Online Bachelor of Arts International Relations

Complex economic, political and cultural issues transcend international boundaries. With a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from FIU, you can gain a whole-world perspective on the choices and challenges shared among nations. The study of international relations requires the ability to research and analyze information, solve problems, and express oneself clearly in speech and writing—all highly desirable skills to employers. With globalization and the growing importance of cross-cultural understanding in business and government, graduates will be well-positioned for a wide variety of careers.

Career Opportunities

Many of our international relations graduates have gone on to excel in public service, including careers with local, state, and national governments, and with international and non-governmental organizations. Others have entered the private sector in fields as diverse as banking and finance, consulting, business, journalism, law, marketing, and higher education. In politics and government, a bachelor's degree in international relations can lead to positions as a policy analyst, legislative aide or foreign service officer. In the private sector, there are job opportunities in international business and commerce, helping companies navigate export restrictions, trade regulations, and managing teams across cultures and continents. In the public sector, work on humanitarian efforts can focus on economic development, fighting famine or eradicating disease.

Program Completion Requirements

A total of 120 credits is required for the Bachelor of Arts in International Relations.

Common Prerequisite Courses and Equivalencies

Courses which form part of the statewide articulation between the State University System and the Community College System will fulfill the Lower Division Common Prerequisites.

For generic course substitutions/equivalencies for Common Program Prerequisites offered at community colleges, state colleges, or state universities, visit: http://facts.org, See Common Prerequisite Manual.

Required for the Degree:  

INR 2001 Introduction to International Relations (3 credits)

Core Requirement: (3 credits)

Take one of the following courses:

• GEA 2000 World Regional Geography

• CPO 2002 Introduction to Comparative Politics

• REL 3308 Studies in World Religions

• SYP 3456 Societies of the World

• ECS 3003 Comparative Economic Systems

• WOH 2001 World Civilization

• EVR 1017 Global Environment & Society
  
  

Upper Division Program

International Relations majors must complete a minimum 30 semester hours of course work in the department with a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Group I Courses for the Major: (12 credits)

In addition to the Core Requirement, INR majors must take at least one course (3 sem. hrs.) from each of the following divisions in Group I:

• International Law/International Organizations (IL)

• Foreign Policy/Security Studies (FP)

• International Political Economy (IPE)

• A fourth course from among the following (Full course listings can be found in the catalog):

  • An Additional INR-prefixed Group I course

  • Comparative Politics courses

  • Economics courses

  • Geography courses

  • History courses

  • Sociology and Anthropology courses
    
    

Group II Courses for the Major: (12 credits)

INR majors must also take at least four courses (12 sem. hrs.) in Group II, including at least one from each of the following divisions:

• Area Studies (AS)

• Issues and Problems in International Relations (IP)

• Second AS or IP course

• One course from among the following (Full course listings can be found in the catalog):

  • Geography courses

  • Religious Studies courses

  • Economics courses

  • Anthropology or Sociology courses

  • Comparative Politics courses

  • Environmental Studies course

Note: INR 4943 Internship in International Affairs can count as the fourth Group II course as long as the student has completed one course from each of the three divisions, above.

Group III Courses for the Major: (6 credits)

• INR 4013 Development of International Relations
• INR 4603 Theories of International Relations

Students may not take INR 4013 until they have completed INR 2001 and at least nine (9) credits in INR courses. Students must take INR 4013 before they take INR 4603. These two courses may not be taken concurrently

Electives

Students are encouraged to double major or pursue a minor in related fields such as political science, economics, geography, modern languages, history, sociology/anthropology, or business. We recommend that students take introductory courses in economics and gain fluency in at least one foreign language. Students may also consider appropriate academic certificates such as those in Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Asian Studies, African and African Diaspora Studies, and European Studies.

To ensure every student’s success, we have certain admissions requirements for each of our programs. To help you through the application process, our enrollment advisors are here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

Applications are accepted for Spring, Fall and Summer terms.

Steps to Apply:

First Year Students

Please submit the following:

• Online application

• $30 application fee.

• Official SAT or ACT scores.

• Official high school transcripts

Transfer Students

Please submit the following:

• Online application

• $30 application fee.

• Official college transcripts.

• If you have less than 60 transferable college credits, you must also submit official high school transcripts and SAT or ACT scores in addition to any transcripts from postsecondary schools to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

International Students

In addition to the above requirements, international applicants should submit:

• Official English Language Proficiency exam scores (TOEFL or IELTS).

• Official translations of any transcripts, if not in English.

• If you have less than 60 transferrable college credits, you must also submit official high school transcripts with translation.

Returning Students

Returning students must meet the current university and degree-specific requirements to be admitted.

FIU has policies for students who left FIU, please click here for more details.

Please submit the following:

• Online application $30 application fee.

• Updated official transcripts

Program Admission Requirements

• Candidates must first be accepted into the university. Students admitted to Florida International University are admitted directly to their chosen major.

Program Completion Requirements

A total of 120 credits are required to complete the fully online undergraduate degree. Students must complete the University Core Curriculum, University requirements and Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs requirements while satisfying requirements toward their International Relations major and are expected to make good progress based on critical indicators, such as GPA in specific courses or credits earned. In cases where students are not making good progress, a change of major may be required.

The Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs advisors work to redirect students to more appropriate majors when critical indicators are not met. For specific course requirements, visit the Courses tab on this program page.

Admission Documents

To complete the online undergraduate programs admissions form, select your program from the application form. You may complete the online application and submit it, even before taking any entrance exams. All supporting admission documents may be sent to:


Florida International University

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

P.O. Box 659003

Miami, FL 33265-9003

USA



FIU also accepts transcripts electronically via:

• Faster (All FL public institutions)

• Naviance (Typically used by private high schools)

• SMART/Joint Service Transcript – Military records

*Meeting the university minimum requirements does not guarantee admission

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