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Educating Global Citizens and Leaders

International Relations Undergraduate Program

SU Abroad students standing together
75%

of international relations majors complete at least one semester away from campus

57%

of international relations majors choose to add a second major

66%

of Maxwell faculty conduct research outside of the United States

Global perspectives. Global impact.

B.A. in International Relations


The B.A. entails a highly flexible course of study drawing on all of the social science departments. Students have ample opportunity for study abroad, internships, participation in faculty-led research projects and membership on the Model United Nations team, among many other possibilities.

B.S. in International Relations


Our B.S. degree is one of the few offered in the United States. It combines interdisciplinary social science courses with rigorous training in research methods and data analytics, as well as study abroad opportunities, internships and faculty-led research projects. Membership in a range of clubs and activities enhances classroom learning.

Minor in Global Political Economy


The interdisciplinary global political economy (GPE) minor is designed to help students explore the dimensions and implications of globalization and international economics in contemporary international relations. 


Minor in Global Security Studies


The interdisciplinary global security studies (GSS) minor draws on the Maxwell School's world-class social science disciplines to help students explore the dimensions of security, conflict and conflict resolution in contemporary international relations. 

Career Paths and Resources


Maxwell's interdisciplinary international relations program will help you develop a global mindset and prepare you for a meaningful career in business, government or nonprofit organizations. See the range of exciting career paths that are open to IR majors and minors.

IR LLC Oxfam Banquet

International Relations Learning Community (IRLC)


First-year students interested in international relations are invited to join this co-curricular academic and residential community. Focused discussions, workshops and activities bring awareness to international issues and resources. Students take the introductory international relations course together in the fall and are assigned an upperclass student to serve as a peer mentor. Peer mentors share knowledge gained through study abroad, internships, elective coursework, team competitions and more.


Photo credit: IRLC Oxfam Hunger Banquet, Fernando Garcia-Franceschini, The Newshouse

 

DEREK GUTIERREZ

Study Abroad or in Washington, D.C.

My time abroad and in Washington, D.C., strengthened my linguistic skills and interest exploring the realms of diplomacy.”

Derek Gutierrez ’21

B.A. in international relations; Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst, U.S. Air Force

Learn more about the undergraduate semester in Washington

Visit Syracuse Abroad

League of Nations cover
Almost a century ago, a Maxwell faculty member turned a top-of-the-head idea into a student exercise in diplomacy—and basically invented Model UN. Today, Maxwell's Model UN Team regularly receives top honors at competitions in NYC and Washington, D.C.
Maxwell Model UN students in Eggers Hall
Maxwell’s MUN Team regularly receives honors for its participation, most recently being named “Distinguished Delegation” in Washington, D.C., in 2017 and “Distinguished Delegation” in New York City in 2018.
Student David Barbier pictured with AMC Networks CEO Josh Sapan
The award includes a $10,000 stipend and a summer internship, working closely with an industry leader. A double major in international relations and television, radio and film (Newhouse), Barbier spent the summer shadowing AMC Networks CEO Josh Sapan.
Alessandro Pugliese speaks at City of Florence welcome event

International Relations major picked to speak at City of Florence welcome event

Alessandro Pugliese was enjoying his third trip to Florence with Syracuse Abroad when asked to speak. He is working on a project using calcio (soccer) as a tool to help with migrants’ integration into Italian society.


International Relations Undergraduate Program Events

International Relations Undergraduate Program
102 Maxwell Hall