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.
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
Liam Casey BA ’22More about LiamTo me, a liberal arts education is one which seeks to create a well-rounded person that has critical thinking skills applicable in a range of situations, and a broad knowledge of a variety of subjects. It’s a ton of fun!
Jason Kowalski BA ’23More about JasonI’m studying international affairs because I want to make a real difference in the world and try to help people. I added art history as a second major because I genuinely love art appreciation, going to museums, and learning the stories behind works.
Luca Sax BA ’22More about LucaFor anyone who is looking to get involved with research on campus, don’t be shy! The professors are wonderful and enjoy working with students.
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.
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
Chloe Safar BA ’21More about ChloeAfter graduating in 2021, I spent a year serving with AmeriCorps VISTA at a local mental health and addiction recovery nonprofit, working on capacity-building projects that support low-income communities in Portland
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.
Anna Tobin BA ’19More about AnnaI moved to three different states and pursued a master’s degree in environmental education after fostering a passion for environmental communication at Lewis & Clark.
International Affairs Events
60th Anniversary Arthur L. Throckmorton Lecture: Kelly Lytle Hernández on “Million Dollar Hoods: Using Maps, Data, and Archives to End Mass Incarceration in Los Angeles”
Los Angeles County operates the largest jail system in the United States, which incarcerates more people than any other nation on Earth. At a cost of nearly $1 billion annually, more than 20,000 people are caged every night in L.A.’s county jails and city lockups. But not every neighborhood is equally impacted by L.A.’s massive jail system. In fact, L.A.’s nearly billion-dollar jail budget is largely committed to incarcerating many people from just a few neighborhoods. In some communities, more than one-million dollars is spent annually on incarceration. These are L.A.’s Million Dollar Hoods.
Led by Prof. Kelly Lytle Hernández, the Million Dollar Hoods (MDH) research team maps and monitors how much local authorities spend on locking up residents in L.A.’s Million Dollar Hoods. Led by Black and Brown women and driven by formerly-incarcerated persons as well as residents of Million Dollar Hoods, the MDH team also provides the only full and public account of the leading causes of arrest in Los Angeles, revealing that drug possession and DUIs are the top booking charges in L.A.’s Million Dollar Hoods. Collectively, this data counters the popular misunderstanding that incarceration advances public safety by removing violent, serious offenders from the streets. In fact, local authorities are investing millions in locking up the County’s most economically vulnerable, geographically isolated, and racially marginalized populations for drug and alcohol-related crimes. This talk provides an introduction to the Million Dollar Hoods project, method, and impact.
Featured News
Lewis & Clark Students Visit Meta in Seattle
Two Meta employees, who are also Lewis & Clark alumni, welcomed students to Meta’s Seattle office and shared their career stories.
