International Affairs
Students who major in international affairs examine the political, military, economic, legal, and cultural relations involving states, nations, international organizations, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to understand how those relations affect the prospects for conflict and cooperation. Earn a bachelor’s degree while gaining a deep knowledge of the dynamics of our rapidly changing world.
Why Choose a Degree in International Affairs?
Global technologies, threats to international security, fundamentalist movements, and mounting tensions between nations, regions, and factions mean that the study of international affairs is more relevant than ever. Unlike many other international relations programs, we offer such a robust range of courses and opportunities that we warrant our own dedicated department.
What You’ll Study
Though the scope of our coursework is broad, we emphasize foreign policy, national security, international law and organizations, international economic relations, social justice and transnational advocacy, human rights, and development in the global south. We also believe in collaborating with students on research projects—whether through classes during the academic year, a paid humanities research summer program, or both—and helping them find and secure internships in Portland and beyond. Many of our students earn course credit while on an overseas program.
Outside the classroom, the annual International Affairs Symposium is organized by a committee of students with support from faculty and staff. This multiday interdisciplinary event concentrates on the most pressing themes and topics in international relations today through a series of debates.
Complement Your Education With One of These Minors
The most popular minors for our international affairs majors are German studies, Middle East and North African studies, and political economy.
What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark
Kaylee-Anna Jayaweera More about Kaylee-AnnaProfessor Elizabeth Bennett is one of the best, most inspiring, and motivating professors I’ve ever had. I’ve learned more from her classes than any others I’ve taken, and I have already seen massive benefits in my personal life from becoming more financially literate.
Jade Weihz BA ’23More about JadeI love the class discussions and debates in international affairs because there are a lot of intelligent, but vastly different, opinions that come up. It’s very rousing and educational.
Liam Casey BA ’22More about LiamTo me, a liberal arts education is one which seeks to create a well-rounded person that has critical thinking skills applicable in a range of situations, and a broad knowledge of a variety of subjects. It’s a ton of fun!
What Can You Do With a Degree in International Affairs?
Our alumni use their BA in international affairs to pursue a wide range of careers in academia, government, journalism, nonprofits, public service, and beyond. Some of our alumni have been awarded competitive fellowships and scholarships, like the Rangel and Rhodes, and many go on to pursue advanced degrees.
Dedicated Faculty
Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study and who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.
Invest in Yourself
A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that our first-year students will graduate with their bachelor of arts degree in four years that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition.
Find Your People
The Meridian is an annual publication dedicated to providing a forum for student views on international and cross-cultural issues. Model United Nations is a student club that concentrates on the workings of the United Nations, as well as research on various countries and their foreign policies.
Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You
Nina Oishi BA ’18More about NinaRight after graduation, I spent a year working at a national health policy and advocacy group in Boston. I spent three years at Yale Law School and graduated with my degree in May 2022.
Mikah Bertelmann BA ’21More about MikahI completed my master of public policy degree in June, 2023, and joined the U.S. Foreign Service in July.
Chloe Safar BA ’21More about ChloeAfter graduating in 2021, I spent a year serving with AmeriCorps VISTA at a local mental health and addiction recovery nonprofit, working on capacity-building projects that support low-income communities in Portland
Featured News
International Affairs Symposium Focuses on Control
The 62nd annual Lewis & Clark International Affairs Symposium is one of the oldest student-run symposia in the country. This year’s event, which runs from April 8 to April 10, is titled Strings Attached: Tracing the Global Systems That Bind.
