Eastern Michigan University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary bachelor’s programme blends core international relations theory with focused coursework in national security and policy analysis. You study how states and non-state actors interact, the causes of conflict and cooperation, and the institutions and instruments used to manage global challenges.

• Core theory and foundations: introduction to international relations, comparative politics, international political economy, and international law.
• Security-focused modules: national security policy, intelligence and analysis, conflict and insurgency, terrorism and counterterrorism, homeland security, and the politics of defence and military strategy.
• Methodology and skills: research methods for social sciences, statistics for political analysis, policy analysis and writing, and practicum or capstone research projects.
• Regional and thematic electives: area studies (e.g. Middle East, Europe, Asia), human rights and humanitarian intervention, cybersecurity and cyber policy, energy and environmental security.
• Language and experiential learning: modern foreign language study is encouraged or required depending on pathway; opportunities include internships, practicum placements, study abroad, and participation in Model UN or student policy organisations.

Most students complete a senior seminar or capstone project that integrates theoretical knowledge with applied research or an internship placement in government, NGOs, or private sector organisations.

Entry requirements

Admission to the bachelor’s programme typically requires a high-school diploma or recognised secondary qualification. Successful applicants usually demonstrate strong performance in social studies, history or related coursework and show clear interest in international affairs.

• Domestic applicants: secondary school transcripts and a record of college preparatory coursework; colleges and departments may consider GPA, personal statement and extracurricular activities.
• Transfer applicants: college transcripts showing successful completion of introductory social science coursework; course equivalency is evaluated on an individual basis.
• International applicants: proof of secondary education completion and demonstrated English proficiency through recognised tests or institutional pathways if required.
• All applicants: some pathways or scholarships may request a personal statement, letters of recommendation or an interview for competitive placements or honours tracks.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a wide range of careers in the public, private and non-profit sectors, or for further study in master’s programmes or law school. The programme emphasises analytical skills, policy writing and practical experience valued by employers.

• Public sector: diplomatic service, federal and state agencies, defence and homeland security, intelligence analysis, and public policy roles.
• Non-profit and international organisations: programme management, advocacy, humanitarian assistance, conflict resolution and human rights work.
• Private sector: political risk analysis, security consulting, corporate compliance, international business, and cybersecurity policy roles.
• Further study: graduate degrees in international relations, security studies, public policy, international law or related fields.

Why study at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers a small-college atmosphere with access to metropolitan policy environments and professional opportunities. Its location near Detroit and Ann Arbor gives students proximity to government offices, regional security organisations, multinational corporations and civic NGOs for internships and research collaborations.

• Faculty and research: faculty bring expertise in international security, diplomacy, intelligence studies and comparative politics and supervise undergraduate research and capstone projects.
• Experiential learning: practicum placements, internship partnerships with public agencies and non-profits, study-abroad options and participation in Model UN and policy clinics.
• Student support: career services, internship advising, and opportunities for applied learning that help students build professional networks in national security and international affairs.
• Flexible pathways: elective choices, language study and honours or research tracks allow students to tailor the degree toward diplomacy, intelligence analysis, or policy and law preparation.

Taken together, the programme provides both the theoretical grounding and the practical skills that employers and graduate programmes seek in international relations and national security fields.