International Affairs Major

The interdisciplinary major in International Affairs (INIA) offers students a comprehensive approach to studying global issues such as climate change; inequality; human rights; economic aid & development; racial, ethnic, and religious disputes; and conflict resolution.

Build a strong foundation.

Foundation courses in history, political science, and economics help students understand the roots of these issues from multiple angles.

Focus on the issues you care about.

Concentration courses allow students to focus on the types of issues that most interest them. Students can choose among six concentrations:

  • Area Studies
  • Cross-Cultural Studies
  • International Political Economy
  • International Political-Military Relations
  • Peace Studies
  • Global Sustainable Development (starting in Fall 2024).

For a complete listing of required courses and the courses available for each concentration of the INIA major, please visit the Marquette University Online Bulletin at this link.

Bring it all together.

The major’s Capstone Seminar, which all INIA majors take in their final semester at Marquette, pulls together themes from their courses and experiences, while developing additional skills. Armed with a wide-ranging understanding of international issues, our students leave Marquette ready to take on today’s global challenges.

Make it a primary or a secondary major.

Double majors are common for INIA students, because of the strong overlap with course requirements for most disciplinary majors. For many others, the interdisciplinary nature of the INIA major means they do not see the need for a second major, allowing them instead to pursue one or more minors in areas that complement their major.

Study abroad. Expand your horizons.

We make it easy for students to study abroad by counting most international coursework toward the major. We also advertise unique study-abroad opportunities through off-campus/non-Marquette programs on our website and in our newsletters. For students who need help figuring out the logistics and finances of an international experience, we help you connect with the excellent study-abroad staff at Marquette.

Intern in DC. Build your connections.

We offer internationally focused internship experience during a semester in Washington D.C. through Marquette’s Les Aspin Center. Some INIA students do both a semester at the Aspin Center and a semester of study abroad. These “Study Away/Study Abroad Scholars” return to Marquette with a unique set of experiences

Some of the areas you'll study:

  • Comparative Politics
  • International Politics
  • Latin American, European, Middle Eastern, African and Asian History
  • World Conflict and Security
  • International Economic Issues
  • International Law
  • Human and Natural Resource Security