International and Political Affairs

About the Degree:

The International and Political Affairs (IPA) major at Missouri Southern offers an interdisciplinary education in Political Science, International Studies, and Geography. Students explore American and global politics with a strong focus on justice, thanks to the program's connection to the Justice Studies Department and Criminal Justice Program.

Students can choose from multiple pathways: International Affairs (BA/BS), Political Science (BA/BS), or Global Cultural Emphasis (BA only), with certificate options to tailor their studies further.

The IPA program emphasizes experiential learning through labs, internships, study abroad, traveling seminars, and student-led activities. Missouri Southern's international mission enhances these opportunities, helping students build practical skills and real-world experience.

What You Will Learn: 

International Relations (BA/BS):

• Explore global cooperation through trade, alliances, treaties, and international law.
• Understand causes of conflict like war, terrorism, and civil unrest.
• Study how foreign policy is developed and analyzed.

Political Science (BA/BS):

• Learn about political institutions and legal systems.
• Examine political theories and apply them to real-world issues.
• Study law and the judicial process, including Constitutional and International Law.

Global Cultural Emphasis (BA Only):

• Deepen understanding of global cultures and societies.
• Learn additional languages for global communication.
• Study abroad and experience foreign cultures firsthand.