Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in International Policy Studies
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International Policy Studies Degree at a Glance
Program Type
Major
Mode of Study
On Campus
Internship
Guaranteed
Est. Time
4 Years
Start Terms
Fall, Spring
Cost
School
Accreditation
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The International Policy Studies Major
International policy studies examines the origin, development and implementation of international policy issues from a multidisciplinary perspective. Your degree will prepare you for a career in diplomacy, economics, public administration or public policy.
What You'll Study
The international policy studies curriculum offers a well-rounded education, combining the politics behind public policy with a deep understanding of global cultures and biases.
Politics of Public Policy
Public Administration
International Studies
International Political Economy
World History
Political Science Methods
Skills You'll Learn
As an international policy studies major, you’ll build skills in policy analysis and implementation for addressing global, international, and cross-cultural public policy issues.
Policy Analysis
Research Skills
Oral & Written Communication
Leadership Skills
International Policy Studies Courses You'll Take
Politics Of
Public Policy
POL 1400
This course provides students with analytical tools, historical contexts and vocabulary to understand current public policy contests. The course examines health care, social welfare, energy, immigration, guns, civil rights, fiscal and environmental policy areas and many more contentious issues.
International
Political Economy
POL 3540
This course examines how politics and economics come together in international relations and global problems. It explores why nations trade with each other and why they sometimes practice trade protectionism. It also probes the growing importance of regional economic blocks.
Issues In
Public Policy
POL 3122
This course examines selected contemporary issues in public policy at the national level of politics in the United States. Examples of policy areas include, but are not limited to, national security, economic stabilization, immigration and global climate change.
See All Courses & Options Available to International Policy Studies Majors
International Policy Studies Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements. To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.Sample Four-Year Schedule - Curriculum Guide
Why Choose the Bachelor of Arts in International Policy Studies?
Learn more about why Merrimack’s International Policy Studies major is the right choice for you!
DYNAMIC SKILL SET
By choosing this major, you'll have the opportunity to build multiple skill sets across a range of in-demand disciplines.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
There is a growing need for more workers in the international relations field - taking this major means you'll be prepared to jump right in!
GLOBAL RESOURCES
Interested in a semester abroad? This major makes for a perfect fit!
Career Outlook: Where Can an International Policy Studies Degree Take You?
Career Outcomes Rate
94% of the undergraduate class of 2023 in Arts & Sciences were either employed, participating in voluntary service or continuing their education within nine months of graduation.
Experiential Learning
90% of the undergraduate class of 2023 participated in at least one internship, co-op, clinical, practicum or research opportunity while at Merrimack.
Graduate School
Merrimack, New England School of Law, George Washington University and Boston College are just some of the graduate programs Arts & Sciences graduates are attending.
Jobs with an International Policy Studies Degree
Upon completing our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in policy studies and related disciplines. Positions may include:
- International Policy Analyst
- Intelligence Specialist
- Foreign Service Officer
- International Policy Research Assistant
- Foreign Affairs Editor
- Director of Foundation Relations
- International Relations Program Administrator
- Government Liaison Officer
Beyond the Classroom
Student Life
You’ll have endless opportunities to find your fit, get involved and pursue what makes you happy—all while making lifelong friends (and memories!).
Explore your passions alongside others with similar interests, whether that means a cappella singing or outdoor adventuring.
- 70+ student organizations
- Division I Athletics, club and intramural sports
- Beloved traditions like Homecoming, Block Party and Spring Concert
- Fraternities and sororities
Internships & Co-Ops
Our students gain valuable work experience and connections with leading companies through guaranteed internships and the Warriors at Work co-op program. Recent placements include:
- Interning with Homeland Security Investigations, shadowing special agents
- Interning at Delta Tech-Ops, working in components engineering
- Working as a tax intern at Baker Tilly
Research with Faculty
With access to cutting-edge tools, undergraduate students can collaborate with faculty on research projects that can lead to presentations and publications.
- Explore the complexities of the human mind in a state-of-the-art psychology lab.
- Understand how inflammation affects immune cell aging in our Shared Instrumentation and Research Facility.
- Build fully functional battle bots for competitions.
Study Abroad
Global Merrimack provides transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Our 30+ study abroad programs include semesters abroad, faculty-led trips and international internships.
- Explore and study in the Dominican Republic or Iceland.
- Immerse yourself in cities like Dublin, Madrid or Rome.
- Experience a semester at sea or intern in vibrant cities like London or Paris.
Service Learning
Community and service are at the heart of our Augustinian mission.
Over 1,000 students work together to engage in hands-on service learning projects each year, supporting our communities and those in need.
- Participate in our campus-wide Mack Gives Back volunteer days.
- Spend your winter, spring, or summer break on an immersive SEND trip in the U.S. or abroad, helping those in need.
- Tutor students in nearby school districts.
See for Yourself
Programs Related to the International Policy Studies Major
Explore other areas and where they can take you.
Take the Next Step (We're Here to Help)
At Merrimack, we are ready to meet you where you are and get you where you want to go. And, we make the process simple along the way!
Upcoming Events
Info Session & Campus Tour
Monday-Friday & Most Saturdays
Attend a 20-minute info session led by an admission counselor and then take a student-led campus tour. Registration is required.
Merrimack College Awards & Recognition
U.S. News & World Report | Best Regional Universities North (2024)
- Most Innovative Schools (#5)
- Regional Universities North (#39)
- Best Undergraduate Teaching (#19)
- Best Colleges for Veterans (#15)
- Best Value Schools (#51)
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