Unlock your global potential with a bachelor’s in international relations
Change the world through international relations careers in diplomacy, government service, nonprofits, business, think tanks or consulting with the Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Our international relations degree curriculum is flexible, so you can select topical courses that will provide you with the subject matter expertise needed for your specific international relations career and academic needs.
Why get an international relations degree?
Today’s employers are looking for individuals who can employ a global perspective in their work. A bachelor’s in international relations gives you this global understanding and teaches you to incorporate a variety of perspectives to solve problems. An international relations degree gives you a strong background in economics, culture, education and political science, and examines their impact on society.
Program type:
Major, BA
Format:
On-Campus
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Why earn your international relations degree at UMSL?
Our international relations degree program helps you develop sought-after career skills like: critical thinking, communication, qualitative and quantitative analysis and cross-cultural awareness and international relations.
Other unique opportunities in our bachelor’s in international relations program include:
- Affordability. We offer international relations degree program-specific scholarships.
- Renowned faculty. You’ll learn from professors who conduct applied and academic research on issues related to diplomacy, conflict resolution, human security, globalization and development. They participate in international conferences and brief policymakers and the media at the local, national and international levels, including United Nations agencies.
- Internships/study abroad. Gain real-world experience through international relations internships and study abroad opportunities.
What can you do with an international relations careers?
Our curriculum, internships in international relations and study abroad opportunities provide you with several skills you can apply to an international relations career, including:
- Identifying key trends in international relations
- Demonstrating cross-cultural competence and a global worldview
- Applying major international relations theories and concepts to contemporary issues in global affairs
- Analyzing the foreign policy behavior of the United States and other major actors in world politics
- Comparing and contrasting the major political, economic, cultural and geographic features of different world regions
- Assessing international relations issues, formulating evidence-based recommendations and communicating them with clarity and coherence
- Planning, executing and defending a major research project
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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 UMSL 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:
- Political Science Academy
- Student Government Association
- Students of the University of Missouri
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.
