Program Details
BA in International Relations and Security Studies
Bachelor of ArtsUniversity of Lynchburg
International relations and security studies is an interdisciplinary major that prepares students to participate actively in the international community. The core courses required of all majors provide a general understanding of the history and structure of the current international system. The program also emphasizes the development of analytical techniques, critical thinking skills, and an appreciation of the complexities of the world’s divergent political, economic, and cultural systems. In addition to the core courses, the student chooses an area of concentration including Non-Profit Organizations and Global Development, Security Studies and Terrorism, Area Studies-Global North or Area Studies-Global South.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | If you’re someone who enjoys learning about different cultures and has an interest in national security, you might want to consider studying international relations and security studies at the University of Lynchburg. Many of our past students have gone on to exciting jobs at places like the U.S. State Department, U.S. Naval Intelligence, and even the CIA. The classes you’ll take will cover a wide range of topics like global politics, how international organizations work, and the importance of understanding different languages. You’ll also dive into subjects like human development, economics, history, political science, religion, and sociology. One cool feature of our program is that it lets you specialize in one of four areas: the global north, the developing world, security studies, or non-profit/non-governmental organizations. This means you can tailor your education to what you’re most interested Because we live in such a globally connected world, the ability to respect and understand people of different cultures is essential for success in international business or government work abroad. Our program prepares you to work in this global context by teaching you how to respect and understand cultures and recognize national security implications. And it’s not all in the classroom — you’ll also have opportunities to take part in simulations of the European Union or United Nations, study abroad, and even do an internship for credit. It’s a chance to put what you learn into action and gain some real-world experience. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | The international relations field requires people with diverse skills and backgrounds. It’s vital to have a good understanding of different cultures, languages, and politics to navigate the world. Explore some international relations degree jobs, abroad and stateside, available for graduates. Are you dreaming about a career where you could work for organizations like the US State Department, US Naval Intelligence, or even the CIA? What about international businesses, including energy companies or even Ben and Jerry’s in Japan? Well, graduates from our program have landed such exciting jobs. Not only that, but many have gone on to get higher degrees from big-name schools like George Washington, American University, and Virginia Tech. We take immense pride in nurturing talent and providing a comprehensive curriculum that includes courses from global politics and international organizations to languages and security studies. Plus, you’ll get to delve into human development, economics, history, political science, religion, and sociology. |
Program Successes & Highlights | What are some of our international relations graduates doing? - Communications Director, Governor of Maryland - Graduate Student, Johns Hopkins University - Intelligence Analyst, US Government - Manager, Monitoring, Analysis & Reporting, AmeriCares Foundation - Senior Manager – US India Business Council, US Chamber of Commerce - Special Agent, US Department of Homeland Security - Special Assistant to the Senior Vice President, American Medical Association |
Program Credit Requirements

The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between University of Lynchburg and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of a transferrable Associate's degree will award students credit for general education requirements except for the senior capstone course. No distinction will be made by the University of Lynchburg regarding college courses applicable to the transfer-oriented associate degree that are taken through dual enrollment arrangements with high schools. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | No distinction will be made by the University of Lynchburg regarding college courses applicable to the transfer-oriented associate degree that are taken through dual enrollment arrangements with high schools. |
Credit for Prior Learning | Credits awarded for transferrable courses with a grade of "C" or higher. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Lynchburg is a nationally recognized private university where students gain a greater heart for humanity and a mindset of individual growth. Here, thought-provoking learning ignites change in each individual, and the world. We combine traditional classroom instruction with experiential learning and real-world applications bringing a hands-on, multi-faceted approach that serves our students best today and for the rest of their lives. We’re a tight-knit community that’s accepting and inviting. We’re socially responsible and active, and don’t hesitate to stand up and speak out for what’s just and right. Pride and belonging are important at Lynchburg. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determind by first semester of enrollment |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalogue determined by first semester of enrollment |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://www.lynchburg.edu/undergraduate-admission/for-applicants/transfer-and-access-adult-student-guide/guaranteed-admission-for-vccs-associate-degrees/ |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Eastern Shore Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate in Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Art | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Hollins University | BA in International Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in International Affairs | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in International Relations | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in International Studies | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
George Mason University | Global Affairs, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
William & Mary | International Relations - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Old Dominion University | International Studies-BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Mary Washington | BA in International Affairs | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Bridgewater College | Global Studies Major - BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Arts in Social Science, Major in Government | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Rappahannock Community College | Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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11-9199.11 | Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.02 | Compliance Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.08 | Loss Prevention Managers | Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.00 | Managers, All Other | All managers not listed separately. | Management Occupations |
25-1065.00 | Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in political science, international affairs, and international relations. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
19-3094.00 | Political Scientists | Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
11-9199.01 | Regulatory Affairs Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.10 | Wind Energy Development Managers | Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.09 | Wind Energy Operations Managers | Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning. | Management Occupations |
Cost To Complete
