Why Major in International Politics?
Do you aspire to be a diplomat, a leader in international business, an expert in foreign affairs, a translator, a government official or even go to law school? All of these are possible through Belmont's International Politics program. Our department is led by highly qualified and experienced professors who place special emphasis on advising and active student interaction. Classes are kept purposely small to facilitate a nurturing learning environment, where each student is offered individual guidance and mentoring in order to best serve them in reaching their aspirations, whatever they may be.
International Politics students will learn the foundations of government as a whole and investigate the role of politics in regions across the world. In addition to taking a deep dive into the foundational documents and texts of global governments, students are also invited to explore issues such as international security, global violence and social science research methods. Our students develop broad knowledge and adaptable skills as well as a specialization in the culture of their choice. In recent years, international politics students have landed at a number of elite graduate programs or moved on to rewarding careers in diplomacy, teaching, research and lobbying.
While at Belmont, International Politics majors are required to develop proficiency in at least one foreign language and are offered the opportunity to complement their in-class studies with exciting study abroad experiences. The department’s international Maymester courses, in particular, enable students to be exposed to a variety of cultures around the globe. The ultimate goal of the international politics degree is to provide a rigorous and challenging program that cultivates motivated, responsible and curious students who will take their knowledge far beyond our classrooms and impact the broader world.
What You'll Learn
- Investigate the role of politics in regions across the world
- Interpret foundational documents and texts of global governments
- Understand and investigate international security and global violence
- Social science research methods
- Expand your knowledge political systems around the globe
Career Possibilities
- Policy Analyst
- Legislative Assistance
- Lobbying
- Government Program Administration
- Legislative, Executive or Judicial Services
- Attorney
- Historian
- Political Affairs Officer
- Diplomat
- Campaign Manager
Program Details
Curious about your coursework? View requirements for this degree in the course catalog.
- Student Government Association: SGA positively impacts Belmont University, to the best of their ability, by collaborating between students and administration, supporting student organizations, fostering character and abiding by the Christian standards set forth by Belmont University. Through this, SGA will enable students to have an impact on Belmont and the surrounding community that will outlast themselves.
- Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL): This is an annual legislative session conducted by college students from across Tennessee that provides students with an opportunity to learn about the Tennessee state government and to express their opinions on state issues. This model legislature convenes in the State Capitol for four days and consists of a Senate and a House of Representatives, which debate bills that are produced wholly by the students.
- College Democrats: Belmont College Democrats is a student organization centered around diversity celebrating, community building, robust discussion, civic activism and the exploration of political ideology.
- College Republicans: Belmont College Republicans encourages whomever considers themselves to have conservative values or beliefs (or none at all) to come out and see what they are all about. Their focus is to spread the true meaning of what it is to be a Republican, and they hope to straighten out some misconceptions. We hope to form a community of students who enjoy discussing their political opinions, creating a healthy amount of political awareness on campus.
- United Nations Association at Belmont University: The United Nations Association is a nationwide organization with a mission to educate, advocate and inspire on behalf of the United Nations. What makes our chapter unique is our concerted effort to serve locally and inspire globally in accordance with the 17 sustainable development goals released in 2016. Our chapter will host knowledgeable global leaders to educate us on global issues. We will also host monthly meetings and volunteer opportunities based on the sustainable development goals we are passionate about as an organization. Please join us and learn how to serve as a global leader and local leader!
- Belmont Pre-Law Society: This organization is dedicated to educating students on trial advocacy and social justice, all the while giving them the knowledge and skills they need to be successful in law school. Our goal is to build a community of ambitious students who are invested in helping members of the student body reach informed decisions about their futures. We aim to promote general interest in legal processes and professions by hosting engaging speakers from different areas of the legal field and organizing a diverse series of information sessions, LSAT preparation workshops, volunteer opportunities, networking programs and social events. Additionally, we are affiliated with the American Mock Trial Association and sponsor two competitive mock trial teams that compete numerous times each year. Through our pre-law programming and participation in collegiate mock trial, we hope to enhance student preparedness through providing the tools and resources necessary to effectively navigate the law school admissions process.
- UNICEF Belmont: UNICEF’s mission is to promote the rights and well-being of every child. This organization carries out various activities to meet the needs of children in developing countries. This organization is designed to educate, fundraise and raise awareness and will fundraise for UNICEF each semester.
- Belmont Ascend: The organization's main goal is to create a diverse community, foster a global mindset among all Belmont students, develop cross-cultural fluency and prepare Belmont graduates to lead on a global scale. In collaboration with Center for Global Citizenship, Ascend student organization will sponsor monthly series, including global summit, global executive spotlight, townhalls, global experiences, volunteering in the community and opportunities to engage with students from other countries.
Gabe DeGraeve
“Belmont's Political Science professors focus largely on discussion-based learning, combined with research, to help students engage with the material and understand the wide range of topics. The professors are well connected around not only Nashville but at the state and national levels, helping to get students internships wherever their interests may lie.”
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College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences
Sophie Chua
Admissions Coordinator
615.460.8335