International Affairs Program

The International Affairs Program (IAFS) at the University of Colorado Boulder is an interdisciplinary major within the College of Arts & Sciences. Located in the University Club, IAFS is an academically challenging undergraduate program within an energetic community, offering our students small school opportunities within the broader campus. In keeping with CU-Boulder's Flagship 2030 strategic plan, we recognize the importance of globalization to our ideas and our lives. We focus on citizenship, from CU to the world.

Due to the growing interdependence of global society, the United States has seen an expansion of employment opportunities in government and international organizations, agencies, and businesses. Today there is a need for college graduates with a strong background in international affairs. The University of Colorado offers a comprehensive and flexible multidisciplinary program in international affairs leading to the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. Our major requirements include courses from the Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History and Political Science departments, as well as other departments across the college and campus. In addition, through your geographic concentration, you will become well acquainted with at least one selected region of the world outside of the United States and attain proficiency in the language of that region, as well as familiarity with its cultural and political activities. Regions of concentration include: Africa, Asia, Europe/Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The program also offers an internship class and an honors program, as well as an International Media Certificate with the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

IAFS majors begin their studies with a survey of the most compelling global issues of the day and then go on to detailed analysis of international relations and economics. Courses also focus on problems of international development, the environment, international economic relations, political geography, international institutions, and United States foreign policy. As the curriculum progresses, students analyze the effects of international trade, investment, world population, and the use of resources. In addition, students may choose elective courses that apply the theories of conflict behavior and social organization to the problems of war and peace. Because geographic boundaries have an important influence on the political activities of a country, the program includes a systematic study of power and strategic concepts.

We invite you to explore our website and learn more about our program!