As an international relations major, you’ll gain an understanding of the complexity of global affairs and build the necessary skills to overcome challenges. Upon graduation, you’ll be proficient in developing and conveying solutions to decision-makers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to take Policy Design Studio and play the role of a U.S. embassy official addressing global events as they happen under the guidance of a former ambassador.
What you’ll learn in this program
In this program, you’ll learn from faculty experts and policy practitioners about various aspects of international relations ranging from security and intelligence to international trade and law. You’ll practice writing concise, action-driven writing for decision-makers, critical reasoning and argumentation and analyzing global trends. Alongside your courses, you’ll have opportunities to exercise these skills in internships, fellowships and other professional opportunities. Additionally, you’ll gain valuable transferable skills, including:
- Analysis.
- Communication.
- Problem-solving.
- Research.
- Team-based collaboration.
Upon graduation, you’ll be a competent professional with a comprehensive understanding of the political and legal systems as they relate to international relations.
What are the differences between this BA and a BS in international relations?
The major differences between the BA and BS international relations programs fall within their required coursework. As a student in the BA program, you won’t be required to take the additional four courses required for the BS program including Political Statistics, an extra upper division track elective, and two science and society courses. Instead, you’ll complete a language course requirement that isn’t required in the BS curriculum.
This Bachelor of Arts in international relations program explores the fundamentals of global politics ranging from diplomacy to international affairs. In your courses, you'll explore topics such as conflict and trade to gain an understanding of how the world functions politically. Upon completing this program, graduates can pursue careers in international companies, academia or nonprofit organizations.
In this program, you’ll complete courses that cover fundamental topics of international relations such as globalization, foreign policy analysis and global affairs. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to take elective courses such as Do You Want To Build A Nation?, where you can practice functions, legitimacy, moral basis and foreign relations of a hypothetical nation-state.
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.
students enrolled as of fall 2024
in research expenditures in FY23
interdisciplinary schools and departments
undergraduate degrees
graduate degrees
for humanities research, according to the National Science Foundation
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”