International Relations
How countries, institutions, and global forces interact.
International relations studies how states, international organizations, and global forces interact, covering diplomacy, conflict, trade, and global governance. It draws on political science, economics, and history, with a specifically global rather than domestic focus.
Many programs require or strongly encourage a foreign language and study abroad, and coursework often includes simulations (like model UN-style exercises) alongside traditional research and writing.
Typical courses you might take
- ✓Introduction to International Relations
- ✓Comparative Politics
- ✓International Political Economy
- ✓International Law & Organizations
- ✓Global Security & Conflict
- ✓Foreign Language (often required)
- ✓Regional Studies Elective
- ✓Senior Thesis or Capstone
Sample four-year plan
Illustrative, not a registration planOne possible way these courses could be sequenced alongside general education and elective credit. Real programs vary in order, pacing, and prerequisites by school, use this to get a rough sense of the arc, not to plan actual registration.
- ✓Introduction to International Relations
- +General education requirement
- ✓Comparative Politics
- +General education requirement
- ✓International Political Economy
- +General education requirement
- ✓International Law & Organizations
- +Free elective
- ✓Global Security & Conflict
- +Free elective
- ✓Foreign Language (often required)
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Regional Studies Elective
- +Elective in the major (or minor coursework)
- ✓Senior Thesis or Capstone
- +Capstone, thesis, or culminating project (common in many programs)
Skills you'll build
This major might be a good fit if you...
- ★Interested in global affairs, diplomacy, and other countries
- ★Enjoys research, debate, and current events discussion
- ★Comfortable with or excited about learning a foreign language
- ★Considering careers in foreign service, NGOs, or global policy
Common minors & double-major pairings
Foreign Language · Economics · History
Frequently asked questions
What is a International Relations major?
How countries, institutions, and global forces interact.
What courses do International Relations majors take?
Typical coursework includes classes like Introduction to International Relations, Comparative Politics, International Political Economy, among others, see the full course list above for this major's typical lineup.
What skills do you build in a International Relations program?
International Relations coursework typically builds skills like Analysis of global political and economic systems, Cross-cultural communication, Research and persuasive writing, Understanding international law and institutions.
Is International Relations a good major for me?
It tends to be a good fit if signals like "Interested in global affairs, diplomacy, and other countries" or "Enjoys research, debate, and current events discussion" describe you. See the full "good fit if you..." list above for more.
What other majors pair well with International Relations?
Common minor or double-major pairings include Foreign Language, Economics, History.
How is International Relations different from Political Science?
They're related but distinct. International Relations: How countries, institutions, and global forces interact. Political Science: How power, government, and political systems work. Use the compare tool to see courses and skills side by side.
How long does it take to earn a International Relations degree?
Most bachelor's degrees, including this one, are designed to be completed in about four years of full-time study. Exact timing depends on your school, course load, transfer credit, and any changes of major along the way.
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