International Relations, BA

International Relations addresses the ways in which governments, private groups, and individuals relate to each other in the global political and economic systems. The program provides a solid grounding in the methodologies of political science, history, and economics. The curriculum draws on the best courses relevant to world politics, offers a well-rounded liberal arts education, and helps prepare students for law or business school, Ph.D. programs, and international careers.

The minimum total course units for graduation in this major is 34. Double majors may entail more course units.

For information about the General Education requirements, please visit the College of Arts & Sciences Curriculum page.

College General Education Requirements and Free Electives
Foundational Approaches + Sectors1 + Free Electives20
Major Requirements
Theory and Method
Theory:
PSCI 0400Introduction to International Relations1
Method:
INTR 3500Research Methods/Practice in IR1
International History:
Select 2 course units of International History courses2
International Political Economy:
PSCI 1402International Political Economy1
or ECON 0500 International Economics
Select 1 course unit of Elective in International Political Economy1
International Electives
Select 3 course units of Electives comprising a thematic or regional area of concentration3
Select 1 course unit of Elective in Non-Western1
Select 1 course unit of Elective in International Security/Foreign Policy1
Select 1 course unit of Elective1
Thesis Research
INTR 4197Senior Seminar for Thesis Research I1
INTR 4297Senior Seminar For Thesis Research II1
Total Course Units34
1

You may count no more than one course toward both a Major and a Sector requirement. For Exceptions, check the Policy Statement.

Honors

Candidates must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.5 and a GPA of 3.6 in the Major. An honors thesis and completion of an upper level language course are required. 


The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2023 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.