Education

Bachelor

International Relations

International relations students look at world systems and the interactions between them. You will study the world of politics and the social-historical impact of global development. You will learn about the different political systems and governing policies worldwide, analyzing how they connect with various international issues.

International relations majors evaluate economics, law, and business globally. Students learn to incorporate historical factors and see how it influences all aspects of modern society. It often relates to politics, but work in international relations exists in the nonprofit and corporate world.

Difference between International and Political Science

 are similar, but the two programs differ. Political science focuses on government relations; this is only a portion of international relations.

What do international relations majors' study?

You will only study some of these subjects, but most undergraduate programs combine them in various ways and have a different approach based on their curriculum and academic objectives.

What skills do international relations majors develop?

As an international relations major, you will learn skills applicable to many career paths and industries, even if you want to avoid progressing into the international relations field. International relations graduates learn:


How to cooperate with people from different backgrounds, jobs, and personalities

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, preparing you for public speaking

How to approach conflict, seek common ground, and reach mutual agreements

Seek solutions while acknowledging different cultures, mentalities, and interests

How to gather, organize and analyze data to gain insights

Looking at ideas, concepts, and proposals and providing constructive feedback.

What is the difference between a BA and a BSc degree in international relations?

Most International Relations courses are offered as B.A. (

) degrees. A Bachelor of Arts degree focuses more on international relations' social and cultural aspects, while a Bachelor of Science degree focuses more on the physical sciences. A BSc in International Relations may include quantitative methods and data analysis courses. It takes three years to graduate in most countries or four years if you study in the 

Why study for a bachelor's in international relations?

You will enjoy studying for a bachelor's degree in international relations if you want to look at contemporary global topics, addressing why human trafficking, poverty, and inequality are growing despite our technological and scientific advancement.


International relations graduates tend to work with local governments, NGOs, and public or private institutions. You may work with diverse groups to implement welfare projects, events, or a new public policy. Your work tends to improve lives and reduce injustice and suffering worldwide.

International relations could be a good major for you if you:

Have an interest in working with nonprofit organizations

Are curious about other cultures and ideas

Some students study for a bachelor's in international relations because they want to become a diplomat and be the connector between two countries. In contrast, others want to work in a nonprofit organization campaigning for a cause they care about.

What jobs can I do with a bachelor's degree in international relations?

International relations students develop a flexible skillset that can be applied to various scenarios, from meeting leaders from other countries, influencing public policy, or helping people through the immigration process.

Examples of jobs pursued by international relations graduates include:

A diplomat travels to different countries to build relations between the country they represent and their host country. You will be responsible for improving relations and will harness your networking, conflict resolution, and adaptability skills.

As a policy analyst, you will research and analyze laws, policies, and trends to provide feedback on how they may affect government systems, the economy, and society. You will collect and analyze data, evaluate political theories, submit research outcomes, and keep current with political and current events.

Immigration specialists help individuals emigrate through navigation paperwork, applying for work permits, and helping to obtain citizenship. Many immigration specialists have certifications from the national immigration services.

Foreign affairs analysts advise and analyze international politics, foreign policy, and global issues. They must have an in-depth knowledge of the political landscape of different countries and anticipate changes that may affect their home country.

You will collect, analyze, and present data as a research analyst. The type of data you handle will depend on the kind of organization you work for. Research analysts help improve operations by identifying trends and making predictions.

Taking a bachelor's degree in international relations allows you to work for causes you are interested in and make a real impact on the global community. With various career paths available, you can be in the field and face-to-face with people or behind the scenes analyzing data. You can also choose to work with governments, NGOs, or private institutions providing you with versatility regarding employment opportunities.


If these sound like career paths you would like to pursue, then international relations could be a good major for you. The wide range of skills and knowledge that come with this degree can set you up to make a real difference in the world.

Are you considering a future in international relations? An international perspective and a global vision are increasingly essential to better understand the conflicts and challenges surrounding us. As an international relations major, you will learn to understand our interconnected world better. Read on to learn more about what to expect when pursuing a bachelor's degree in international relations.

Is International Relations a Good Major? Essential Points to Consider Before Pursuing a bachelor's degree in international relations

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