IAPA Concentration Requirements
All International and Public Affairs concentrators take a common core of classes. This includes the choice of a “gateway” lecture course that examines broad global themes and provides an introduction to multidisciplinary analysis; one qualitative and one quantitative research methods course (a language instruction course at the 0400 level or above can substitute for one of the methods courses); a junior seminar; and a capstone.
In addition to taking these core classes, students choose one of three tracks of specialization:
- Development
- Policy & Governance
- Security
Total Credits: 11 (12 with Honors Thesis)
See the courses page for CURRENT offerings.
| Requirement | Courses |
| Gateway The Gateway course students select must come from the approved list of Gateway options and cannot be substituted with other courses offered through IAPA or through other concentrations. | 1 |
| Track Foundational The Track Foundational course students select must correspond to the student’s selected track, must come from the approved list of Foundational courses, and cannot be substituted with other courses offered through IAPA or through other concentrations. | 1 |
| Track Electives | 5 |
| Qualitative Research Methods | 1* |
| Quantitative Research Methods | 1* |
| Junior Seminar | 1 |
| Senior Capstone | 1 (2, if writing thesis) |
*Language Study
Students may substitute one of the concentration’s two required research methods -- either the qualitative or quantitative research methods course -- with successful completion of a Brown or Brown-approved language instruction course focusing specifically on listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with targeted grammar review, at the 0400 level or above, e.g. HISP 0400, 0500, 0600.
- Bilingual, literary review, or other ‘advanced’ discussion courses do not satisfy the requirement.
- The upper-level language course must be taken for a grade.
- Students applying to the Honors Program must take both research methods courses prior to 7th semester; language instruction cannot be substituted.