Everything to know about an international affairs major

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Key takeaways about an international affairs major

An international affairs major explores global politics, economics, culture, and problem-solving.
Common courses include international law, diplomacy, and global economics.
Many students pair this major with political science, economics, or languages.
Career paths range from diplomacy to nonprofit work to business consulting.
Scholarships and tools like Scout College Search can help you find the right school and funding options.

What is an international affairs major?

If you’re fascinated by how countries work together—or sometimes clash—an international affairs major could be your thing. This major dives into global issues like human rights, economic development, and security. You’ll learn how politics, culture, and economics intersect across borders and how international organizations shape our world.

International affairs vs. international relations

These two majors are close cousins, but they’re not the same. International relations usually focuses more on political theory and state-to-state interactions. International affairs takes a broader approach, pulling in economics, history, and even environmental issues. If you want a mix of politics and real-world problem solving, international affairs is the more flexible option.

Common courses for international affairs majors

While course lists vary by school, expect to take classes like:

Introduction to international politics
Comparative government
International law
Global economics
Human rights and ethics
Diplomacy and negotiation

These courses are designed to help you think critically about today’s biggest global challenges.

Popular double majors and minors to pair with international affairs

Students often pair international affairs with:

Political science for a stronger policy background
Economics to dig deeper into trade and development
Foreign languages for an edge in diplomacy and business
History to understand the roots of global issues

Adding one of these can make you stand out when applying to jobs or grad school.

Graduate study options for international affairs majors

Many international affairs majors go on to graduate school. Common paths include:

Master’s in international affairs or international relations
Law school, especially for those interested in international law
Public policy or business administration

Grad school can open doors to higher-paying roles and leadership positions.

Skills I’ll build as an international affairs major

This major isn’t just about memorizing treaties. You’ll sharpen skills like:

Critical thinking and problem-solving
Cross-cultural communication
Research and data analysis
Negotiation and diplomacy
Language skills (if you add a language minor)

These are transferable skills that employers in many industries value.

Career paths for international affairs majors

So, what can you do with this degree? Quite a lot. Common careers include:

Diplomat or foreign service officer
Policy analyst
Nonprofit program coordinator
Intelligence analyst
International business consultant
Journalist with a global focus

Your path will depend on your interests and whether you continue on to grad school.

How much will I earn with an international affairs degree?

Salaries vary widely depending on the career you choose. Entry-level nonprofit and government roles might start around $40,000–$55,000. With experience or a graduate degree, positions in consulting, law, or policy can pay $80,000–$120,000 or more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , many careers tied to international affairs—like political scientists or economists—earn salaries well above the national average.

Notable schools for international affairs

Some schools are especially well known for their international affairs programs, including:

Of course, the best school for you depends on your goals. Use Scout College Search to explore programs that fit your interests.

How to pay for an international affairs degree

If you're interested in a degree in international affairs, we have tools and resources to help. Use Scout College Search to find schools that match your goals and Scholly Scholarships to find scholarships based on your skills and interests. You can also explore a range of scholarships by major, including scholarships for international affairs majors—and easily apply for Sallie's $2,000 No Essay Scholarship.