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, 3 research methods courses (one introductory, two advanced), 2 skills courses and a senior seminar in which students complete an original capstone research project.
For a complete list of major requirements, please visit the online Course Catalog.
Please review our our main campus and and study abroad course lists for for a full list of courses that can be applied to the IR major.
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The International Relations major requires 4 introductory courses (12 credits)in three fields to provide a solid interdisciplinary base on which to build a more specialized course of study.
- International
- International Relations
International Relations (Honors) (3 credits)
ECN 101 - Introductory Microeconomics (3 credits)
ECN 102 - Introductory Macroeconomics (3 credits)
MAX 132 - Global Community or ANT 185 - Global Encounters: Comparing World Views & Values Cross-Culturally (3 credits)
To be eligible to declare the undergraduate major in International Relations, students must achieve a grade of ‘B’ or better in at least one of these required introductory courses, taken at Syracuse University.
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We require each major to take 9 upper level credits (3 courses) in each of two concentrations chosen from among the following:
Culture, Identities and Citizenship
Global Health and Environment
Human Rights
International Political Economy
International Law and Organizations
International Security and Diplomacy
Migration
Technology and Global Politics
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. After you meet with the IR Advisor and select your two concentrations, please respond to the survey below to formally declare them:
https://syracuseuniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b2Wmpi53TjZG5QG
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 3 research methods courses (one introductory research methods course and two advanced research methods courses). 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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- International Relations Research
Advanced Research Methods Courses
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Skills Courses
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Students must take two 3-credit skills courses:
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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Additional helpful materials:
Capstone FAQ Fall 2024
IR Distinction Program
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In addition, the Distinction Program aims to provide young scholars with the skills and support needed to produce an original analysis based on primary sources or fieldwork, as appropriate, suitable for presentation at an academic conference or for publication in an undergraduate social science academic journal.
Eligibility and Requirements
Participation in the Distinction Program is by invitation. Minimum requirements include:
Junior standing (minimum 54 credits accrued), but with preference given to seniors
Cumulative GPA of 3.4
Major GPA within the top 10% of the rising senior class, which is typically 3.7 or higher
Completion of the research methods course requirement (with a grade of C or better)
Significant progress toward completion of major requirements, including topic and region concentration coursework
A demonstrated commitment to academic integrity
Earn a grade of B or higher in the Distinction research seminar and final paper
Present the results of the research project in a public forum or conference