Saint Michael's College

What you'll study

This programme blends International Relations theory with applied national security topics. Core courses typically cover international relations theory, comparative politics, US foreign policy, national security policy, intelligence studies, and international law. Students study research methods and statistics for social science, and can build language competence or regional expertise through elective modules.

• Core modules: international relations theory, global security, national security policy, research methods in political science.
• Practical and applied modules: intelligence and analysis, cyber security and policy, conflict and peacebuilding, human rights and humanitarian intervention.
• Regional and thematic electives: European politics, Latin American politics, Middle East studies, economics of security, terrorism and counterterrorism.
• Skills development: policy writing, quantitative and qualitative analysis, negotiation and crisis simulation exercises, foreign language study.
• Capstone and experiential learning: senior seminar or capstone research project, internships with government agencies, NGOs or think tanks, and opportunities for faculty-mentored research and study abroad.

The degree is structured within Saint Michael’s liberal arts curriculum, so students combine major requirements with general education courses and may choose minors or double majors to tailor their programme.

Entry requirements

Saint Michael’s seeks applicants with a strong secondary-school record and demonstrated interest in politics, history, languages or related fields. Typical application materials include academic transcripts, a personal statement describing interest in international affairs and security, and at least one academic reference. Standardised test scores may be optional depending on the admissions pathway.

• Successful applicants will show evidence of writing and critical thinking skills and readiness for college-level social-science inquiry.
• Relevant extracurricular experience—such as debate, model UN, volunteering, community leadership, or internships—strengthens an application.
• Transfer students are considered; international applicants must meet English-language proficiency requirements and provide certified academic records.
• Mature and non-traditional applicants are welcome and may submit additional supporting materials to demonstrate preparation for the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in public, private and nonprofit sectors. Common pathways include:

• Diplomacy and foreign service, working for national ministries or consular services.
• National security and intelligence roles within government agencies or defence organisations.
• Policy analysis and research at think tanks, advocacy groups and international organisations.
• International development and humanitarian work with NGOs and multilateral institutions.
• Related careers in journalism, law, consulting, and corporate risk analysis.

The programme’s emphasis on internships, writing and analytical skills also provides strong preparation for graduate study in international relations, public policy, security studies or law.

Why study at Saint Michael's College

Saint Michael’s offers a small-college environment with close student–faculty interaction, allowing personalised mentoring on research, internships and career planning. The college emphasises experiential learning—students can pursue local and national internships, faculty-led research projects, and study-abroad programmes that complement regional and thematic coursework.

• Small class sizes encourage discussion-based seminars and close supervision of capstone projects.
• Faculty often combine scholarly expertise with practical experience in public service, diplomacy or security-related fields.
• The liberal arts context ensures graduates develop strong communication, quantitative reasoning and ethical judgement—skills employers and graduate programmes value.
• Career services and alumni networks assist with internship placement, graduate-school advising and transition into public- and private-sector roles.

Overall, the programme is well suited to students who want rigorous academic grounding in international affairs along with practical preparation for careers in national security, diplomacy and related fields.