This degree is designed for students who wish to focus on a broad understanding of the current world order, its history and trends, the theoretical and policy issues affected by international politics and culture, and the ideas and values that influence the behavior of state and non-state actors. Coupled with the language requirement (described below), successful recipients of this degree are prepared for a wide range of careers, including foreign policymaking and implementation, public policy research, journalism, and a variety of private sector professions.

Candidates for this degree are also required to complete a minimum of fifty-two credits, 12 four-credit courses and 2 two-credit courses. Students may also be required to take an advanced research and writing seminar. At least ten of the courses (including "Economics for Foreign Policymakers" and "Geography and Strategy") must come from the Core Curriculum, while four courses must be taken in one of four specializations: American Foreign Policy, Comparative Political Culture, Democracy Building, or International Politics. The ten Core Curriculum courses should be completed prior to the specialization.