What it’s about:

International relations is the study of the causes, consequences, and efforts to resolve global patterns of conflict and peace, poverty and wealth, and freedom and oppression. As a major, you examine nations and international organizations to understand political, economic, military, and cultural interactions on the international level.

What the study of this major is like:

This major draws from many disciplines, such as political science, economics, history, sociology, and foreign languages.

You typically begin with an introduction to international relations (usually offered by the political science department), intro courses in micro- and macroeconomics, one or two courses in world history, and a course in sociology or anthropology. Generally, in your third and fourth years you take courses in U.S. foreign policy, international organizations (especially the United Nations), regional issues, diplomacy, national security, and in economics, law, the environment, and human rights, all from a global perspective.

Courses typically incorporate insights from several disciplines and focus on significant current issues. Other requirements may include a seminar in your area of concentration, as well as proficiency in a related foreign language. International travel is recommended to deepen your understanding of other societies.

Although much of the material is presented in lectures, you listen to, and may participate in, serious debate on how the theories of international relations can be most effectively applied. Global discussions, such as those at regional conferences, frequently involve controversial topics. In most colleges, therefore, you will encounter a wide variety of viewpoints on international issues. Exams generally stress interpretive essays rather than single-answer questions. In addition, you will be expected to write papers that combine solid research with independent thinking.

Many majors are overwhelmed, at first, by the broad scope of international relations and the rapidly changing state of world affairs. Because the discipline does not have a fixed body of absolute truths, you must make full use of your critical-thinking and analytical skills. You should expect ongoing challenge and a constant questioning of your views.

There are several differences in the way the major is taught. Often, the program is a multidisciplinary subject of study administered by a committee of professors from various departments. There are few actual departments of international relations, because most professors who teach the subject hold positions in political science, history, or economics departments. Programs may also vary in emphases. While most programs focus on political science, history, and economics, some emphasize language and literature. In addition, a few colleges stress the worldview of the United States, while most attempt to represent a more global perspective.

Some programs may require you to specialize in a global region, although most permit you to be a generalist with a functional, rather than a geographic, specialty (such as business/economics, security/conflict, or human rights). In other programs, the focus is almost entirely on sovereign states. Still others examine translational and subnational forces (such as humanitarian organizations, terrorist groups, multinational corporations, and separatist groups like the Basques, the Tibetans, and the Tamils). A program may emphasize concepts and theories or practical cases in world affairs. Some programs cover most of the twentieth century, while others focus on recent issues.

Career options and trends:

Graduates in international relations are usually eligible for entry-level positions in the federal Civil Service (especially the departments of State, Defense, Agriculture, and Treasury). Many graduates take positions with members of Congress, congressional committees, or the CIA. Other options are United Nations work, international journalism, paralegal positions with law firms and public service legal agencies; jobs in banks and other firms doing international business; and positions with humanitarian organizations such as Amnesty International relations enhances our career options, especially in the Foreign Service and international business.

Graduates with international relations training are in high demand. Globalization is accelerating, and many jobs now have an international component. People who have cultural sensibilities and understand international political, economic, and military issues and much needed.

Source: CollegeBoard 2012 Book of Majors