International Politics
Gain a comprehensive approach to world politics and blend theory with real-world experience in the international politics major.
The international politics (IPOL) major at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service equips you with the expertise and analytical skills to become a leader in the global political arena. You will explore the intricate relationships between state and non-state actors and understand the geopolitical issues that shape our world. By focusing on security, law and policy, you’ll be prepared to make meaningful contributions as a practitioner, analyst or world citizen.
Major overview
Major declaration dates
Sophomore year
- Begins: After add-drop in September
- Ends: Friday before Spring Break
At a glance
- 9 Concentration courses
- 1 Required course for all concentrations
Concentrations
- International law, institutions and ethics
- International security
- Foreign policy and policy processes
- Self-defined
Program outcomes
By completing the international politics major, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in international affairs. You will be equipped to:
- Evaluate and apply key concepts in international politics regarding the behavior of state and non-state actors in the international system
- Identify key institutions and dynamics in the development of the contemporary international system and place them in a historical context
- Analyze international and political issues, dynamics and events through clear, concise writing and statistical methodologies
- Recognize important moral dimensions of world politics and apply ethical frameworks to the multifaceted challenges that global leaders and policymakers face
Career paths
The international politics major prepares you for leadership in global political affairs. Whether you want to work as a scholar, policymaker, consultant, or diplomat, your studies will equip you with the analytical skills and global perspective needed to excel in international politics. Many IPOL graduates go on to shape policy in government, international organizations and the private sector.
Academics
As an IPOL major, you’ll start by developing a strong foundation in international affairs before diving deeper into one of three specialized concentrations. This personalized approach allows you to focus on the areas of international politics that most interest you and align with your career goals.
Courses
To get the most up-to-date list of courses available in the IPOL program, as well as past course offerings, visit GU Experience and follow these steps:
- Go to GU Experience > registration dashboard
- Under the schedule of classes section, select browse classes
- Select term
- In the subject menu, choose international politics
- Scroll down and click the class search button to explore available classes
Faculty
Our international politics faculty are world-renowned practitioners, scholars and educators. Many are current or former practitioners of international affairs.
Alumni spotlight
Our international politics alumni have become leaders in international politics, whether as academics and researchers, policymakers, consultants or diplomats. Our alumni have taken career paths in both the public and private sectors and in international institutions, non-governmental organizations and more.
Representative Henry Cuellar (SFS’78, TX-28th)
Ambassador David Hale (SFS’83)
International politics stories
-
SFS journalist alumni tell the world’s stories
Many SFS alumni become journalists, driven by a shared call to inform. We spoke with several about their paths, lessons and lasting SFS impact.
-
Esha Sharma (SFS’25) makes Washington, DC, her classroom
Esha Sharma (SFS’25) reflects on interning at the White House and USAID and exploring global water policy through courses like Water, Science and Society.
-
Nicole Sanchez’s (SFS’24) journey from the Bronx to the Hilltop
Born in the Dominican Republic and raised in the Bronx, New York, Nicole Sanchez (SFS’24) brought her heritage and a steadfast spirit of advocacy to SFS, where she majored in…