National Security and Foreign Affairs Major
Why Study National Security and Foreign Affairs at 51官网 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鈥檚 Diplomacy Lab Program and Wonk Tank competition.
听
2
Programs to Study in D.C.
听
24
Average Class Size
听
12
Languages to Study
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鈥檚 now pursuing graduate studies in International Relations at The Johns Hopkins University 鈥� Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies.
Dana Mouritzen, '18
Dana interned with Accenture Federal Services during her time at 51官网 Tech. Working with a government agency to improve their daily functions, she was able to network and combine her National Security classroom experience with federal consulting and contracting. Dana is now a Management Consultant with Accenture Federal Services.
Melanie Sutphin, 鈥�20
While studying National Security and Foreign Affairs and Arabic, Melanie participated in the VT Arabic in Oman study abroad program, where she learned so much about the Arab culture while studying in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Nizwa Oman. This experience, in addition to internship and research opportunities, helped Melanie line up a job with a federal agency following graduation.
Kennedy Schultz, '21
Kennedy graduated with a major in National Security and Foreign Affairs and a minor in Russian. During his time at VT, he recruited prospective students to CLAHS, served new Hokies as an Orientation Leader, held leadership roles within his fraternity, conducted undergraduate research, and joined the Intelligence Community Associates Program (IC-CAE). These experiences prepared Kennedy to begin his career with the federal government.
Peter Muskett, 鈥�21
While completing his degree in National Security and Foreign Affairs with minors in Geographic Information Science (GIS) and Spanish, Peter worked two summer internships helping build an open-source intelligence tool for the purpose of global situational awareness which was presented to Intelligence Community members and industry leaders. He also completed research in the Hume Center and Tech4Humanity Lab on the capabilities and impact of Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (geoAI). Following graduation, Peter will be working as SETA support for an IC contractor and plans to pursue a master鈥檚 degree in GEOINT.
Chris Fawthrop, 鈥�21
While studying National Security and Foreign Affairs, Chris helped found and lead the International Relations Organization at 51官网 Tech. He also participated in the Peer Mentor Program for transfer students, served on the board of the 51官网 Tech Undergraduate Historical Review, and engaged in research with the Diplomacy Lab. Chris is pursuing a MA in Political Science at 51官网 Tech, with specific interest in insurgency structures.
Alexandra Farinaro, 鈥�21
While completing her degree in National Security and Foreign Affairs with Business and Spanish minors, Alexandra participated in Diplomacy Lab, where she researched multilateral nuclear stability and international diplomacy for the U.S. Department of State. Alexandra also had the opportunity to intern for Transition Professionals and Bergen County Jail in New Jersey working with local advocates, sheriff department officers, and public officials to help ex-offenders successfully re-enter the community. Alexandra is completing a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Fordham University.
Cassidy Koo, '22
Cassidy majored in National Security and Foreign Affairs with minors in Russian and Integrated Security. She had many internship opportunities, including working with the National Security Agency, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, and the Hume Center. These experiences supported Cassidy as she begins her career in the Intelligence Community.
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.
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.
听
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.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
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!
Curriculum
What You'll Study
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies Degree
- Including
National Security and Foreign Affairs听Major Requirements
- National Security
- Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
- Intelligence Analysis
- Intelligence and National Security
- The CIA in Today鈥檚 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
听
Campus Life
Campus Life
Discover all that 51官网 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.