International Affairs Major

About our program

Study a range of global issues from climate change and economic development to human rights and religious disputes. You'll start with a foundation in history, political science and economics to help you understand the roots of these issues from multiple angles. From there, you'll choose a concentration in an area you're most interested in. Choose from area studies, cross-cultural studies, international political economy, international political-military relations, peace studies or global sustainable development.

Round out your education with a semester abroad or in Washington, D.C., at Marquette's Les Aspin Center. Gain even more hands-on experience with internships, research and clubs. When you graduate, you’ll be equipped to use your knowledge and skills to promote peace, justice and sustainability across the globe — and be a changemaker in the international community.

Marquette Hall, view from Wisconsin Avenue.

Marquette Hall, College of Arts and Sciences

Benefits you’ll get from Marquette’s College of Arts and Sciences

The ability to make significant positive change in the world requires knowing more than one area well. And since our College of Arts and Sciences is the most academically diverse college on campus, we're the perfect place to prepare for your role as a changemaker. So broaden your expertise by adding at least one additional major or minor to your degree — 73% of our students do. 

What can you do with a major in international affairs from Marquette?

Most of our international affairs graduates go directly into the workforce in various roles. Here’s where some of our recent graduates landed.

  • American Family Insurance 
  • Baird 
  • Boys & Girls Club of America 
  • California state auditor 
  • Capgemini 
  • City of Milwaukee 
  • Quarles & Brady 
  • Sixteenth Street Community Health Centers 
  • SHARP Literacy 
  • U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants 
  • U.S. Department of Justice 
  • U.S. Senate 
  • University of Wisconsin

collage of a building and faculty member talking to students

Hands-on learning for career success

While you’re here at Marquette, preparing you for what’s next will be one of our top priorities. So, expect lots of learning by doing, connecting with others who share your passions, and reflecting on how you can Be The Difference.

 

Internships

International affairs majors have a wide breadth of career options. Explore the direction you'll take — and get valuable professional experience — with an internship. Internships can include working in a variety of professional settings, such as environmental and conservation nonprofit organizations, and educational, government and nonprofit policy and advocacy organizations. Our internship program is here to help you find the best option for you.  

Check out our credit-earning internships.

Undergraduate research

Because the international affairs major is interdisciplinary, you’ll have access to the expertise of several departments, including political science, history and economics. That means a wide range of faculty research to get involved in.

Here are just a few of the areas Marquette faculty and students are researching: 

  • Race and the American presidency 
  • Prevention of and accountability for torture 
  • How people re-create community, identity and attachment to place after long migrations 
  • Early Chinese industrialization and Sino-American diplomatic relations  

Explore our research opportunities.

Leadership learning

Become a people-centered leader guided by our Jesuit tradition. Join our E-Lead program sophomore year and you’ll complete a combination of leadership courses and experiences that prepare you to be the driver of innovation for the common good. You’ll develop the skill set to generate innovative solutions and the mindset to reflect on the impact your work has on the world. Bonus: You’ll graduate with a concentration in leadership, too. 

Explore our E-Lead program. 

Study abroad

Expand your international affairs education with a semester abroad. Study program course work at prestigious universities around the world. Other international opportunities are available for you through core courses, summer study, language study, faculty-led programs or research. 

Check out our study abroad programs.

 

What to expect from a Marquette degree

A Marquette education equips students to thrive professionally and personally through overall student support, career preparation and an extended family that can't wait to meet you. But don't just take our word for it. 

#6

#6 Best College in Job Placement /#1 in Wisconsin

Zippia.com

#55

#55 in Student Outcomes

Wall Street Journal

#12

#12 Best Colleges for Internships

The Princeton Review (private universities)

Aerial of campus
 

Take the next step.