International Relations
Major
What is International Relations?
International relations majors are exposed
to the historical and intellectual framework, which affects
the evolution modern states. It provides a basis for addressing
international issues, the global political economy and
the global culture, global environmental concerns and
the post-Cold war political conflict.
International Relations is the multidisciplinary
study of the behavior of nations, as well as international
governmental and non-governmental organizations. It examines
their relationships, their conflicts, and their attempts
at their search for global order. Although international
relations majors take most of their courses in political
science, they also take courses in economics, history,
writing and communications and other liberal arts disciplines.
This is one major that is especially well-suited for into
law school entrance. Many students in this field also
obtain a thorough knowledge of at least one foreign language
and engage in study abroad programs.
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What Kinds of Students Major in
International Relations?
Beyond possessing the interest in this
field generally, students in international relations should
be interested in a general, liberal arts education. They
will have to be comfortable in learning a foreign language.
They will do extensive amounts of reading and writing.
They must develop their skills in research, analysis,
and presentation/communication and job preparation skills.
They will engage in the writing of reports, will apply
statistical and computer applications, engage in public
policy analysis, and will make oral presentations, supplemented
with audiovisual production. Many international relations
majors become involved in appropriate internships, student
government, or political action groups.
International relations students are
strong in analyzing complex social and political situations.
They are efficient at gathering and organizing information
and can do so when working under tight deadlines. They
frequently have to work in groups.
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What Courses Do International Relations
Majors Take?
The required and elective courses you
would take for majors vary considerably among institutions.
Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth
of topics you are likely to experience were you to major
in this field.
Global
Economy |
Leadership
and Diplomacy |
Espionage
and Intelligence |
International
Security |
The
Third World |
Asian
Security Affairs |
Muslim
and Western Worlds |
Diplomacy
and Global Security |
Theories
of War |
Terrorism
and Genocide |
Current
Diplomatic Issues |
Global
Governance |
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What Types of Positions do International
Relations Majors Take After College?
These professions and professional organizations
illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for
if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly
related to employment than others, however. You should
consider the likelihood of employment after graduation
carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work
in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work
in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you
should determine what the prospects are for this or any
major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by
the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment
in second major or in a minor.
Non-Governmental
Organization Manager |
Foreign
Service Officer |
Peace
Corps Administrator |
Foreign
Correspondent |
United
Nations Staff |
Intelligence
Officer |
Social
Studies Teacher |
Policy
Analyst |
International
Business Manager |
Bureau
of Labor Statistics
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Related Links
If you are interested in learning more
about what professionals in this field do and what kinds
of activities they engage in, check out some of the following
links. You might also want to check out web sites for
University or College departments offering this major.
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University Departments to Consider
The following institutions are the featured
institutions on MyMajors because they support MyMajors
and you in your search for the best major available. They
offer excellent curriculums in well-rounded programs for
you to consider.
Other fine institutions offering this
major offer excellent programs to consider.
For information on options available
to campuses wishing to see their majors listed
on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Two-Year College Curriculums to
Consider
Suggest to your two-year college
advisor that their institution's majors be included
to show you their course requirements and unique
resources. Two-year college representatives should
contact admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Want
More Information? Look at major descriptions prepared
by university academic advisement staffs.
Welcome to MyMajors.comInternational Relations Major
