International Business Degrees Online

International Relations Major

The International Relations Major is recommended as a field of study for those students seeking careers abroad in government or in private industry, for teachers, for those planning careers in journalism, law, and related fields and for those who intend to pursue graduate studies. The major consists of no fewer than 33 upper division units selected in consultation with an advisor from the Political Science faculty.

International Relations Research Seminar: International Relations majors have the option of taking an International Relations Research Seminar, offered each Fall. This will help students to conduct research and write scholarly papers on a variety of international and/or comparative political topics.

–All Honors Students who are International Relations majors are required to enroll in the Research Seminar the semester before their Honors Thesis seminar.

–All International Relations majors who plan to go on to graduate school are strongly encouraged to enroll in the Research Seminar during their junior or senior year.

– All students who would like to write a senior thesis, or who want to conduct independent research in international relations, should enroll in the Research Seminar in lieu of independent study.

Preparation for the Major: Political Science 125, 175, and 250, Economics 101 and 122, any Non-U.S. History course.

What is International Affairs?

International affairs is an interdisciplinary major that combines courses in political science, history, economics, geography and foreign languages. The curriculum is designed to allow students to acquire a variety of analytical tools with which to examine an ever-expanding array of international issues and problems. The distinguishing feature of the major is its multidisciplinary approach.

Success Factors

International affairs majors typically possess (or are willing to develop) the strong analytical skills necessary for interpreting and evaluating arguments. Most like to read, enjoy studying foreign languages and cultures, and have the capacity to work independently. International affairs students enjoy vigorous in-class discussion and like to apply their learning to real-world problems as well as theoretical concerns. Consequently, these students enjoy researching and debating different points of view on wide-ranging issues involving international affairs.

Career Possibilities

Graduates of this major pursue careers in fields including:
Non-governmental organizations
Business
Journalism
Law
Foreign Service (diplomatic)
Intelligence
Military
Politics
International organizations
Public relations

Majoring in International Affairs

Administered by the Department of Political Science, the international affairs program is an interdisciplinary major that combines courses in political science, history, economics, geography and foreign languages. The multi-disciplinary approach allows students to acquire a variety of analytical tools while looking at international issues and problems from multiple perspectives. Study abroad is encouraged as is fluency in a second language.

Minoring in International Affairs
Minors are not available in the international affairs program.

Curriculum

This curriculum information is intended as a general information guide for students considering enrollment in this program. These online tools are designed to assist you, but are not a substitute for planning with an academic or faculty advisor.

Course Combinations

International Development Studies can be combined with the following subjects:
Business
Communication Studies
Criminology
English
French
Geography
Health Sciences
History
Journalism
Law
Management
Natural Hazard Management
Psychology
Sociology
Spanish
Theology and Religious Studies
Tourism
Course Info

May only be studied as part of a combined honours degree programme.

Combined Honours International Development Studies
A minimum of 240 UCAS points, of which 200 points must be obtained from GCE A Levels, including a grade C in one subject. The remaining points may be achieved from GCE AS Levels, or from Level 3 Key Skills
BTEC National Diploma: merit/distinction profile
Irish Highers/Scottish Highers: B in 4 subjects
International Baccalaureate: 24 points
QAA approved Access course, Open College Units or Open University Credits.
Please note: A BTEC National Award or the Welsh Baccalaureate (core) will be recognised in our tariff offer.