The world faces a complex range of threats to its security and stability. Some, including war, terrorism, and weapons of mass destruction have been around for a long time. Others, including climate change and cyber conflict, are relatively new. In today’s increasingly connected world, old threats like pandemic disease and state fragility now take on a new urgency. Using a mix of history, theory, and policy analysis, the international security minor prepares students to think critically about these pressing issues.
Contact the minor advisor through the Schar School Advising Team.
Policies
Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and students must complete all coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.
Minor Requirements
Total credits: 18
Students must complete all coursework with a minimum grade of 2.00 in each course.
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| GOVT 132 | Introduction to International Politics (Mason Core) | 3 |
| GOVT 346 | American Security Policy | 3 |
| GOVT 347 | International Security | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select three electives from the following: | 9 | |
| Grand Challenges to Human Security (Mason Core) | ||
| International Relations Theory | ||
| Diplomacy | ||
| American Foreign Policy | ||
| Grand Strategy | ||
| Law and Ethics of War | ||
| Issues in International Studies (when topic is relevant with approval of the minor advisor) | ||
| International Law and Organization | ||
| Revolution and International Politics | ||
| Ethics and International Politics | ||
| Internship/Experiential Learning | ||
| Internship (when relevant, up to 3 credits with prior approval of minor advisor) | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |