State University of New York at New Paltz

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary programme blends core international relations theory with specialised study of national and international security. You will study the causes of war and peace, the behaviour of states and non‑state actors, international law and institutions, and the policy tools used to respond to security challenges.

• Core subjects: international relations theory, comparative politics, international law, diplomacy and foreign policy.
• Security and policy studies: national security policy, intelligence studies, conflict resolution and peacebuilding, terrorism and counter‑terrorism, crisis management.
• Research and methods: political research methods, quantitative and qualitative analysis, policy analysis and programme evaluation.
• Regional and thematic courses: American foreign policy, European politics, Middle East politics, Asian security, human rights, global political economy.
• Capstone and experiential learning: senior seminar or capstone project focused on applied research or policy recommendations; opportunities for off‑campus internships with government agencies, NGOs and think tanks; study abroad options through the university’s international programmes.

Courses are delivered through lectures, small seminars, case studies and supervised research. Students are encouraged to undertake internships and independent study projects to apply classroom learning to real‑world policy and security problems.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor’s programme follows the university’s undergraduate admissions process. Typical academic preparation includes a completed secondary school diploma or equivalent with a competitive academic record, particularly in social studies, history and English. Applicants who have completed college‑level coursework may apply as transfer students and should submit official transcripts and a minimum cumulative college GPA in line with SUNY New Paltz admissions standards.

Supporting materials commonly requested include a personal statement explaining interest in international relations and national security, letters of recommendation, and a high school or college transcript. Standardised testing requirements (SAT/ACT) may be optional or considered according to the university’s current admissions policies. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or approved alternatives unless exempt.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme move into a wide range of public, private and non‑profit careers that rely on strong analytical, research and communication skills. Typical career paths include:

• Diplomatic service and foreign affairs roles in national governments and consular services.
• Policy analyst, legislative assistant or programme officer in government departments, think tanks and policy institutes.
• Intelligence analyst, security specialist or risk analyst in national security agencies, private security firms and consultancy firms.
• Roles in international organisations, humanitarian and development NGOs, and multilateral institutions.
• Journalism, public affairs, advocacy and communications roles focused on international issues.
• Further study in graduate programmes such as international relations, security studies, public policy, law or regional area studies.

Many students supplement academic study with internships in Washington, D.C., New York City and regional agencies, which often help with professional networking and job placement after graduation.

Why study at State University of New York at New Paltz

New Paltz offers a liberal‑arts environment with small class sizes that allow close faculty interaction and mentored research. The university’s political science and international programmes emphasise both theoretical foundations and applied experience, enabling students to pursue internships and community‑based projects.

The campus’s location in the Hudson Valley provides direct access to New York City’s diplomatic, media and policy resources while retaining a close‑knit campus community. Students benefit from study abroad support, career services that place interns in regional and national organisations, and faculty actively engaged in scholarship and public policy work. These features make New Paltz a practical choice for students seeking a balanced programme in international relations and national security that combines academic rigour with career preparation.