International Relations and Global Studies, BA

Interdisciplinary Approach

• You will gain the tools you need to analyze trends in a complex global world by analyzing dilemmas such as why sometimes countries go to war, and when they are able to forge peace; what is the relationship between wealthy countries and poorer ones, and how do we create a just society?
• You will bring together empirical questions and questions of justice, examining how institutions like the United Nations, the World Bank, the European Union, and the International Monetary Fund work to promote peace, security, prosperity and economic relations. You also will think about how such institutions may need reform.

Take Courses Like…

As this is an interdisciplinary major, requirements include three groups of courses: required courses in political science, electives in political science and other fields like history, economics, peace and justice, and others; and you will choose a minor in any of the following programs: history, economics, environmental studies, modern languages, global Asia, Latin American studies, peace and justice studies, diplomacy, non-profit studies, and women’s and gender studies.

Sample courses include:

• POL 114 Introduction to International Relations
• POL 303A Workshop: International Organization (Model United Nations)
• POL 322 Diplomacy

Opportunities and Experiences

You can expect engrossing debates in a friendly atmosphere and lively lectures by knowledgeable faculty who will challenge you to think critically, and grow academically and professionally, to meet the career opportunities of the 21st century.

The faculty of the department includes nationally and internationally recognized scholars, who are also engaging teachers and activists. Their scholarship is evidenced by their numerous books, monographs, global awards, and articles published in journals, newspapers, and periodicals intended for general audiences. The department’s faculty members also present their research at international, national, and regional conferences.

You have an opportunity to gain practical, resume-building experiences through participation in the award-winning Model United Nations team, as well as internships at the UN and affiliated non-governmental organizations, government agencies, and think tanks.

Choose Your Career

With the BA in International Relations and Global Studies, you will be prepared for careers at the United Nations, UNICEF, and non-governmental organizations, as well as in sectors such as international journalism, international law, and business.

Where Graduates are Employed

You may go on to have successful careers in fields including, but not limited to:

• Federal, state, and local governments
• Advanced education in government and public administration
• Political campaigns
• Public and private interest groups
• Foundations and intellectual or benevolent institutions
• Careers in business, especially with corporations that do business internationally
• Law enforcement agencies and other criminal justice organizations
• Military service
• Public service, nonprofit administration, and work with non-governmental organizations

In addition, you may go on to graduate or law school, or careers in higher education, education, nonprofit organizations, law, government agencies, multi-national corporations, and financial institutions.