Mission Statement for the College of International Studies:

The Bachelor’s degree in International Relations & Security Studies at the American University of Iraq-Baghdad is a multidisciplinary program designed to prepare undergraduate students with the academic knowledge, cross-cultural awareness, theoretical and historical background, analytical tools, and diplomatic skills needed to thrive and lead in global society. Through a wide range of International-oriented courses as well as discipline-relevant specializations and practical training, the BA in IR&SS promotes leadership, global citizenship, social responsibility, and human and societal security, via a blending of the proven pedagogies, rigorous standards, time-tested traditions, and innovative intellectual approaches of Iraq and the US.

Introduction and Structure:

The College of International Studies currently offers a BA in International Relations and Strategic Studies (BA in IR&SS). In addition to the requirements for the IR&SS program, students must complete the university’s “general education” requirements (the Liberal Arts & Humanities Core), which is the same for all undergraduate programs at AUIB. The table below lays out the university’s Core Liberal Arts & Humanities required classes (14 in total).

Breakdown of courses (120 credits)

  • 14 Liberal Arts core courses (see choices listed below: Includes 2 HIS and 1 GEO course): [42 credits]
  • 20 Courses: Core Requirements for the IR&SS Program [60 credits]
  •  6 Major Elective courses [18 credits]