International Relations and Security Studies Major
September 29, 2014 2025-06-04 14:47International Relations and Security Studies Major
Engage with Global Issues
International Relations and Security Studies Major
Study diplomacy, security, and international relations.
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Security Studies
If you’re someone who enjoys learning about different cultures and has an interest in national security, you might want to consider studying international relations and security studies at the University of Lynchburg. Many of our past students have gone on to exciting jobs at places like the U.S. State Department, U.S. Naval Intelligence, and even the CIA.
The classes you’ll take will cover a wide range of topics like global politics, how international organizations work, and the importance of understanding different languages. You’ll also dive into subjects like human development, economics, history, political science, religion, and sociology.
One cool feature of our program is that it lets you specialize in one of four areas: the global north, the developing world, security studies, or non-profit/non-governmental organizations. This means you can tailor your education to what you’re most interested
Because we live in such a globally connected world, the ability to respect and understand people of different cultures is essential for success in international business or government work abroad. Our program prepares you to work in this global context by teaching you how to respect and understand cultures and recognize national security implications.
And it’s not all in the classroom — you’ll also have opportunities to take part in simulations of the European Union or United Nations, study abroad, and even do an internship for credit. It’s a chance to put what you learn into action and gain some real-world experience.
Curriculum and Resources
2024-25 Academic Year Information
Program requirements for the following can be found in the undergraduate catalog.
- International Relations and Security Studies (BA)
What Jobs Can I Get With an International Relations and Security Studies Degree?
The international relations field requires people with diverse skills and backgrounds. It’s vital to have a good understanding of different cultures, languages, and politics to navigate the world. Explore some international relations degree jobs, abroad and stateside, available for graduates.
International Relations and Security Studies Degree Careers and Salaries
Do you want to work with the United Nations, NATO, or other international organizations? Do you want to be an ambassador of peace and security in a country torn by war or crisis? Here is some information about careers in international relations and security studies, and the salaries that come with them:
- Civil service: $71,842
- Diplomat: $59,293
- Immigration specialist: $66,296
- International banker: $117,990
- Non-profit program coordinator: $48,363
- Political affairs officer: $117,451
- United Nations worker: $76,151
What are some of our international relations graduates doing?
Are you dreaming about a career where you could work for organizations like the US State Department, US Naval Intelligence, or even the CIA? What about international businesses, including energy companies or even Ben and Jerry’s in Japan? Well, graduates from our program have landed such exciting jobs.
Not only that, but many have gone on to get higher degrees from big-name schools like George Washington, American University, and Virginia Tech.
We take immense pride in nurturing talent and providing a comprehensive curriculum that includes courses from global politics and international organizations to languages and security studies. Plus, you’ll get to delve into human development, economics, history, political science, religion, and sociology.
- Communications Director, Governor of Maryland
- Graduate Student, Johns Hopkins University
- Intelligence Analyst, US Government
- Manager, Monitoring, Analysis & Reporting, AmeriCares Foundation
- Senior Manager – US India Business Council, US Chamber of Commerce
- Special Agent, US Department of Homeland Security
- Special Assistant to the Senior Vice President, American Medical Association
Salary and job projections come from national averages in the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources, including Glassdoor, Indeed, and industry-specific posts and publications. The data is meant to provide you with an idea of career options and salary ranges, not as a guarantee of obtaining these positions after graduation. These represent national averages and may vary by source and time frame collected. Actual salaries vary by region. Some jobs may require additional training or graduate education.
David Richards, PhD
Chair of the International Relations and Political Science Department
As an international relations and security studies student, you’ll:
Her double major in international relations and Spanish allowed her to fulfill her personal passion of helping "those around the world who are most vulnerable and most in need."
Undeniably Life-Changing Stories
