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The International College

A Learning Community Committed to International Understanding,
Academic Excellence, and Public Service

 

UB Facts

The University of Bridgeport is located fifty-five miles from New York City in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Bridgeport, Connecticut's largest city, borders the 86-acre campus to the north; Seaside Park and Long Island Sound, with some of the fines sandy beaches between New York and Cape Cod, mark the southern boundary.

Some facts about the University, relating to the International College are:

  • Student:Faculty Ratio is 13:1
  • Major Teaching Responsibilities Are Not Delegated to Graduate Students
  • Freshman Retention Rate - 78%
  • Ranked by US News for having one of the largest representations of International Students in the United States.

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    FAQs

     

     

    What are the unique features of the International College?

     

    A strong, dedicated, competent faculty; a substantial presence of foreign students; a living experience of globalization; an opportunity for internships with international organizations and top American and international corporations; Sophomore or Junior year abroad; the possibility of a World Religions/International Political Economy and Diplomacy double major and concentrations in business, mass communication, or computer science, located only one hour from New York City-Home of the United Nations, Wall Street, and Broadway.

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    Is Financial Aid available?

     

    Financial aid is available through the University's Office of Financial Aid. A number of top International College students have received excellent financial aid packages. For students of exceptional academic promise the Presidential Scholarship is available.

     

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    Which majors are currently offered through the International College of the University of Bridgeport?

    The program currently offers majors in the following areas:

    - B.A. in International Political Economy and Diplomacy

    - B.A. in Social Sciences with concentrations in International Relations, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, and Psychology.

    - B.A. in World Religions

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    What is International Political Economy?

    International Political Economy and Diplomacy studies the relationship between the state and the market. The subject matter of International Political Economy focuses on how international organizations, regional associations, transnational corporations, and other distinctive constituencies impact upon the international economic system and on how this impacts upon the production, distribution, and usage of resources. International Political Economy also explores the evolving international political system. It dedicates particular attention to how laws and institutions impact upon the world economy. It surveys the political basis of economic action and the economic basis of political action.

    Because diplomatic negotiations form the basis of new international law, and because diplomacy operates within the framework of extant international law, the study of diplomacy is an important component in the study of international political economy, particularly in light of the ascendant role of economic diplomacy in the Post Cold War era.

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    Why would someone want to study International Political Economy and Diplomacy (IPED)?

     

    With the conclusion of the Cold War in the early 1990's, the world has begun to approach international relations differently. Today there is a growing focus on economic diplomacy, recognizing that economic growth and development are crucial for peace and stability. Professionals who possess expertise in these areas will play a key role in shaping future international developments.

     

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    What is special about the International Political Economy and Diplomacy major?

     

    Students with a major in International Political Economy and Diplomacy have the possibility of participating in a joint program with the College of Business making it possible for graduates to earn both a B.A. in International Political Economy and Diplomacy and an M.B.A. in International Business in five years.

     

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    How was the IPED major developed?

    UB's degree in international political economy and diplomacy was created by a former President of the General Assembly of the United Nations. He was assisted by a top ranking executive of Arthur Andersen. The program has been strengthened by the input of a world recognized expert on East Asia and by other distinguished academics. It is major designed to prepare students for the future. The designers of the program number among your core instructors at the International College of the University of Bridgeport should you elect to major in International Political Economy and Diplomacy.

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    What can a person do with a degree in International Political Economy and Diplomacy?

     

    Graduates of the program in International Political Economy and Diplomacy can go onto work or pursue graduate study in a variety of areas. These include Law, Diplomacy, International Organization, International Banking and Finance, Journalism, Graduate Study (in International Relations, Political Economy, Economics, and Political Science), and Risk Analysis.

     

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    Why Study World Religions?

     

    The World Religions provide the deepest and broadest reservoir of values that shape culture and identity. Religious studies invite us to engage in historical, social scientific, and philosophical reflection upon these cores of value. Those hoping to engage in a career with an international focus in the 21st century should consider this major. In the International College the option of a double major with International Political Economy and Diplomacy and the combined five year BA in World Religions and MBA is especially attractive. Among the faculty are distinguished scholars with international reputations, as well as younger faculty trained in cutting edge research methodologies.

     

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    What can a person do with a degree in World Religions?

     

    The study of World Religions provides an insight into the root of all cultures. A person who has studied the world's major religions has the needed broad basis to understand the world's great civilizations. Graduates with a degree in world religion can pursue graduate study and/or pursue an exciting career related to Law, Public Service, Education, Business, Diplomacy, Conflict Resolution, International Organization, Interfaith Dialogue, Religious Education, Graduate Study in Religion, Journalism, or Media Relations.

     

    Why should one pursue study in the Social Sciences?

    The Social Science major offers the possibility of concentrations in political science, international studies, economics, sociology, and psychology. This major is an excellent introduction to social science methods and it offers students the possibility to explore the various social sciences before opting for a particular focus. The Social Science major in International Studies and Political Science is closely related with the major in International Political Economy and Diplomacy and students may opt to do a second major in this field. Here again there also exists the possibility of pursuing the special five year B.A. in Social Science and M.B.A. program.

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    How does a degree in Social Science with a concentration in Political Science differ from a Political Science degree?

     

    In most respects, it really does not differ at all. When a person graduates from UB with a degree in Social Science with a concentration in Political Science, he or she is prepared for graduate study in Political Science just as any Political Science major would be. One advantage of the Social Science major is that the student can switch from his or her concentration in one area (e.g., Political Science) to another area (e.g., Sociology or International Relations) without having to change his/her major.

     

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