The undergraduate BS major in international relations is a 48-credit degree program that provides advanced training in economics, data analytics, and research methods. Requirements for the major include 48 credit hours, plus demonstrated proficiency in a modern second language. The major requires 4 required introductory courses, 3 advanced courses in each of two concentrations, 2 3 research methods courses , 3 (one introductory, two advanced), 2 skills courses and a senior seminar in which students complete an original capstone research project.
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- Culture, Identities and Citizenship
- Global Health and Environment
- Human Rights
- International Political Economy
- International Law and Organizations
- International Security and Diplomacy
- Migration
- Regional Studies focused on one of the following regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East and North Africa, or The Americas
IR majors should meet with the IR major advisor before selecting their concentrations. You can make an appointment with the IR advisor via Orange Success.
Research Methods
A deep understanding of international relations requires the capacity to consume and evaluate the academic research of other scholars, and to produce such analysis on one’s own. For this reason, our majors complete two 3 research methods courses (one introductory research methods course and one two advanced research methods coursecourses). Students are strongly encouraged to seek training in the method(s) that will be most relevant to their Senior Capstone projects.
Introductory Research Methods Courses
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- ECN 422 - Introduction to Statistics and Econometrics
- ECN 521 - Economic Statistics
- GEO 383 - Geographic Information Systems
- HST 301 - Practicum in the Study of History
SOC 319 Qualitative Methods in Sociology may be accepted by petition.
Skills Courses
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Students must take 3 2 courses (9 6 credits) of skills courses including:
- CRS 325 - Presentational Speaking or IST 344 Information Reporting and Presentation
- WRT 307 - Advanced Writing Studio: Professional Writing One additional course from the Advanced Research Methods Courses list.
Foreign Language
To develop adequate understanding of other cultures and peoples, to gain access to primary sources, and to prepare for study abroad and future careers in international affairs, students need proficiency in a second language.
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Capstone projects provide students with an opportunity for intellectual and professional development through the pursuit of original scholarly research on contemporary questions relevant to their areas of concentration. On occasion, our students are able to publish their research in undergraduate academic journals.
Senior Seminar students must complete the International Relations Program Capstone Planning Form (upon open, click the download button to open a fillable .pdf).
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