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
Nicole Godbout BA ’20More about NicoleBe a go-getter! Most of the communities I’m a part of and the opportunities that I had were because I went after something even if I was feeling uncertain about whether I should try.
Keilani Vega BA ’22More about KeilaniI knew I wanted to be an IA major because I was interested in global politics, with a little bit of human rights and economics, a touch of diplomatic relations, and a sprinkle of law. One of my first IA classes touched on all of these concepts the first day, which solidified my decision.
John Mbanda BA ’25More about JohnThe thing that I find most interesting about the International Affairs Department is the level of care that professors show you and the lengths these educators and staff are willing to go for each student. Our small class sizes allow each student to form a personal relationship with professors, which is extremely valuable!
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
Nicolas Read BA ’18More about NicolasL&C taught me how to engage with different fields of study, which has prepared me for my jobs and law school, and gave me the skills to think critically and analytically.
Kodai Kubota BA ’19More about KodaiI’ve been consulting, specializing in Global IT Organization Transformation.
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.
