History, Political Science, and International Affairs

History at Northeastern emphasizes the study of national and regional histories as well as of the global exchanges between nations, regions, and cultures. Experience in conducting original research is a hallmark of the undergraduate program. Faculty research and teaching focus on Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, Russia and the Soviet Union, the Atlantic World, the Middle East, and on the histories of race; imperialism and colonialism; violence and war; political and social movements; cultural history; women and gender; and public history. With guidance from their faculty mentors, History majors have won numerous research scholarships. In addition to University-sponsored semester abroad programs, History students regularly participate in month-long summer Dialogues of Civilization courses taught by History faculty in world cities, such as Prague, Istanbul, Accra, Beirut, Budapest, or Beijing.

Political Science offers a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree that covers the major fields in the discipline, with specializations in Law and Legal Studies, Security Studies, International Relations, Public Policy and Administration, Comparative Politics, American Political Institutions, and Identity, Culture, and Politics. In each of these areas, we introduce students to core introductory courses, followed by a wide variety of upper level courses to help you explore key topics and issues in greater depth. Required courses in political theory and research methods develop the leadership skills that enable students to apply this knowledge in their co-op experiences and beyond.

International Affairs is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare undergraduate students with the academic knowledge, cross-cultural awareness, and skills needed to thrive and lead in world society, while also promoting global citizenship and social responsibility.

International affairs at Northeastern University challenges students to engage across intellectual and geographic boundaries, while also asking them to think and act “locally” through academic coursework, experiential opportunities, and language proficiency centered in a particular world region. Thus, through breadth and depth, our students are well positioned as the next generation of global leaders – within NGOs, governments, corporations, and classrooms, finding meaningful ways to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Job Titles

Activist, Advocate/OrganizerImmigration OfficerTeacher*
Archivist, Online Political DataInformation ManagerUniversity Professor*
Attorney / Lawyer*International Agency OfficerUrban Policy Planner
Benefits AdministratorInternational Research Specialist
Budget Examiner or AnalystIssues Analyst, Corporate Social Policy Div.*
Campaign OperativeJournalist
City Housing AdministratorLegal Assistant
Congressional Office/Committee StafferLegislative Analyst / Coordinator
Coordinator of Federal or State AidLibrarian*
Corporate Public Affairs Advisor*Lobbyist
Corporate AnalystManagement Analyst
Customs OfficerMediator*
DemographerParalegal
Diplomatic Officer*Political Commentator
Editor, Online Political JournalPollster
Federal Government AnalystPublic Affairs Research Analyst
Foreign Service OfficerPublic Opinion Analyst
 High School Government Teacher*Research Analyst
Historic PreservationistSpeech Writer
Immigration OfficerState Legislator
Information ManagerStudent Affairs Administrator*
Intelligence Officer or Analyst*Survey Analyst
International Research SpecialistSystems Analyst

Positions that require additional education, training, or licensing are indicated by an (*).

Job qualifications are based not only on degree program, but on skills and experience. Students should seek out as many experiential opportunities in their fields of interest as possible, including co-op and internships.

Employers

This is a limited sample of employers who have posted jobs on NUworks; please note, that they may not currently have positions posted.
American Family InsuranceNational Democratic Institute
Litigation Solutions, LLCParamount
MG+M The Law FirmWorld Boston

Industries

This is a sample of the industries that often hire this major:
AdministrationNonprofit
EducationSocial Services
GovernmentSocial Justice
JournalismTourism/Travel
Law

Internships and Co-ops

These sample titles can be used to research internship opportunities:

  • Campaign Intern
  • State Legislature Internship
  • Civil Rights Field Investigators
  • International Program Internship
  • Analyst Intern
  • International Education Intern
  • Public Relations Internship

To search for internship opportunities, log in to NUworks, Handshake, and other internship sites.

For more information, please visit Cooperative Education.
Students enrolled in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities may search their website Experiential Learning page for co-op and internship information.

Resources

The following resources include various websites and campus resources that will aid you in exploring this career field.

Websites for Career Exploration

Websites for Job Search

Campus Organizations & Activities

For additional student organizations click here.
*For additional student activities click here.

 

Professional Associations

Find valuable industry information, job sites, and professionals in the field you may contact for informational interview requests and networking opportunities.

Social Media

Sample LinkedIn.com Groups providing resources such as industry trends, company information, job listings, and networking opportunities within the field.