Report an accessibility problem

International Relations ,BA

International Relations, BA

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / International Relations

Conflict, Foreign Policy, Human Rights, Intelligence, Peace, Policy Analysis, Security, Trade, War, diplomacy

Do you want to change the world for the better? Learn about security, intelligence, diplomacy and international trade, law and institutions from faculty experts and policy practitioners. Develop the analytic and communication skills and awareness of global systems to enact meaningful change in the public, nonprofit and private sectors.

Program description

In a globalized world with increasing political, economic, demographic and climatic challenges, studies in international relations are all the more prized by the public and private sectors.

Students in the BA program in international relations develop analytic skill sets and mastery of forward-thinking content areas through rigorous curriculum, unique internships and research opportunities. Students learn about national security, cybersecurity, AI-intelligence strategies, conflict processes, diplomacy, international trade, and both international organizations and countries across the globe, gaining valuable practical knowledge about these subjects that will be beneficial in their future careers.

GI Bill® benefits

This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: Yes
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

Faculty expertise and international networks of public, private and nonprofit partnerships provide international relations students with unique and impactful internships and research opportunities at home, in Washington, D.C. and abroad. With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available, international relations students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.

Career opportunities

Graduates have cross-sector analytic skills useful for successful careers in many areas. They are prepared for a variety of employment opportunities in the fields of:

  • foreign service
  • journalism
  • judicial administration
  • law
  • political analysis
  • political consulting
  • politics
  • public relations

Program graduates are prepared for positions in the following types of establishments:

  • the courts
  • foreign service organizations
  • international agencies and organizations
  • legislative staff organizations
  • lobbying and advocacy groups
  • local, national and global nonprofit organizations
  • local and national media organizations
  • multinational corporations
  • national, state and local government agencies
  • research institutions

International relations graduates can leverage their critical thinking and communication skills and cross-cultural competencies to pursue careers as foreign service officers, security and policy analysts, and other data-driven positions.

In addition, graduates are well positioned to attend top-tier graduate, law and professional schools in public policy, diplomacy and leadership, political science, data analytics, and global trade.

Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.


Career *Growth *Median salary
35.2%
$103,500
6.1%
$76,480
1.5%
$86,280
Lawyer   Bright Outlook
7.5%
$135,740
%
Not available
22.5%
$85,720
3.7%
$83,770
5.9%
$129,430
3.3%
$128,620
31.6%
$98,920
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

click back to top