International Relations

major, minor

/ Academics / Departments & Programs / Politics and Economics / Academics International Relations Major

Degree Overview

Study political systems and interactions across the globe while developing a range of related skills.

As you pursue an international relations degree, you'll explore the theory and practice of global politics. You'll gain the skills and knowledge to advocate for human rights and resolve conflicts from a Christian perspective. Whether at home or abroad, you'll be well prepared for a career in fields ranging from diplomacy, international law, and international business, to non-profit humanitarian work.

Program Distinctives

Practical learning - 90% of Calvin students have an internship experience before they graduate. As you pursue your political science major, you might intern at a government office, courtoom, law firm, advocacy group, or NGO.
Expert teaching - You'll learn from faculty who have expert knowledge in their fields, and you'll have opportunity to engage closely with your professors and peers.
Learn abroad - With several faculty-led study abroad programs, you'll have plenty of opportunities to study off-campus in places like Washington D.C., Ghana, and Hungary.

Degree Information

major
  • Courses
    Loading...
  • Other Details

    Internship experience

    Political science majors, particularly those who do not anticipate pursuing either law school or some graduate program shortly after graduation, are encouraged to enroll in internship programs. Interested students can find more information about on the Internship page.

    IR Major Cognate Requirement

    Students wishing to complete an International Relations major must complete a cognate set of courses that complement the major. Students have three options to complete the cognate requirement.

    Option 1

    Take any three of the following courses (note that some of these courses have prerequisites):

    Option 2

    Complete an approved off-campus semester program (with a maximum of three credits from the program counting towards the regular, non-cognate requirements of the International Relations major).

    Option 3

    Complete nine credits of foreign language beyond the 202-level.

minor
Pie chart showing the amount of household debt accumulated by percentages of the graduating student body
Family income distribution for students applying for financial aid.

You can afford a Calvin education.

You’ve heard a lot about the high cost of a university education. But a Calvin education is much more affordable than you think. Most Calvin students pay far below the sticker price—and graduate with less debt than you might expect.

Explore affordability at Calvin »

U.S. News & World Report ranks Calvin as a Best Midwest Regional University for 2022.

A reputation for excellence.

There’s a reason Calvin gets top marks from U.S. News & World Report, The Princeton Review, and more. Calvin graduates are in demand at grad schools, med schools, and careers in every field.

Discover the Calvin advantage »

SOCIAL MEDIA

The latest sights & sounds | #calvinuniversity

Female student wading in Plaster Creek, examining a sample of water, holding it up to the sky.

ACADEMIC OPTIONS

With over 100 majors and programs, you’re bound to find something you love.

Browse by category

× CLOSE DRAWER
A dramatic view looking up at the Calvin's Crossing bridge, with a perfect blue sky overhead.

Apply to Calvin

It all starts here! We accept applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. All completed applications receive equal consideration.

Start your journey × CLOSE DRAWER
A female and male student walking side by side down the Calvin's Crossing bridge, conversing with each other.

Visit Calvin

Find the visit option that works best for you and get a taste for life at Calvin!

Browse Visit Options Launch the virtual tour × CLOSE DRAWER
Students huddled around, lighting sparklers with a beautiful evening sky behind them.

Request Info

Learn why Calvin’s dedication to faith and discovery have earned it the rank of #3 among regional Midwest universities.

Loading...
× CLOSE DRAWER
Graduates in their robes, tossing their caps high into the air, laughing.

Costs & Financial Aid

Families from all economic backgrounds—many just like yours—are making Calvin work. Scholarships, grants and loans are the tools that make Calvin possible.

Explore financial aid & Scholarships How much does Calvin cost? × CLOSE DRAWER
Top