Northern Kentucky University

What you'll study

This undergraduate degree blends political theory, national security analysis and practical skills. Core areas include international relations theory, comparative politics, US foreign policy, national security policy, intelligence studies, and research methods. Students typically take courses on regional politics (for example, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America), conflict and peacebuilding, terrorism and counterterrorism, cybersecurity and strategic studies.

Programme structure commonly includes a set of required core modules, a range of electives to build regional or thematic specialisms, and experiential components. Typical modules and subjects include:

• Introduction to International Relations — foundational theories and approaches to global politics.
• National Security and Strategy — policy-making, threat assessment and strategic concepts.
• US Foreign Policy — institutions, history and contemporary policy debates.
• Intelligence and Information Analysis — intelligence cycles, analysis techniques and ethical considerations.
• Comparative Politics — methods for comparing political systems and institutions.
• Research Methods and Statistics — quantitative and qualitative methods for social science research.
• Regional Studies and Language — elective courses focusing on particular world regions and opportunities to develop a foreign language.
• Capstone/Policy Simulation — a senior seminar or practicum that integrates theoretical knowledge with policy-oriented projects or simulations.
• Internship/Practicum — placements with government agencies, NGOs, think tanks or private-sector organisations to gain hands-on experience.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised secondary-school qualification equivalent to a US high school diploma. Typical academic entry requires satisfactory grades demonstrating readiness for undergraduate study; specific grade thresholds are published by the university and may vary by applicant type. International applicants must meet Northern Kentucky University’s general admission standards and provide proof of English language proficiency if their prior education was not conducted in English (for example, TOEFL, IELTS or an approved alternative).

Admissions may also consider an applicant’s statement of purpose, extracurricular activities, and any relevant work or volunteer experience. Some applicants benefit from prior study in social sciences, history or language courses, but there are no strict subject prerequisites for the major.

Career prospects

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

• Diplomacy and foreign service roles in national governments
• Analyst positions in intelligence agencies and homeland security
• Policy analysis and research at think tanks and advocacy organisations
• Careers in international organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
• Roles in defence and security contracting, risk assessment and consultancy
• Journalism and media covering international affairs
• Further study: master’s programmes in international relations, security studies, public policy or law

The programme’s internship and practicum options help students build professional networks and practical CV experience valued by employers in government, international institutions and the private sector.

Why study at Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University offers a student-focused environment with small classes and accessible faculty who have expertise in international affairs, public policy and security studies. The university’s proximity to Cincinnati and to regional federal and private organisations provides opportunities for internships and applied learning. Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration across political science, criminal justice and regional studies, plus support services for career development and study-abroad advising.

The programme emphasises experiential learning—through internships, policy simulations and capstone projects—alongside rigorous theoretical and methodological training, preparing graduates for both professional roles and graduate study in international affairs and national security.