International relations is the study of relations between states and relations among other actors that extend across state boundaries. These relations comprise multiple phenomena that shape today’s world: trade and finance, armed conflict, migration, law, environmental issues, health challenges and more. International interactions and globalization have never been more extensive, making international relations a critical area of study and the major uniquely valuable to students with a wide array of interests.

Students graduating with a degree in international relations (IR) have the skills and knowledge to grasp international events from theoretical, empirical, and historical perspectives. For example, IR majors can conceptualize protests in the Middle East using theories of coercion and politics within authoritarian governments, while placing current protests in context with the history of protests in the Middle East and elsewhere. In addition to gaining skills and knowledge with broad applicability, each IR major gains an in-depth understanding of a particular aspect of international relations.