Minor in International Affairs

Our students are equipped with the knowledge and tools to address global challenges such as climate change, international conflict and economic inequality.

The undergraduate minor in international affairs provides students with a global perspective to enhance education in any of the colleges or programs at CU Boulder. Whatever your major, this program is instrumental in expanding your understanding of international issues to prepare you to tackle challenges of the 21st century.

  • Learn about the interconnectedness of nations and cultures.
  • Tap into professional opportunities in a fast-growing global field.
  • Explore specialized interests in global health, humanitarianism, international business and more.

CU Boulder ranks in the top 100 best schools for international relations in the world.

(Foreign Policy magazine, 2024)

Gain real-world experience by studying abroad and applying credits from your coursework abroad toward your minor.

Take electives in four functional areas: development and culture; international economics, business and political economy; political geography, international security, and foreign policy; and institutions, rights and norms.

Be successful.

Be prepared to tackle new, pressing issues in the public, private and nonprofit sectors around the world.

 

Work in fields of policy, health care or development with government, NGOs and nonprofit organizations.

  
$56,259

Median annual salary for international affairs graduates within 1–5 years of graduation.

 

American Medical Response, Peace Corps, the city and county of Denver and the Colorado House of Representatives are common employers of graduates with experience in international affairs.

Academic Plan & Requirements

The minor in international affairs is open to all interested students and can complement any major at CU Boulder. The coursework might be particularly relevant to students from social science, arts and humanities, natural sciences, business or communication programs.

The minor requires a total of 19 credit hours of international affairs coursework, 15 of which must be at the upper-division level.

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.