International Relations BA

The international relations degree examines the nature of the global economy, communications, politics, and cultures; the consequences of the increasing environmental interdependence among regions of the world; and the unfolding of a variety of other crossborder issues. The program aims to provide its graduates with the conceptual and substantive tools necessary to function more advantageously and effectively in a “shrinking” world; the global village concept. The degree consists of courses from many academic disciplines such as government, economics, business, history, and sociology, and contains a foreign language requirement.

The courses you choose to meet the requirement for the international relations major may not count as General Education courses. See your advisor for further information.

Careers

Graduates can opt for careers in local, state, national, and international government institutions or in trade and commerce chambers or in professional associations or other nongovernmental agencies such as contracting and consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, foundations and research establishments, and political support and interest groups. Careers are also possible in the growing national and international tourist industry or in international business and finance, print and broadcast media, public relations, and advertising firms. Graduates can also pursue a variety of related graduate studies (i.e., international relations, political science, law).

Degree Requirements

General Education Program		34 Hours
Students are required to take a two-semester sequence (5+3 units) course in one foreign language in satisfaction of the Western or non-Western Cultural Perspective. They can also count a one-year, three-course sequence taken under the quarter system. International relations majors must also take either a History, Psychology, Sociology or Social Science required course to satisfy the Social Science requirement of the GEP. International Relations majors cannot double-count courses that satisfy both their major and GEP requirements. Students are subject to all applicable curricula rules and restrictions issued by the GEP. Further information is listed in the General Education Program.
International Relations Courses		54 Hours
University Electives		32 Hours

Total Hours Required		120 Hours

SPECIAL NOTE: Students must achieve a minimum grade of “C” in any course required and elected in both the international relations and the cognate concentration areas. Students are subject to all applicable degree and curricula rules and restrictions issued by the Department of Social Sciences.

International Relations Core Courses (24 Hours)

Unless otherwise noted all courses listed below are 3 semester credit hours each.

Foundational Core Courses

Integrative Core Courses

POLS 3410 - International Political Economy

Major Capstone

This is not being proposed as a Senior Seminar Capstone at this time.

POLS 4410 - State of the World

The Global Economy (3 Hours)

Select one course (3 hours) from the following list:

Specialized International Relations (3 hours)

Select one course (3 hours) from the following list:

Modern International History (6 Hours)

Select two courses (6 hours) from the following list:

The International Relations Environment (6 Hours)

Select one course (3 hours) from the following list:

Foreign Language (Minimum of 12 hours in a single language*)

*Up to 6 hours of may be waived based upon high school language experience and placement. Bilingual students, including international students, who are fluent in English and a second language, may have all 12 hours waived.

Shawnee State University offers the following language courses:

Arabic

French

German

Spanish

University Electives (32 Hours)

You may select from the broad spectrum of university courses. It is recommended, however, that you should choose from among courses in the social sciences, business, and the humanities, and, especially, more courses in your chosen foreign language. Students are encouraged to take travel/study abroad courses, (add course) or spend a semester studying abroad at our sister institutions (UNIV 2299: Special Topics). For more information on studying abroad consult with your advisor or with the Center for International Programs and Activities (CIPA). It is also recommended that students consider a minor offered by the Department of Social Sciences, or in business, or in other related fields.