International Relations
Virtually no sector of American life is immune from international influences. The study of International Relations historically concentrated on the geopolitics of war and diplomacy among nation states. Recently, the field has broadened its focus to incorporate environmental issues, cooperative interstate behavior, globalization, hunger and poverty, as well as the work of international bodies like the United Nations and the World Bank. Students who graduate with a concentration in International Relations are poised to enter the Foreign Service or the intelligence community. They may also join a nongovernmental organization, an international corporation, or begin graduate study. This concentration is ideal for students anticipating a military career.
Common Career Paths & Salaries
Below are the median salaries for occupations requiring an International Relations degree:
- Foreign Service Officer – $87,797
- Intelligence Analyst – $70,130
- Director, Non-profit Organization – $60,518
Average Tuition Cost
The average cost for an incoming residential freshman to attend MU is less than $18,000 – similar to the cost of attending one of the big-box public schools, but with the enhanced value of a highly-regarded private school with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
While tuition varies, depending on a student’s financial aid package, it’s important to know that the average financial award for an incoming residential freshman at MU is more than $34,000.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
More than 97% of MU students receive some form of financial aid, with the University offering more than $24 million annually to students for scholarships. If a student is active military, family of active military, or a veteran, they may also qualify for MU’s military education benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are majoring in International Relations, you will focus on a number of issues including, but not limited to, geopolitics of war, diplomacy among nation states, incorporate environmental issues, cooperative interstate behavior, globalization, hunger and poverty, and the work of international bodies like the United Nations and the World Bank.
Below are the median salaries for occupations requiring an International Relations degree:
- Foreign Service Officer – $87,797
- Intelligence Analyst – $70,130
- Director, Non-profit Organization – $60,518
Interested in Methodist University’s International Relations minor?
If you have questions, read the FAQ below or reach out to Dr. Christopher Cronin using the contact info at the bottom of the page. If you’re ready to apply today, visit the link below!
Minor Requirements
The International Relations minor consists of 18 s.h. distributed as follows:
Required Core Course
- PSC 3510 International Relations (3 s.h.)
International Relations Electives
Select 15 s.h. from the following:
- PSC 2270 Comparative Politics (3 s.h.)
- PSC 3050 Democratic Principles and Theory (3 s.h.)
- PSC 3470 American Foreign Policy (3 s.h.)
- PSC 4400 International Organizations (3 s.h.)
- PSC 4510 International Political Economy (3 s.h.)
- PSC 4010-4080 Area Studies (one course) (3 s.h.)
- HIS 3010, 3050, 3700, 3810, 4110, 4210 (one course) (3 s.h.)
B.A. in Political Science with International Relations Concentration
The Political Science Concentration in International Relations major consists of 42 credits distributed as follows:
Required Core Courses
- PSC 1510 American Government (3 credits)
- PSC 2100 Research Methods in Political Science (3 credits)
- PSC 2270 Comparative Politics (3 credits)
- PSC 3330 Public Administration (3 credits)
- PSC 3410 Congress and the Presidency (3 credits)
- PSC 3510 International Relations (3 credits)
- PSC 4600 Senior Seminar (3 credits)
Required International Relations Courses
- PSC 3050 Democratic Principles and Theory (3 credits)
- PSC 3470 American Foreign Policy (3 credits)
- PSC 4200 Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation (3 credits)
- PSC 4400 International Organizations (3 credits)
- PSC 4510 International Political Economy (3 credits)
Political Science Electives
Select 2 from the following for a total of 6 credits:
- 218 PSC 4010 European Politics (3 credits)
- PSC 4020 Middle East Politics (3 credits)
- PSC 4040 Politics in East Asia (3 credits)
- PSC 4050 Latin American Politics (3 credits)
Completion of the MU Political Science Comprehensive Test.
Contact
Christopher Cronin, Ph.D.
