National Security and Foreign Affairs Major
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Why Study National Security and Foreign Affairs at Virginia Tech?
Study at one of only a few universities offering the major with renowned faculty who specialize in national security. 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.
2
Programs to Study in D.C.
24
Average Class Size
12
Languages to Study
Careers and Further Study
What Can You Do with a major in National Security and Foreign Affairs?
Jobs Held by Our Graduates
- Customs and Border Patrol Agent
- Secret Service Agent
- Military officers
- Lawyers
- 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.
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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.
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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.
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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 international security, citizenship, and human rights. If you'd like some guidance on an undergraduate research project, just ask!
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Curriculum
What You'll Study
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies Degree
- Including Virginia Tech's Pathways
National Security and Foreign Affairs Major Requirements
- National Security
- Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
- Intelligence Analysis
- Intelligence and National Security
- The CIA in Today’s Geopolitical World
- Global Conflict and War
- Nuclear Strategy and Politics
- Terrorism and Counterterrorism
- Homeland Security
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
36 hrs
Elective
Campus Life
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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.