Courses from a number of departments and programs are drawn upon to offer a multidisciplinary major in international relations for the Bachelor of Arts degree.

The purposes of the major are to increase general knowledge about the history, institutions, interactions, and events of the international system; to develop insight into the objectives, decisions, and policies of state and nonstate actors; to provide a conceptual vocabulary and diverse theoretical perspectives to help explain and interpret international behavior; to build skills in critical analysis and evaluation of global issues; to develop an appreciation of commensurability and difference and acceptance of “others;” and to encourage evaluation and the solving of global problems. International Relations majors will develop skills in writing, speaking, and information literacy throughout their studies, but particularly in IREL 250 Theories of International Relations and their senior seminar Culminating Experiences.