Kent State University

What you'll study

This four-year undergraduate programme brings together core international relations theory with applied national security topics. You will study the historical and institutional foundations of world politics as well as contemporary security issues such as terrorism, cyber threats, intelligence, crisis management and defence policy. The curriculum typically includes:

• Foundations of International Relations: political theory, comparative politics, international organisations and diplomacy.
• National Security and Strategic Studies: grand strategy, military strategy, intelligence studies, homeland security and counterterrorism.
• Law and Ethics: international law, human rights, rules of armed conflict and the ethical dimensions of security policy.
• Methods and Skills: qualitative and quantitative research methods, policy analysis, data literacy and academic writing.
• Regional and Thematic Electives: American foreign policy, European security, Middle East politics, Asian security dynamics, cybersecurity, migration and transnational threats.
• Experiential Learning: internship opportunities with government agencies, NGOs or private-sector security firms; simulation exercises; and a senior capstone or research project that integrates theory and practice.

Entry requirements

Kent State seeks applicants with a strong secondary-school record and evidence of readiness for collegiate study. Typical admissions expectations include a completed secondary-school diploma or equivalent and coursework that demonstrates strength in social studies, history, economics or related subjects. Transfer applicants are considered with college-level coursework.

International applicants should present qualifications equivalent to a U.S. high-school diploma. All applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or university-approved alternatives. In addition to academic records, successful candidates often show clarity of purpose in their personal statements, relevant extracurricular involvement (for example debate, Model UN, volunteer work) and letters of recommendation.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme move into a range of public- and private-sector roles. Common career paths include:

• Diplomatic service and foreign affairs positions
• Intelligence analysis and national security roles in government agencies
• Policy analysis, legislative work and public administration
• Positions in international organisations, non-governmental organisations and human-rights groups
• Private-sector roles in risk analysis, corporate security, consulting and international business
• Further study in law, public policy, international relations or security studies at the graduate level

The programme emphasises transferable skills—critical thinking, research design, written and oral communication, and quantitative analysis—that are valuable across many industries.

Why study at Kent State University

Kent State offers a focused International Relations and National Security Studies curriculum embedded within an accessible public research university. Students benefit from faculty who teach both theoretical and applied courses, opportunities for internships in the region and beyond, and a range of study-abroad programmes that strengthen regional expertise. Class sizes typically permit direct interaction with instructors, and students can combine their major with minors or certificates in related areas such as cybersecurity, languages or public policy to tailor their learning for specific careers.

The university's location provides access to governmental, non-profit and private-sector internship placements, and campus career services assist with experiential placements, networking and preparation for graduate study or professional entry.