University of Vermont

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary programme blends core international relations theory with focused study in national security, intelligence, conflict resolution and regional studies. Students follow a curriculum that develops analytical tools, ethical reasoning and practical competencies for understanding contemporary global challenges.

Core topics and modules

• Foundations of International Relations: theory, history of the international system, actors and institutions.
• National Security Studies: threats and responses, grand strategy, civil–military relations and homeland security concepts.
• International Law and Human Rights: laws of armed conflict, humanitarian law, and legal frameworks for security policy.
• Comparative Politics and Area Studies: country/regional specialisms (e.g. Europe, Asia, Latin America, Middle East) to contextualise security issues.
• Conflict Analysis and Resolution: causes of conflict, mediation, peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction.
• Intelligence and Security Methods: intelligence lifecycle, open-source intelligence, analysis techniques and ethical considerations.
• Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis: social science methods, statistics, data analysis and policy evaluation.
• Electives and Capstone: options may include cybersecurity, migration studies, global development, and a senior capstone or honours thesis focused on a substantive security or foreign policy question.

Course structure and learning

Students typically combine lectures, small seminars, policy labs and research projects. Assessment methods include essays, briefings, policy memos, presentations and independent research. Opportunities for fieldwork, internships with government or NGOs, and study-abroad semesters strengthen regional expertise and practical experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed secondary education with a strong academic record. Typical preparation includes coursework in history, social studies, government, economics or foreign languages. Admissions consider academic transcripts, personal statements, and any relevant extracurricular or work experience.

International applicants should demonstrate proficiency in English through accepted language qualifications if their prior education was not in English. Transfer students may apply with college-level coursework and must meet the university’s transfer admissions criteria.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of careers that require skills in analysis, communication and policy-making. Common destinations include:

• Government and public service (foreign affairs, defence departments, homeland security, intelligence agencies)
• Diplomacy and consular work
• International organisations and multilateral institutions
• Non-governmental organisations and humanitarian agencies
• Private sector roles in security consulting, risk analysis, corporate intelligence and international business
• Think tanks, policy research institutes and academia
• Journalism and media specialising in international affairs

Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study in international relations, security studies, law or public policy to specialise further or to prepare for advanced professional roles.

Why study at University of Vermont

The University of Vermont offers an intimate learning environment with access to faculty who combine scholarly research and practical experience in international affairs and security. The programme’s interdisciplinary approach draws on political science, history, law and regional expertise, giving students both theoretical grounding and real-world skills.

Students benefit from internship and experiential-learning networks in the region, opportunities for study abroad and a campus culture that emphasises civic engagement and global citizenship. Small-class settings, faculty mentorship and a range of extracurricular options—such as model UN, debate societies and research centres—support professional development and career preparation.