Program Overview

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Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations offers an interdisciplinary study of global interactions, helping you understand the complexities of our interconnected world. With courses in political science, economics, history, and cultural studies, you will explore the linkages across geographic and cultural boundaries, gaining critical thinking skills to tackle international challenges in diplomacy, policy, and beyond.

Degrees Offered

• Bachelor of Arts

Program Types

• Undergraduate, Major

Mode of Study

• On Campus

Department

• International Relations

School / College

• College of Arts and Sciences

What is an international relations degree?

International Relations (IR) is the study of the interactions among states, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and multinational corporations. It encompasses a wide array of topics such as diplomacy, conflict resolution, international law, global trade, human rights, and environmental policies. In the program, you will come to understand how these entities cooperate, compete, and influence each other on the global stage. By analyzing historical events, contemporary issues, and future trends, you will strive to develop strategies that promote peace, security, and prosperity worldwide.

Why should you major in international relations at Redlands?

Majoring in international relations at Redlands offers a unique, enriching educational experience that prepares you to make a significant impact in the global arena. With an interdisciplinary approach blending political science, economics, history, and sociology, the program provides a well-rounded perspective on international affairs. You will benefit from small class sizes, close interactions with expert faculty, and experiential learning opportunities such as study abroad programs, internships, and research projects. Immersed in a diverse community and vibrant cultural events, you will develop a global mindset, equipping yourself not just for a career in diplomacy, international business, or the non-profit sector, but to become an informed, engaged citizen committed to building a more just and peaceful world.

Classes you'll take

Please check the latest university catalog for all coursework information, concentrations, program requirements, and learning outcomes.

The International Relations major consists of a minimum of 48 credits selected in consultation with an advisor. At least 28 credits for the major must be taken at the University of Redlands. Participation in a study abroad program, international/global internship, or field experience is strongly encouraged and should usually be scheduled for the junior or senior year. View the courses below to learn more.

Major requirements

Students must complete 48 units, distributed as follows:

Foundation (2 courses)

• IR 201 Introduction to International and Global Studies
• IR 200 International Relations Theory

Interdisciplinary Core (3 courses)

• HIST 102 World History since 1450
• SOAN 102 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
• ECON 100 Economics and Society or ECON 101 Principles of Economics (students choosing the Global Political Economy and Economic Development concentration should complete ECON 101)

Methodologies (2 courses from different departments and programs)

Choose from:

• ECON 202 Game Theory
• ECON 310 Research Methods in Economics
• EVST 399 Research Methods for Environmental Scientists
• HIST 290 Seminar in Historical Theories and Methods
• POLI 200 The Study of Politics
• POLI 202 Statistical Analysis and Mapping of Social Science Data
• POLI 203 Playing Politics
• SOAN 300 Research Methods and Design
• SOAN 301 Fieldwork and Ethnographic Methods
• SOAN 303 World Ethnographies
• SOAN 305 Mapping People Mapping Place
• SPA 110 Introduction to Spatial Analysis and GIS or other courses approved by the advisor

Concentration (4 courses)

Students choose four courses to take within a concentration. No more than one may be a lower division course. Courses must be taken from at least two, and preferably three, different departments. Students negotiate the appropriate classes with their advisors. Concentration courses can be found on the International Relations Concentrations page.

1. Global Political Economy and Economic Development (GPED)
2. Global Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (GEHN)
3. Global Institutions and Society (GLIS)
4. International Politics, Peace, and Security (IPPS)

Capstone (1 course)

• IR 400 International Relations Capstone.

Related Field Requirement

Foreign Language: Pass at least one course at or above the 300 level in a non-English language.

Concentrations

Possible courses for each concentration within International Relations are listed; however, there will be other courses whose topics fall within the scope of the concentration. Students should discuss all concentration course choices in consultation with their advisor, as well as any topics courses not listed and relevant Study Abroad programs/courses.

Global Political Economy and Economic Development (GPED) ECON 222 International Political Economy SOAN 222 Development and Change in the Americas HIST 344 The Pacific Rim: Economic Dynamism and Challenge for America POLI 322 Political Change GLB 336 International Business ECON 424 International Economics

Global Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (GEHN) EVST 242 Food and Nature POLI 207 Environmental Politics and Policy PHIL 215 Bioethics: Doctors and Patients EVST 391 Environmental Hydrology REST 334 Native American Environmental Issues ECON 455 Environmental Economics

Global Institutions and Society (GLIS) ECON 221 Economics of Development SOAN 256 Middle Eastern Women HIST 330 Rise of the Anglo-Atlantic World SOAN 326 Charity and Helping Others SOAN 405 Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

International Politics, Peace, and Security (IPPS) HIST 152 The Emergence of Modern Africa ECON 221 Economics of Development POLI 226 Middle East and African Politics POLI 244 International Security POLI 346 Foreign Policies of Russia and the Former Soviet States SOAN 337 Ethnicity, Nationalism, and Conflict

What you'll learn

• Theory: You will learn to describe the dominant theoretical approaches to international relations and use your knowledge to interpret the behavior of international actors.
• Analysis: You will learn how to select methods of analysis appropriate to research in your chosen concentration, and apply at least one of these methods to a research question in international relations.
• Interdisciplinary approach: You will learn how to integrate multiple disciplinary approaches to the study of international relations.
• Communication: You will learn how to write grammatically correct and logically organized essays and papers; and communicate in a language other than English at an Intermediate-Mid level of proficiency (as defined in ACTFL guidelines) in speaking, reading, writing and listening comprehension.

What you'll learn

Graduates pursue careers in

• Diplomacy: As a diplomate, you will be representing and promoting a nation's interests abroad while fostering international cooperation.
• International trade: As an international trade specialist, you will facilitate and manage global trade agreements to enhance economic relations between countries.
• Foreign policy analytics: As a foreign policy analyst, you will analyze international issues and provide advice on policy decisions to navigate global-political landscapes.
• Human rights advocacy: As a human right advocate, you will champion the protection and promotion of human rights on a global scale, through advocacy and policy work.

Graduates pursue careers in

• 0% of University of Redlands B.A. in International Relations graduates have successful outcomes within six months of graduation.
• $0k average salary for international relations occupations in 2024.
• 0 out of 10 (91%) Alumni shared they gained critical thinking skills from their degree.
• Top 0 Best Universities in the West