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/Organizer | Immigration Officer | Teacher* |
| Archivist, Online Political Data | Information Manager | University Professor* |
| Attorney / Lawyer* | International Agency Officer | Urban Policy Planner |
| Benefits Administrator | International Research Specialist | |
| Budget Examiner or Analyst | Issues Analyst, Corporate Social Policy Div.* | |
| Campaign Operative | Journalist | |
| City Housing Administrator | Legal Assistant | |
| Congressional Office/Committee Staffer | Legislative Analyst / Coordinator | |
| Coordinator of Federal or State Aid | Librarian* | |
| Corporate Public Affairs Advisor* | Lobbyist | |
| Corporate Analyst | Management Analyst | |
| Customs Officer | Mediator* | |
| Demographer | Paralegal | |
| Diplomatic Officer* | Political Commentator | |
| Editor, Online Political Journal | Pollster | |
| Federal Government Analyst | Public Affairs Research Analyst | |
| Foreign Service Officer | Public Opinion Analyst | |
| High School Government Teacher* | Research Analyst | |
| Historic Preservationist | Speech Writer | |
| Immigration Officer | State Legislator | |
| Information Manager | Student Affairs Administrator* | |
| Intelligence Officer or Analyst* | Survey Analyst | |
| International Research Specialist | Systems 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
| American Family Insurance | National Democratic Institute |
| Litigation Solutions, LLC | Paramount |
| MG+M The Law Firm | World Boston |
Industries
| Administration | Nonprofit |
| Education | Social Services |
| Government | Social Justice |
| Journalism | Tourism/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.
Resources
Websites for Career Exploration
- Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook
- MassHireCIS – Massachusetts Hire Career Information System
- O*NET OnLine
- Education Sector
- NIRA Think Tank Directory
Websites for Job Search
- H-Net Job Guide
- Idealist
- MASSterList
- Peace Corps
- United Nations
- USAJOBS – The Federal Government’s Official Jobs Site
- NUworks
- NUsource
- Handshake
Campus Organizations & Activities
- NU Debate
- NU Political Review
- Phi Alpha Delta Pre-law Fraternity
- NEU Mock Trial
- LEAD360
- Northeastern University Student Government Association
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.
- American Historical Association
- American Political Science Association
- International Society of Political Psychology
- National Coalition for History
- Political Science Quarterly
Social Media
Sample LinkedIn.com Groups providing resources such as industry trends, company information, job listings, and networking opportunities within the field.