International Political Economy Concentration

From the Euro to the yen, today’s global economy operates in a climate of change. The international global political economy (IPE) major teaches students to understand globalization and the role the state plays, as well as market strategies for corporations and their corporate identities. Courses target competencies in finance, economics, international trade and development. Specific topics range from the work of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to political climates in post-Communist states and the role of women in developing countries.

IPE students are idealistic, curious about the world and eager to put their vision into practice. Recent graduates include a treasury expert with the Republic of Turkey, a project manager specialist for the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Mission in Moscow, a presidential management fellow with the U.S. Department of Commerce, and a United Nations Fulbright Fellow with the Department of Social and Economic Affairs.

Download Plan of Study beginning Fall '25 »

MPIA Core Classes (15 credits)

    Quantitative Methods
    International Affairs
    International Economics
    Skills for Global Policy Professionals
    Capstone Seminar
OR
    Thesis
Internship Requirement: All students must complete an approved internship of at least 300 hours while enrolled at SPIA. The internship must be approved by the student’s career advisor in advance. Students with at least three years of relevant full‐time work experience may petition their career advisor for a waiver of this requirement during their first semester.

Concentration Core (3 credits)

    International Political Economy

IPE Concentration Courses (9 credits)

PIA 2--- IPE Concentration Course
PIA 2--- IPE Concentration Course
PIA 2--- IPE Concentration Course

Electives/Minor Courses (9 credits)

PIA 2--- Elective/minor course
PIA 2--- Elective/minor course
PIA 2--- Elective/minor course

Below is a sample of electives that may be offered depending on the semester. Please speak with your advisor to confirm availability and create your personalized plan of study.

PIA 2027: Macroeconomics
PIA 2303: International Financial Policy
PIA 2310: Markets and States
PIA 2319: International Trade
PIA 2388: Sovereignty, Global & International Law
PIA 2448: Political Economy of Development
PIA 2502: Environmental Policy: Local & Global
PIA 2553: Global Health Policy