The major in International Affairs (IA) offers students the opportunity to gain knowledge, perspectives, and analytical skills needed to navigate an increasingly globalized world. The curriculum draws on Bentley’s business strengths while providing the multidisciplinary perspectives of politics, international relations, geography, and culture that are necessary to understand complex international interactions.
The International Affairs Major emphasizes “hands-on” learning programs, such as internationally focused internships, in-class simulations, and Service-Learning. All IA majors complete an approved international experience (semester or summer study abroad programs or faculty-led international courses).
With the advice of their IA advisor, students design a program that matches their academic interests, career goals, or plans for future graduate or professional studies.
The International Affairs Major prepares students for dynamic careers in the private, public, or nonprofit sectors.
For further information about degree requirement policies and guidelines, see the Degree Requirements page.
Major Requirements
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| GLS 116 | International Relations | 3 |
| GLS 101 | Globalization | 3 |
| or GLS 102 | Politics and Power Worldwide: Intro to Comparative Political Analysis | |
| GLS 110 | Global Regions | 3 |
| or GLS 114 | Cross-Cultural Understanding | |
| GLS 403 | Model United Nations | 3 |
| One GLS course at the 300 level or higher | 3 | |
| Three GLS 200-level or above courses | 9 | |
| A Global Experience 1 | ||
| Total Credits | 24 | |
- 1
A Global Experience includes: study abroad for a semester or the equivalent in short-term programs, internships, or other experience approved by the department.
General Degree Requirements
Foundations for Success (15 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| FDS 100 | Falcon Discovery Seminar | 3 |
| Communications and Writing | ||
| Select one from: | ||
| EMS 101 | Critical Reading and Writing | 3 |
| or EMS 101L | Critical Reading and Writing with Lab | |
| or EMS 102 | Critical Reading and Writing for ESOL | |
| or EMS 102L | Critical Reading and Writing for ESOL with Lab | |
| And one from: | ||
| EMS 104 | Multimodal Communication | 3 |
| or EMS 105 | Multimodal Communication for ESOL | |
| Information Technology | ||
| CS 100 | Solving Business Problems with Information Technology | 3 |
| Mathematical Sciences | ||
| Select one from: | ||
| MA 105 | Mathematical Foundations for Business | 3 |
| or MA 105L | Mathematical Foundations for Business with Lab | |
| or MA 107 | Applied Calculus for Business | |
| or MA 107L | Applied Calculus for Business with Lab | |
| or MA 131 | Calculus I | |
| or MA 131L | Calculus I with Lab | |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Context and Perspectives (18 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Students must take six courses, one in each category of Context and Perspectives: | ||
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Business Dynamics/Business Administration Minor (18 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| All courses are required: | ||
| AC 115 | Introduction to Financial Reporting and Analysis | 3 |
| EC 111 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| FI 118 | Introduction to Finance | 3 |
| LA 100 | Business Law | 3 |
| MG 116 | Human Dynamics in Organizations | 3 |
| ST 113 | Business Statistics | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
Communication Intensive
All students are required to take a three-credit course designated as a Communication Intensive. This requirement can be met within a variety of course subjects in both Arts & Sciences and Business. Communication Intensive courses are designated with a "CI" in the course schedule. Transfer students with a minimum of 30 credits will be waived from the Communication Intensive requirement.
Please note that certain majors have an additional three-credit Communication Intensive built into their major requirements, separate from the general CI requirement.
Additional Requirements
Modern Language Requirement (6 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Two Modern Language courses (must be two semesters of the same language, regardless of proficiency level) | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Unrestricted Electives (39 Credits)
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 13 elective courses | 39 | |
| Total Credits | 39 | |