International Relations (BA)
Lindenwood University
Key Information
Campus location
Saint Charles, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 9,550 / per semester *
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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* block rate for traditional, full-time tuition
Scholarships
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Introduction
If you are looking for intellectual challenges today and a stimulating and rewarding career tomorrow, the International Relations major could be right for you!
There is no straightforward, single path to success in your career. However, a multifaceted education will equip you with the tools that you will use every day while moving forward in your career. If you seek intellectual challenges today and a stimulating and rewarding career tomorrow, a Lindenwood International Relations (IR) degree may be right for you.
Studying International Relations allows you to attain the general knowledge that is highly valued in today’s globalized business environment, while also specializing in the areas that most fascinate you. International Relations graduates pursue a broad variety of careers in fields ranging from international business to the non-profit sector to government and law. Regardless of the field you pursue, the skills you will acquire by studying International Relations are highly transferable and sought after in the modern workplace. Even more importantly, they will be vital in empowering you to lead a life of intellectual adventure, enjoying the richness of experience that comes with curiosity about and insight regarding the world and its cultures.
Academic Opportunities in International Relations
Multiply your opportunities by pursuing a double or even triple major. We have designed the Lindenwood International Relations program to allow students to construct a personally customized learning program while still graduating within four years. Stand out to employers and graduate programs by combining IR with Economics, Political Science, History, or another major.
You also have the opportunity to develop your international knowledge and résumé by participating in one or more optional Lindenwood study abroad programs. You can even choose to study overseas for a semester in the United Kingdom!
It is recommended, but not required, that Lindenwood International Relations majors attain some degree of proficiency in a foreign language. Lindenwood’s language options include Mandarin Chinese. Skill in Mandarin is in high demand for both government and private sector employers and offers you an opportunity to gain a critical edge in today’s highly competitive job market. Minors in Chinese Studies and Mandarin Chinese are available, allowing you to further develop expertise and skills desired by a wide variety of employers.
Career Opportunities
27% Higher Income | 93% Success Rate |
Our graduates have a 27% higher income than the national median 10 years after enrolling. Source: US Department of Education's College Scorecard/ Department of Treasury 2018. | Investing in a Lindenwood education sets you up for success. 93% of Lindenwood graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate programs within 6 months of graduation. |
The Bachelor of Arts in international relations is of value in many fields. Many graduates work in government, enter the military, or work in fields such as intelligence, counter-terrorism, homeland security, diplomacy, and defense policy-making. Private and non-profit sectors, corporate risk analysis, international trade and development, and many other fields provide opportunities for those with a strong knowledge of international relations. By crafting your degree program to build skills in a variety of areas, you have the opportunity to make your resume' distinctive, creating an excellent foundation for future success. The IR major is designed to maximize your options, allowing you to double or even triple your major, add minors, and pursue certificates.
Gallery
Curriculum
The international relations degree program has a minimum of 36 credit hours. You will complete 24 core hours, increasing your knowledge of foreign policy, international organizations, and other material critical to understanding global geopolitics. In your remaining 12 credit hours, you will have the option to choose from a great variety of courses in many fields. Your academic advisor will be an IR faculty member, and they will assist you in crafting an academic experience that fits your career plans and passions.
Major Coursework
12 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- IR 10000 Introduction to International Relations
- IR 35000 International Relations Theory
- PS 20000 Methods for Political Science
- PS 30000 Comparative Analysis
Philosophical Foundations Coursework
3 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- PHRL 30000 The Natural Law
- PHRL 30200 Political Philosophy
- PHRL 30400 Philosophy of Law
Culminating Experience Coursework
3 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- IR 40100 Intelligence, Military, and National Policy
- PS 47500 Political Literacy
Diplomacy Coursework
3 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- IR 30000 Diplomatic Affairs: Peace and Conflict Resolution
- IR 31000 Governing Europe
- IR 35100 American Foreign Policy
- IR 36000 Origins of War: How the World Stumbles into War
Security and Sustainability Coursework
3 credit hours of coursework from the following options:
- IR 32000 Transpacific Relations
- IR 32100 Issues in Asia-Pacific Security
- IR 35200 Politics and Culture
- IR 36000 Origins of War: How the World Stumbles into War
- IR 36200 Seapower: History and Application
- IR 36900 Creating Contemporary China
- IR 38000 Geopolitics, Grand Strategy, and War
Elective Coursework
12 credit hours of coursework from IR (International Relations) or PS (Political Science) coursework at or above the 20000-level, including special topics courses, or from the coursework options listed below. At least 6 credit hours of the 12 credit hours must be in IR courses:
- CHI 20100 Intermediate Mandarin I
- CHI 20200 Intermediate Mandarin II
- ECON 23020 Principles of Microeconomics
- ECON 23030 Principles of Macroeconomics
- ECON 33031 International Economics
- FRE 20100 Intermediate French I
- FRE 20200 Intermediate French II
- GEO 10100 World Regional Geography
- GEO 10300 Human Geography
- GEO 20000Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- GEO 20700 World Economic Geography
- GEO 30000 Advanced Topics in Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- GEO 30100 World Historical Geography
- HIST 11700 US History: American Military History through World War II
- HIST 11701 US History: American Military History since 1941
- HIST 24400 The Nazi State
- HIST 26000 Modern Middle East History
- HIST 26300 History of Latin America
- HIST 26400 History of Asia
- HIST 34300 The Soviet Union and European Communism
- MGMT 38900 Game Theory
- MGMT 46010 International Risk and Politics
- PHRL 20800 Christianity and Politics
- PHRL 30000 The Natural Law
- PHRL 30200 Political Philosophy
- PHRL 30400 Philosophy of Law
- PHRL 31601 Islam and the West
- PHRL 31602 Religions of India
- PHRL 31603 Religions of China
- SPA 20100 Intermediate Spanish I
- SPA 20200 Intermediate Spanish II
- SPA 31000 Hispanic Cultures I
- SPA 41000 Hispanic Cultures II
Some substitutions, especially for study abroad courses and relevant courses from programs represented in the Elective Coursework list, may be possible with the permission of the department head.
IR majors should fulfill their GE-Math requirement by taking MTH 14100 Basic Statistics.
No duplication of coursework is permitted within the program.