Bachelor of Science in International Affairs - International Plan

The Bachelor of Science in International Affairs (B.S. IA) program with International Plan includes instruction in international affairs, foreign languages, ethics and philosophy, social and natural sciences, and computer science. Upper-division coursework provides training in four substantive areas:

  1. technology, ethics, and scientific analysis;
  2. international security and diplomacy;
  3. comparative politics, cultures, and societies; and
  4. international political economy.

Graduates of the B.S. IA program with International Plan are prepared for advanced graduate and professional study and are ready for employment in internationally oriented firms, government agencies, and non- profit organizations.

While on the Atlanta campus, students are strongly encouraged to enhance their education through participation in domestic internships, and a host of on- and off-campus programs. In addition to the numerous opportunities afforded through Georgia Tech's Office of International Education, the Sam Nunn School sponsors rigorous summer study abroad programs in the European Union (Brussels), East Asia (China, Japan, Taiwan), Costa Rica, and Argentina (Buenos Aires). Recognizing the importance of professional experience in enhancing a student's education, the Sam Nunn School encourages majors to pursue an internship or participate in the Cooperative Plan in their field of interest. In addition, students are strongly encouraged to get involved in a range of extracurricular activities, including Model United Nations; the European Union Center; AIESEC; Sigma Iota Rho (the International Affairs honor society); the Center for International Strategy, Technology, and Policy; the International Affairs Student Organization; and student conferences. Students are actively involved in the guest lecture series and participate in the biennial Sam Nunn/Bank of America Policy Forum.

International Affairs majors with the International Plan are engaged in a combination of study, research, or internship abroad for a total of twenty-six weeks. This overseas experience must be obtained over two terms (a summer and semester, or two semesters). In addition to gaining advanced global competence, the International Plan designation will set INTA students apart from other applicants with recruiters from top companies and governmental agencies. Required coursework for the International Plan is easily satisfied by the International Affairs core curriculum as follows:

  1. At least one course focused on international relations historically and theoretically, including topics such as the role of state sovereignty and nationalism and non-state actors in the international system; international conflict, peace, security, intervention, and nation-building; international organizations, law, and ethics; transnational problems of the environment, terrorism, health, and migration; among other issues (Satisfied by INTA 1110.)
  2. At least one course that provides a historical and theoretical understanding of the global economy, including topics such as international trade, finance, investment, and production; regional economic integration (such as the EU); economic development and modernization; and questions of natural resource sustainability. (Satisfied by INTA 3301.)
  3. At least one course that provides familiarity with an area of the world or a country that allows them to make systematic comparisons with their own society and culture. This course could come from various disciplinary perspectives, including history, public policy, philosophy, international affairs, literature, economics, management, architecture, among others. Upper division Modern Language courses will count here. (Satisfied by INTA 3203.)
  4. A culminating course, occurring either at the end of or after the international experience that integrates knowledge of the discipline and the international experience in a global context. (Satisfied by INTA 4400.)