program description

international relations (ir) is an interdisciplinary major focusing on the changing political, economic, and cultural relations within a globalized system. the program explores how global, regional, and domestic factors influence relations between actors on the world stage. students are prepared for future careers, civic engagement, and life-long learning with strong analytical, writing, research, and presentation skills steeped in theory, history, and practice. 

faculty offers courses in theory and regional/thematic issue-areas that meet the diverse needs and preferences of students. examples of student best practices include the development of individual and group projects in close consultation with faculty. outcomes of such training in research and presentation skills are evident not only in classes, including the culminating senior thesis experience (i r 550), but also in student participation in ir conferences at both regional and national levels. students also have the opportunity to publish their original research papers in the department’s international relations journal.