International Relations Major – BS

Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Science in international relations explores how countries and non-governmental organizations interact with each other on a global scale. In this program, you’ll cover how the world functions politically through topics such as diplomacy, conflict and trade. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared for careers in government, international business or nonprofit organizations.

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Quick facts

Next start date: 08/22/2024

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours: 120

Prepare for roles in diplomacy, security, international organizations and more

In this program, you’ll study topics such as international law, conflict resolution, globalization and foreign policy analysis, to analyze the dynamics between nations and multinational companies. As an international relations major, you’ll apply theory and quantitative analysis to real-world problems that prepare you for positions in diplomacy, security, international relations, private enterprises and more. You’ll also be prepared to secure related roles within academia, journalism, government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

The knowledge and skills you’ll develop

This interdisciplinary program equips you with specialized knowledge in international relations and a range of transferable skills in research, team-based collaboration and problem-solving. In addition to your coursework, you’ll have opportunities to exercise your skills by completing internships, fellowships and other professional opportunities. Additional competencies you'll develop include:

Applying statistical analysis and quantitative reasoning to real-world scenarios.
Comprehending advanced elements of the political and legal systems.
Practicing action-driven writing for decision-making.
Understanding global trends within international institutions and regions.
Utilizing critical reasoning and argumentation.

What are the differences between this BS and a BA in international relations?

The major differences between the international relations BS and BA programs fall within the required coursework. As a student in the BS program, you aren’t required to take a language course like in the BA program. Instead, you’ll be required to take four other courses not required for the BA program including Political Statistics, an extra upper division track elective, and two science and society courses.

Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

International relations major courses

As an international relations major, you’ll be required to complete Political Statistics, where you’ll learn how to conduct regression, ANOVA and chi-square tests. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to take Policy Design Studio and play the role of a U.S. embassy official and address real events as they happen under the guidance of a former ambassador.

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The jobs international relations majors are prepared for

Upon graduation, you’ll be well prepared for careers that focus on the complexity of world affairs, including operations research analyst, statistician, business intelligence analyst and more. You’ll also be equipped to pursue further education and advanced career pathways in policy or law school. Additional career examples include, but aren’t limited to:

Business Intelligence Analyst

Growth: 35.2 %

Salary: $103,500

Data Scientist

Growth: 35.2 %

Salary: $103,500

Intelligence Officer

Growth: 1.5 %

Salary: $86,280

Lawyer

Growth: 7.5 %

Salary: $135,740

Military Officer

Growth: %

Salary: $0

Operations Research Analyst

Growth: 22.5 %

Salary: $85,720

Political Science Professor

Growth: 3.7 %

Salary: $83,770

Public Relations Manager (PR Manager)

Growth: 5.9 %

Salary: $129,430

Regulatory Affairs Manager

Growth: 3.3 %

Salary: $128,620

Learn from faculty experts in international relations

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.

Fulbright American Scholars.
Guggenheim Fellows.
MacArthur Fellows.
Nobel laureates.

Learn from faculty experts in international relations

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.

Fulbright American Scholars.
Guggenheim Fellows.
MacArthur Fellows.
Nobel laureates.

How to apply

I am a future

first-year student

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

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Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

The largest and most diverse college at ASU

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to be socially aware, critical thinkers and global citizens.

23

interdisciplinary schools and departments.

25,500+

currently enrolled students.

$170 million

in research expenditures in 2022.

100+

undergraduate degrees.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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