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.
Connect With Lewis & Clark!
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
Shelby Castro BA ’25More about ShelbyI find international affairs fascinating because it’s a constantly evolving field that seeks to explain the socio-political realities of the international system. It challenges me to think critically about the world while equipping me with analytical tools to engage in global change.
Anna Ingadottir BA ’26More about AnnaTo me, the most intriguing part of international affairs and economics is how deeply intertwined they are, how they impact each other and the world.
Libby Wiskind BA ’22More about LibbyAfrican Politics with Assistant Professor Laura Vinson opened my eyes to important perspectives.
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.
Elizabeth Bennett More about ElizabethL&C is a place where people express care, extend support, and nurture one another. Inclusion, accommodation, diversity, and difference are valued here.
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
Hannah Harrington BA ’19More about HannahThe same love of moving through life as a global citizen, and supporting students that I had while teaching, I also feel working in higher education.
Nina Oishi BA ’18More about NinaRight after graduation, I spent a year working at a national health policy and advocacy group in Boston. I spent three years at Yale Law School and graduated with my degree in May 2022.
Sarah Lind-MacMillan BA ’22More about SarahI am interning abroad at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, supporting the work of the Political Affairs section covering issues ranging from elections and democracy to human rights and trafficking in persons. Next, I will head back to Washington, DC to begin my graduate program in Asian Studies at Georgetown University.
Featured News
Professor’s Congressional Testimony Highlights Threats to NGOs
In testimony before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the U.S. House of Representatives—and in a recent article in Foreign Policy—Associate Professor of International Affairs Suparna Chaudhry raises the alarm on the consequences of state repression of nonprofit organizations, including how it sets the stage for democracy’s decline.
Kyle M. Lascurettes
klascurettes@lclark.edu
503-768-7746 (though email is best)