University of Mount Union

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary degree balances core international relations theory with applied national security coursework. You will study the historical and theoretical foundations of global politics while exploring modern security issues, intelligence, and policy responses.

• Core topics: introduction to international relations, comparative politics, international law, foreign policy analysis, and research methods in political science.
• Security-focused modules: national security policy, strategy and military studies, intelligence analysis, terrorism and counterterrorism, homeland security, and cyber security fundamentals.
• Regional and thematic studies: area studies (such as Europe, Middle East, Asia), human security, conflict resolution, and diplomacy.
• Skills development: quantitative and qualitative research methods, policy writing, public speaking/debate, source analysis, and foreign language study.
• Experiential components: internship placements with government agencies, NGOs or think tanks; a senior capstone project or honours thesis; simulation exercises and guest lectures from practitioners.

Entry requirements

Applicants need a secondary-school completion credential equivalent to a US high school diploma and a transcript showing a strong academic record. Mount Union typically considers a combination of academic performance, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement that demonstrates interest in international affairs or security issues.

• Recommended academic preparation: coursework in social studies, history, mathematics or statistics, and at least one foreign language.
• Standardised tests: applicants should check the university's current policy on SAT/ACT submission; these tests are sometimes optional.
• Additional materials: one or two academic references are helpful; applicants with relevant extracurricular experience (Model UN, debate, internships, cadet programmes) should highlight these in their application.
• Transfer applicants: official college transcripts, a minimum number of transferrable credits, and a statement of intent for the major are typically required.

Career prospects

Graduates are well positioned for roles across public, private and non-profit sectors where knowledge of global affairs and security is valued. Career paths often combine analytical skills with practical experience gained through internships and the capstone project.

• Public sector: foreign service, national defence and homeland security agencies, intelligence services, legislative staff or policy offices.
• International and non-profit organisations: programme coordination, conflict resolution, humanitarian assistance, advocacy and regional programme work.
• Private sector: risk analysis, corporate security, political risk consultancy, and international business compliance.
• Other directions: journalism and media covering international affairs, graduate study in international relations, security studies or law, and academic or think-tank research roles.

Why study at University of Mount Union

Mount Union offers a liberal-arts environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, enabling personalised research and practical learning. The programme emphasises hands-on experience through internships, simulations and connections to regional government and nonprofit partners.

• Faculty often combine academic expertise with practitioner experience in public policy, law enforcement or diplomacy, enhancing classroom relevance.
• Opportunities for study abroad and language immersion help build regional knowledge and cultural competency.
• The university's career services provide tailored support for internship placement, application preparation for graduate programmes, and networking with employers in the public and private sectors.
• Students benefit from a capstone or honours project that demonstrates applied research and prepares graduates for professional roles or advanced study.