International Relations Major

• What is International Relations?
• What Kinds of Students Major in International Relations?
• What Courses Do International Relations Majors Take?
• List of International Relations Jobs
• What is the Median Salary Range for International Relations Careers?
• College and University Departments to Consider

What is International Relations?

International relations majors are exposed to the historical and intellectual framework, which affects the evolution modern states. It provides a basis for addressing international issues, the global political economy and the global culture, global environmental concerns and the post-Cold war political conflict. International Relations is the multidisciplinary study of the behavior of nations, as well as international governmental and non-governmental organizations. It examines their relationships, their conflicts, and their attempts at their search for global order. Although international relations majors take most of their courses in political science, they also take courses in economics, history, writing and communications and other liberal arts disciplines. This is one major that is especially well-suited for into law school entrance. Many students in this field also obtain a thorough knowledge of at least one foreign language and engage in study abroad programs.

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What Kinds of Students Major in International Relations?

Beyond possessing the interest in this field generally, students in international relations should be interested in a general, liberal arts education. They will have to be comfortable in learning a foreign language. They will do extensive amounts of reading and writing. They must develop their skills in research, analysis, and presentation/communication and job preparation skills. They will engage in the writing of reports, will apply statistical and computer applications, engage in public policy analysis, and will make oral presentations, supplemented with audiovisual production. Many international relations majors become involved in appropriate internships, student government, or political action groups. International relations students are strong in analyzing complex social and political situations. They are efficient at gathering and organizing information and can do so when working under tight deadlines. They frequently have to work in groups.

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What Courses Do International Relations Majors Take?

The required and elective courses you would take for International Relations majors vary considerably among institutions. Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth of topics you are likely to experience were you to major in this field.

Asian Security Affairs	Current Diplomatic Issues
Diplomacy and Global Security	Espionage and Intelligence
Global Economy	Global Governance
International Security	Leadership and Diplomacy
Muslim and Western Worlds	The Third World
Theories of War Terrorism and Genocide

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List of Potential Jobs in International Relations

These professions and professional organizations illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly related to employment than others, however. You should consider the likelihood of employment after graduation carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you should determine what the prospects are for this or any major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment in second major or in a minor.

Foreign Correspondent	Foreign Service Officer
Intelligence Officer	International Business Manager
Non-Governmental Organization Manager	Peace Corps Administrator
Policy Analyst	Social Studies Teacher
United Nations Staff

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What is the Median Salary Range for International Relations Careers?

U.S. Median Salary(starting):$41,400

U.S. Median Salary(mid-career):$80,500

Note: These numbers are national averages so you could make more or less than these amounts. Actual expected salaries will vary depending on your chosen career path, experience, and even your geographic location. Are you interested in detailed information about the forecasted demand for a particular profession? Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you to search on a particular job, whether listed here or not, to give you this information.

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Colleges and Universities offering majors in International Relations

MyMajors complete list has 416 schools in the USA with a major in International Relations.
-View the national listing!

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