BA in International Relations and European Affairs

Program Overview

The BA in International Relations and European Affairs provides students with a rigorous, interdisciplinary education in the forces shaping the contemporary world. Drawing on political science, history, international law, economics, and strategic studies, the program equips students to analyze global events with intellectual depth and critical precision.

Students explore the dynamics of state and non-state actors, international institutions, regional integration, geopolitical competition, and the evolving architecture of global governance. A strong emphasis on European affairs — including EU institutions, foreign and security policy, and European identity — prepares graduates to engage meaningfully with one of the world's most complex regional systems.

The program develops the following core competencies:

Critical analysis of international events, foreign policy decisions, and global trends
Understanding of IR theory, strategic studies, and geopolitical dynamics
Research skills, including both qualitative methods and policy analysis
Written and oral communication of complex arguments to diverse audiences
Cross-cultural awareness and the capacity to operate in international professional environments

Grounded in the Liberal Education tradition of Deree, The American University of Greece U.L.E., the program combines breadth of knowledge with rigorous specialization, preparing graduates who are both analytically sharp and globally informed.

Why Study This Program?

The BA in International Relations and European Affairs at Deree stands out for several reasons:

Expert faculty with research and professional experience in diplomacy, strategic studies, international political economy, diplomatic history, and European affairs
A curriculum that bridges theory and practice, connecting classical IR frameworks to current policy debates and real-world cases
A location advantage: studying in Athens places students at the intersection of European, Mediterranean, and broader global dynamics — a natural laboratory for international affairs
Access to internship and networking opportunities with international organizations, NGOs, think tanks, diplomatic missions, and government bodies
An American-accredited degree from Roger Williams University (RWU), recognized internationally and benchmarked to U.S. and European academic standards
Opportunities for study abroad, allowing students to extend their international academic experience beyond the classroom
A Senior Thesis requirement that prepares students for graduate-level research and professional policy work

Who Is This Major For?

This program is designed for students who are curious about the world and motivated to understand the forces that shape it.

It is an ideal fit for those who:

Are passionate about global politics, diplomacy, conflict, international law, or European integration
Aspire to careers in international organizations, government, diplomacy, NGOs, journalism, research, or international business
Enjoy reading, writing, and debating complex ideas across political, historical, and economic dimensions
Are interested in leadership, advocacy, and contributing to public discourse on global issues
Want to develop analytical and research skills applicable across a wide range of professional fields
Are drawn to interdisciplinary thinking and connecting knowledge across history, politics, economics, and law

What You Will Study

The program is structured across four years of study, combining Liberal Education foundation courses with a progressive sequence of required and elective courses in International Relations and European Affairs.

Liberal Education Curriculum (Foundation)

All students complete a broad Liberal Education program that develops foundational skills in academic writing, argumentation, communication, philosophy, and quantitative reasoning, alongside thematic clusters covering aesthetic expression, the human experience, society and community, environment and sustainability, and the world of business.

Core Program Courses

The core curriculum introduces students to the fundamental concepts and debates of the field, then progressively deepens their analytical and research capabilities.

Required Electives (Select One)

Students choose one course from a set of advanced consolidation options, including area studies, energy policy, and conflict resolution.

Elective Courses

Additional electives allow students to pursue specialized interests, including international organizations, foreign policy analysis, political behavior, terrorism and political violence, and an internship in international relations.

Capstone: Senior Thesis

In their final year, students complete an independent research thesis under faculty supervision, demonstrating their ability to conduct original scholarly inquiry and contribute to academic or policy debates in the field.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the BA in International Relations and European Affairs are prepared for careers across a wide range of sectors and roles:

Career Paths

Diplomat or foreign service officer
Policy analyst or researcher (government, think tanks, international organizations)
EU institutions officer or European affairs specialist
NGO program officer or humanitarian affairs coordinator
Journalist or media analyst covering international affairs
International business development and corporate affairs professional
Intelligence or security analyst
Academic researcher or university lecturer

Industries and Organizations

Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defense
European Union institutions (European Commission, European Parliament, EEAS)
United Nations agencies and affiliated bodies
International NGOs and humanitarian organizations
Think tanks and policy research institutes
International media organizations
Multinational corporations with international affairs divisions

Graduate Study Opportunities

The program provides excellent preparation for graduate study in international relations, European studies, strategic studies, international law, diplomacy, public policy, and related fields at leading institutions in Greece, Europe, and the United States.