International Public Policy Major
*Available to students who entered before Summer 2024*
Why Study International Public Policy at Virginia Tech?
Study at one of only a few universities offering the major with renowned faculty who specialize in international public policy. We offer broad training in the liberal arts, emphasizing the study of foreign languages. Opportunities to pursue undergraduate research, conduct field studies, and participate in study abroad are available. Many of our students also engage in the Department of State’s Diplomacy Lab Program and Wonk Tank competition.
12
Languages to Study
24
Average Class Size
2
Programs to Study Away in D.C.
Tea Ivanovic, '14
Tea served as a policy research and communications intern for the United Nations University Institute on Comparative Regional Integration Studies in Bruges, Belgium. She pursued graduate studies in International Relations at The Johns Hopkins University – Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies. Tea is currently serving as the Media Relations and External Affairs coordinator at the Center for Transatlantic Relations in Washington, DC.
Laura Gonzalez, ’21
While earning double majors in international public policy and Spanish, Laura worked as a resident advisor, a teacher’s assistant, and as a tutor for Student Athlete Academic Support Services. Additionally, she interned at the Taubman Museum of Arts as a translator, worked as a freelance translator and interpreter for the Volatia Language Network, and participated in the State Department’s diplomacy lab research program. Laura is attending the Georgetown University Law Center where she will begin to pursue a legal career.
Careers and Further Study
What Can You Do with a major in International Public Policy?
Jobs Held by Our Graduates
- Policy Analyst
- Policy Developer
- Military officers
- Political organizers
- Journalists
- Lawyers
- Foreign aid administrators
- Government service
- Law enforcement
Beyond the Classroom
Experiential Learning
Participate in our active student organizations including (Inter)National and Regional Model UN, International Model NATO, International Model Organization of American States (MOAS), National and Regional Model Arab League, and National Model African Union.
Internships and cooperative education programs give you an opportunity to receive academic credit for working in a professional setting. Our students complete internships with the U.S. government, international organizations, and national, state, or local administrative agencies. Talk to an advisor who can help you find and secure a meaningful internship opportunity.
Although studying abroad isn't required, it can often be a pivotal experience for you. Living in a different country is the best way to understand the differences and similarities between cultures. It allows you to develop personal expertise in a specific national or regional context while developing your language skills.
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Our faculty members are productive authors, scholars, and award-winning teachers who are always eager to mentor students on research projects in their field of interest. We have experts on Japan, the European Union, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, the United Kingdom, and other nations, as well as specialists in topics like health politics and policies, global economy and development, health security pandemics, and environmental policy. If you'd like some guidance on an undergraduate research project, just ask.
Curriculum
What You'll Study
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies Degree
- Including Virginia Tech's Pathways
International Public Policy Major Requirements
- Global Governance and Public Policy
- Policy Analysis
- Global Environmental Issues
- Human Security
- Global Political Economy
- Global Economic Governance and Policy
- Global Development
- Economic Development
- Grassroots Development
Minor and Elective Hours
Our program gives you the opportunity to build knowledge in another area by pursuing a minor, double major, or cognate.
120 hrs
B.A. International Studies
45 hrs
General Education
57 hrs
Major Requirements
18 hrs
Elective
Campus Life
Campus Life
Discover all that Virginia Tech has to offer inside and outside of the classroom. Our campus life aims to build communities, promote holistic education, and cultivate environments that offer opportunities for leadership, innovation, and service.