extracurricular activities (debate, Model UN, internships, community or leadership roles) are advantageous.
• Some applicants may enhance their profile through prior research, volunteer work, or employment related to public policy, defence, or international organisations.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers that require analysis of international and security issues and the ability to communicate policy advice clearly. The degree combines substantive knowledge with quantitative and writing skills valued across sectors.

• Careers in government and public service: foreign service, defence and security ministries, homeland security and national intelligence bodies.
• Roles in international organisations and NGOs: policy officer, programme manager, humanitarian coordination and human rights work.
• Think tanks, research institutes and policy analysis: research analyst, policy adviser or specialist in regional or thematic security issues.
• Private sector opportunities: risk analysis, security consultancy, compliance and corporate security, and roles in companies that operate internationally.
• Further study and professional development: graduate degrees in international affairs, security studies, public policy, law or related fields.

Why study at Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech's approach emphasises interdisciplinary training and applied skills, pairing political science and policy study with strengths in quantitative analysis, technology and cyber policy. The Sam Nunn School of International Affairs (and related centres) provide focused expertise in security and public policy, while the institute's broader engineering and computing environment supports cross-disciplinary collaboration on issues such as cybersecurity, data analytics and critical infrastructure protection.

• Access to faculty with expertise in security studies, international political economy and technology-policy intersections.
• Strong connections to federal agencies, defence organisations and the Atlanta policy and business community, facilitating internships and applied research opportunities.
• Opportunities for interdisciplinary minors or dual-study options with computing, engineering, economics or public policy to broaden career options.
• Study-abroad programmes and regional studies options to build language skills and on-the-ground experience in international contexts.