Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

at Kaplan Group - Simmons University USA

Students in our Communications degree at Simmons University are progressive and innovative, whether they're working on a publication, shooting a video, designing a website, or crafting a clever tweet.

Why pursue a degree in Communications?
Communication is key in all aspects of life; it is how we interact, connect, and make impressions on each other and the world around us. The Communications degree at Simmons University focuses on how people use messages to generate meaning within and across contexts, cultures, channels, and media.

Generating and conveying meaning is central to the work we do in our Communications major, as is an emphasis on media convergence—the intersection and interaction of the multiple media disciplines.

By combining new media practices with a firm writing foundation, our students cultivate the tools necessary to thrive in today's evolving market.

Are you ready for the future of journalism?
You'll actively engage with the challenge of communication for the screen, the page, and the web while gaining an understanding of the impact of the media on society and the individual.

Our faculty are seasoned media professionals offering their expertise in all journalism activities — like our student run newspaper and award-winning radio station — and developing projects that show students what the front lines of media really look like.

You'll hone your skills through internships in Boston and beyond and enter this rapidly changing industry with an impressive portfolio, ready to take on anything.

The Financial Mathematics major, which is interdisciplinary among the Mathematics and Statistics, Economics and Management programs, prepares students for careers in the financial services and actuarial industries.

Among the possible very rewarding career paths are becoming a financial planner, a private wealth manager, an investment manager (for a mutual fund, pension plan, or endowment) and an actuary. The major also helps prepare students for the first Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam and for the first three Society of Actuaries exams.

Our majors have had internships at financial services firms, private wealth management firms, investment banks and mutual fund companies. Our graduates work in all these settings, at hedge funds, at insurance companies, and in other settings requiring a deep knowledge of these fields and strong analytical skills.

Students in our Communications degree at Simmons University are progressive and innovative, whether they're working on a publication, shooting a video, designing a website, or crafting a clever tweet.

Why pursue a degree in Communications?
Communication is key in all aspects of life; it is how we interact, connect, and make impressions on each other and the world around us. The Communications degree at Simmons University focuses on how people use messages to generate meaning within and across contexts, cultures, channels, and media.

Generating and conveying meaning is central to the work we do in our Communications major, as is an emphasis on media convergence—the intersection and interaction of the multiple media disciplines.

The formal joint major in Economics and Mathematics is offered with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and is administered by the Department of Economics. The specialization has arisen because of the increased role of mathematics and statistics in economic analysis, Also, for students with good mathematical aptitude who do not wish to specialize only in mathematics and statistics, the joint major in Economics and Mathematics provides the opportunity to develop a field of applied mathematics.

The intellectual domain of Africana Studies (AST) consists of four major areas:

• The study of African and European American relationships beginning in the 16th century.
• The study of African/African American community building, i.e., African Americans’ founding and organization of economic, educational, religious, and cultural institutions and related achievements of self-determination.
• Africanity and diaspora studies in the Americas, Africa, and Europe.

Africana women’s studies which seeks to study race, gender, and culture in ways that allow us to understand often interrelated diasporic experiences across the globe.
Each of these areas may be examined further by focusing upon specializations in the humanities (e.g., literature, film, journalism), social sciences (e.g., research, public policy, health care), physical sciences (e.g., environmental studies), interdisciplinary studies (e.g., women’s and gender studies, management, education) or in professional programs (nursing, teacher preparation, social work). An AST major or minor is appropriate for students with strong interests in studies of Americans of color; in the intersectional study of race, gender, and class in the humanities or social sciences; or in one or more subject areas indicated above. The department prepares students for the labor market and continued professional and graduate training by providing a solid foundation of critical, analytical, and technological skills. Pre-graduation internships are available for all interested students. Study abroad and modern language skills are highly recommended. Students interested in dual degree programs or self-designed majors should consult with program faculty to design an individualized program.

Students earning their Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Simmons develop a keen understanding of government institutions, the processes of decision making, and public policy.

Political Science students have many opportunities to learn from experts in the classroom—like our Warburg Chair in International Relations—and to attend leadership-focused events with visionaries like Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Gloria Steinem. Students also intern for local and national politicians, government agencies, and advocacy groups here in Boston—all just a short walk or T ride from campus.

Why study Political Science?
Politics implicitly affect every aspect of our daily lives. If you’re interested in international affairs, public policy, terrorism, the environment, and/or civil rights, studying political science will quench your thirst for information. Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science program at Simmons have the breadth and depth of knowledge required to analyze what shapes the political landscape in the United States and around the globe—yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Best of all? They have the confidence to speak up for what they believe in, striving to make changes to make the world a better place.

The interdisciplinary major in international relations seeks to understand the political, economic, social, and cultural relations among states as well as the transnational roles of non state actors. Such an understanding is critical in today’s world and can support a variety of career options. The major consists of core courses in international politics, economics, history, and women’s studies. Electives are chosen from these disciplines, as well as from modern languages and sociology. The senior year includes an integrative seminar and, if the student chooses, an internship or independent study. Students have interned at organizations involved in international relations such as the World Affairs Council, the United Nations Association, Amnesty International, the International Business Center, the offices of U.S. Senators, and Grassroots International.

As a Finance major at Simmons University, you'll master content knowledge in financial theory, including time value of money, risk preferences, financial markets, and investment analysis.

A degree in finance can prepare a student to work in a corporate or nonprofit finance department, enter a management training program, pursue a career in the financial services industry, or be part of a startup or entrepreneurial venture. Students with BSBA degrees in finance are prepared to specialize in financial practice or look for applications across the organization because understanding the financial structure and demands of a company is a broad-based skill. In the course of their studies, students in finance learn how to evaluate the organization’s financial needs, including cash flow, return on uses of cash, short- and long-term asset management, and issues of growth and capital structure. Few would deny the need for knowledgeable, dedicated, and ethical finance participants in our global economy.

As a sociologist, you'll investigate society from a grounded and critical perspective.

Do you want to change the world? First you have to understand it
You'll study everything from crime to religion, developing a unique understanding of what motivates human behavior. Our Students are encouraged to study abroad and apply your substantial training to the real world. The culture at Simmons is focused on community service and activism, giving you ample opportunities to connect and grow within our community.

Our faculty encourages diverse learning styles, offering many options for personalized courses of study and independent learning. You'll benefit from a well rounded liberal arts education with classes in specialties like women's and gender studies, Africana studies and international relations.

With their technical and intellectual experience, our students find successful careers in community organizing, law, public policy, teaching, higher education and social work.