Program Overview

Introduction to the International Relations Program

The BA (International Relations) is designed to expose students to the diversity of approaches to the study of international relations while also providing an opportunity for individualized programs that reflect student interests.

Program Overview

The International Relations program offers a comprehensive education in international relations, including the study of global politics, economics, culture, and history. The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the complex interactions between nations, international organizations, and non-state actors.

Degrees Offered

• BA in International Relations
  • Co-op option available

Degree Requirements

• BA in International Relations: Go to the university calendar for detailed requirements.

Admission Requirements

View the admission and application requirements for this program.

Skills Acquired

Through the International Relations program, students will acquire a range of transferable skills, including:

• Written and verbal communication skills
• Problem-solving skills
• The ability to plan and organize
• Leadership and interpersonal skills
• The ability to be creative or innovative
• Mandatory training in a language other than English
• Statistical methods and analysis

These skills are developed through a variety of learning activities, including group projects, individual presentations, essay assignments, blog posts, simulations, interviews, and book reviews.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the International Relations program have gone on to successful careers in fields such as:

• International Law
• Business
• Canadian foreign service and Department of National Defence
• International organizations such as the United Nations and think tanks
• International non-governmental organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross

Further Education

Many graduates of the International Relations program go on to pursue further education in fields such as global and security studies, Law, Political Science, Journalism, Public Policy, or Business. Others pair their degree with a Bachelor of Education and find success in teaching K-12 in public or private school systems.

Courses

As an International Relations student, you can take courses from 22 different departments and programs according to your specialization. Core International Relations courses include:

• Economics
• Anthropology
• Geography
• History
• Political Science
• Non-English language courses
• A statistics course
• Two dedicated International Relations courses:
  • International Relations 301: A multidisciplinary survey of International Relations integrating the approaches applied in various social sciences disciplines.
  • International Relations 501: Advanced Seminar in International Relations—An integrative seminar on selected themes from the International Relations field. Prerequisite(s): International Relations 301 and third or fourth year standing. Open only to majors in the International Relations program.

Program Requirements

• The International Relations Major requires careful selection of courses to meet its requirements. Students should consult with the Program Director concerning their course selection.
• Apart from International Relations 501, the core courses should be taken early in a student’s program. International Relations 501 is open to all students after their second year, and after they have completed 301.
• Students may take International Relations 597 (Independent Study) or existing Departmental independent study courses from their declared clusters, but only one half-course equivalent may be counted towards the Major. Any proposed syllabus for such independent study, whether International Relations 597 or existing departmental independent study courses, must be approved by the Program Director.
• Students may include Geography 397 (Regional Geography of Selected World Areas) and 592 (Overseas Field Studies in Social and Economic Geography) in their regional electives, with the permission of the Program Director, provided the region(s) covered are relevant to their declared group electives.
• Students are encouraged to consider a Minor Field in a modern language, religious studies, or philosophy to complement the International Relations Major. The same course(s), however, cannot be used toward the Major and the Minor.