Employ a global perspective.

There is a demand for those who have a global understanding and are able to incorporate a variety of perspectives to solve problems. International relations places a great emphasis on economics, culture, education and political science, and examines the impact on society.

 

Program type:

Major, BA

Format:

On-Campus

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Overview

Bachelor of Arts in -

International Relations

The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations is designed for students who want to change the world through careers in government service, nonprofits, business, think tanks and consulting. Students are able to select international relations and comparative politics courses that will prepare them for their specific career and academic needs. Throughout the program, students will develop skills in critical thinking, communication, quantitative analysis and cultural awareness along with deeper knowledge of cross-cultural and international phenomena. These skills will prepare students for the workforce as well as for graduate study. Students have opportunities to apply these skills through internships and study abroad.

Outcomes and Career Outlook

Upon completion of the Bachelor of Arts in International Relations, graduates will be able to identify key trends in international relations; demonstrate cross-cultural competence and a global worldview; apply major international relations theories and concepts to contemporary issues in global affairs; analyze the foreign policy behavior of the United States and other major actors in world politics; compare and contrast the major political, economic, cultural and geographic features of different world regions; assess international relations issues, formulate evidence-based recommendations and communicate them with clarity and coherence; and plan, execute and defend a major research project.

Employment of international relations graduates is projected to grow up to 9% to 2030, with a median annual salary of $122,510, according to wage and employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics



122,510

Median annual salary

9

Employment growth by 2030

Career Opportunities

  • Communications Specialist
  • Consultant
  • Corporate Political Risk Analyst
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Intelligence Specialist
  • International Affairs Military Officer
  • International Law Specialist
  • National Security Expert
  • Research Analyst

 

Plan of study

All majors must meet the general education requirements of the university in addition to completing degree-specific curriculum requirements.

Review Full Degree Requirements Review Sample Four-Year Plan Download 4-Year Academic Map

Non-Missouri Residents: Prospective students are responsible for reviewing the  NC-SARA state authorizations page to see if this program is offered in their state throughout their program and to review the licensure or certification requirements for the state in which they reside.

Student organizations

Make new friends and learn new skills by joining one of our Recognized Student Organizations. Here are several opportunities you may be interested in as an international relations major:

Honors College

The UMSL Honors College is a certificate program that can be paired with any major without adding extra classes or extending time to graduate. Classes in the Honors College are seminar-style, meaning that they are based in reading, writing, discussion, and critical thinking. This unique class format fosters an intellectual climate centered around democracy, diversity, civility and academic excellence.

Undergraduate research

We encourage and support students as they engage in exciting activities in and outside of the classroom that enrich their academic and professional understanding of their chosen area of study. All majors are encouraged to participate in Undergraduate Research and Scholarship to produce discipline-specific intellectual or creative innovations to their field.