BA in International and Public Affairs - Security in Providence United States | Brown University

The International and Public Affairs concentration prepares students to become active global participants by providing essential knowledge and competencies. This program features three specialized pathways: Development, Policy & Governance, and Security. Students complete a shared foundation of five courses, starting with thematic introductory lectures (recommended in their first or second year), progressing through mandatory junior and senior seminars (with the option to complete an honors thesis for the senior seminar requirement). Participants select one specialization track: Development, focusing on human advancement across diverse global settings; Security, examining safety concerns at various societal levels; or Policy and Governance, studying public policy creation, execution, and assessment alongside governing frameworks.

International and Public Affairs students must select a specialization track: Development, Policy & Governance, or Security. Each track requires a foundational course (introducing key themes) followed by five elective choices. Following the Open Curriculum philosophy, students have significant flexibility in selecting these electives, potentially concentrating on specific nations, regions, or topics (such as equity, humanitarian efforts, arms control, or economic growth). Track advisors can offer structured curriculum recommendations to facilitate organized knowledge building.

The Security Track focuses on analyzing and preventing violent conflicts across local, national, and international spheres.