COURSE CURRICULUM

The International Relations major requires 42 credit hours and offers students a comprehensive understanding of global politics, governance, and international systems. The program begins with foundational courses such as Introduction to International Relations, Political Theory or International Relations Theory, and Comparative Politics, American Politics, or Politics of Industrialized and Developing Worlds, allowing flexibility in building core knowledge. Students also study research and analytical skills through courses like Methods of Political Inquiry or Research Methods in Political Science, as well as The World System since 1500, which provides a historical perspective on global developments. In addition, they must complete a 2000-level or higher history course with an international focus to strengthen their historical grounding. Students are also required to take three sub-field courses, choosing from areas such as International Law, International Political Economy, Foreign Policy, International Security, Environmental and Energy Security, and International Organizations. Alongside these, a research requirement tied to advanced coursework ensures practical engagement with academic inquiry. The program culminates in a Senior Overview, preparing students to synthesize their learning. Finally, students select electives across international relations, political science, and history, with at least nine credit hours dedicated to international topics, ensuring a well-rounded and globally relevant education.