Hello future CU Boulder International Affairs majors!

Here is a glimpse into all things IAFS to give you an idea of what our major is like. Please look through the series of topics below and find helpful information! If you have questions, please reach out to us, our contact information can be found on our Contact Us webpage. 

International affairs majors begin their studies with a survey of the most compelling global issues of the day and create detailed analyses of international relations and economics. Our students explore problems of international development, the environment, international economic relations and U.S. foreign policy. 

Learn more about the program on our About IAFS page, check out our Academics page, and find more information on the College of Arts and Science's IAFS BA Degree information page. IAFS also has an Honors Program, coordinates many Undergraduate Certificates, and has a Mentorship Program for IAFS students.

IAFS Major Flyer  IAFS Minor Flyer Four-Year Plan of Study

Intro to the International Affairs Program (IAFS)

Many of our students explore various career opportunities throughout their academic experience and through internships. Learn more on our Career Development page. 

Below are a few career areas commonly explored by international affairs graduates:

  • Government, Foreign Service, Policy Issues
  • Intelligence Analysis, Global Security
  • Business, Banking
  • Consulting
  • Education
  • Graduate/Professional programs in Law, Political Science, History, and more
  • International Development and Humanitarian Relief
  • Journalism
  • Nonprofit and Educational Organizations

Click below to watch a video with Tom Zeiler, professor of history and IAFS director in the University of Colorado Boulder's College of Arts and Sciences, IAFS staff members, and two current IAFS students as they answer questions about the experience studying international affairs, the benefits of CU Boulder's program and the types of careers our graduates have pursued.

Global Perspective Video

Out of 400+ IAFS students (Spring 2023):

  • 26% of students are Double Majors (110 total)
    • 46% of students who double major ALSO have at least one minor.
    • Top Double Major = Political Science
    • Second = Languages
  • 43% of students have at least one Minor (180 total)
    • 110+ students minor in a language.
    • 36 students minor in Business.

As of 2021, IAFS has an incredibly high retention rate of 98% for majors. Despite having a challenging curriculum, including the high language requirement, the six year graduation rate for IAFS is 78%, well above CU Boulder's average.

As of 2019, 9% of IAFS seniors graduated with honors, representing the highest percent of honors graduates among social science units in the College of Arts and Sciences, and 11th highest among all CU Boulder degree-granting units.

Intro to CU-Boulder and The College of Arts and Sciences (A&S)

Click the below links to take a virtual tour of our campus, see a day in the life at CU Boulder, explore the Boulder Bucket List, look forward to making Boulder your new home, connect as a First Year/Transfer/Graduate student, and learn about student resources.

Video Tours Discover What's Here

Interested in talking more about the IAFS major along with other College of Arts and Sciences degrees, certificates, and opportunities? The A&S admissions team is available to help and you can contact them at thecollege@colorado.edu.

Get Involved

When you participate in various student group and volunteer initiatives aligned with what is valuable to you, don't be surprised to see other IAFS students in your same group. IAFS students are interested in domestic and international efforts. 

Learn about resources made specifically for IAFS students.

CU has a strong connection with the Peace Corps and many IAFS students go on to volunteer or complete the Peace Corps Prep undergraduate certificate program. Learn more about the benefits of the Peace Corps Prep program here. Look for virtual and in-person Info Sessions or watch videos on the Peace Corps YouTube. 

IAFS Faculty and Alumni

On our faculty webpages, you can read about their research and teaching topics. Don't see a faculty member of a course you want to take? Try looking at the faculty webpage of their home department as often our faculty members teach in multiple departments. 

Explore courses offered for each semester on the Semester Course Lists page or review syllabi to see what courses might interest you. If you want to see what courses a specific faculty member is teaching, try the CU class search and search by name.

  • Philip Staehelin (IAFS '91) - Learn about Philip's experience that led him to found DOT Glasses, a company that produces ultra-cheap, one-size-fits-all frames to help address the developing world's vision problem.
  • Rory Burke (IAFS '03) - Read about Rory's work with the nonprofit Skateistan, helping kids across the globe achieve academic goals through skateboarding. 
  • Check out more Alumni Spotlights to read stories of alumni doing amazing things in the world, or read our snapshot of Alumni Stories on the right sidebar.