The international affairs degree from Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, is an interdisciplinary major that includes courses from political science, economics, history, anthropology and foreign languages, among others. An important aspect of the international affairs major is learning to think about modern challenges from a variety of perspectives.
Knowledge about how the world works is essential because of its diversity and complexity. International affairs provides a solid foundation to critically understand the world. The major is quintessential of a liberal education, investigating questions about the human condition and encouraging responsible citizenship.
Michael Cairo, professor of political science
By including courses from multiple disciplines, the major breaks down traditional ways of thinking and encourages the development of critical analysis skills. In a world where isolation is nearly impossible, understanding the individual’s role in the global community is an emphasis of the major.
Transylvania’s international affairs program offers tremendous flexibility. In consultation with the program director, students can choose electives that best suit their interests and essentially design the major to fit their needs.
Students majoring in international affairs are strongly encouraged to study abroad either in May term or during the regular fall or winter terms.
Peace Corps Prep Program
Transylvania and the Peace Corps have established a formal partnership to offer the Transy Peace Corps Prep Program. This co-curricular program combines formal coursework, community service and professional leadership training designed to prepare talented undergraduates for post-graduate service in the Peace Corps as well as careers in international development.
Students who complete the program receive a certificate of completion from the Peace Corps, which gives them special consideration for acceptance should they choose to apply to the Peace Corps.
Where Our Graduates Have Worked
Bioanalytical chemist, Eli Lilly
Senior chemist, Parke Davis and Company
Medical doctor, University of Louisville Medical School
Professor, University of Michigan
Mass spectroscopist, Pfizer Research and Development
Research toxicologist, Shell Oil
Quality control, Buffalo Trace Distillery
Courses of Special Interest
International Politics
Politics of the Middle East
Sustainable Development
International Trade and Finance
Global Feminisms
Religion and Violence
U.S.-Latin American Relations
Arts of China
Where Our Graduates Have Studied
American University
Columbia University
Emory University
Harvard Law School
Indiana University
Patterson School, University of Kentucky
Yale University
Possible Career Options
Diplomat
Business executive
Government official
Activist
Journalist
Lawyer
Researcher
Manager of philanthropy
Semester Study Abroad Opportunities
Australia I
Australia II
Austria
Chile
China
Colombia
Costa Rica
Czech Republic
England I
England II
Fiji
France I
France II
Germany I
Germany II
Ghana
Greece
India
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Morocco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Scotland
South Korea
Spain I
Spain II
Sweden
Switzerland
Thailand I
Thailand II
Uruguay
These GlobalTransy programs have at least two courses related to the major.
Interested in studying abroad for a summer? Take a look at our summer study abroad opportunities.
Contacts
Michael Cairo
Professor of Political Science; International Affairs, Program Director
(859) 233-8599
Stephanie Coriale
Social Sciences Administrative Assistant
(859) 233-8104
Address:
Transylvania University
300 North Broadway
Lexington, KY 40508-1797