International Relations

Develop global insights for diplomacy, culture, education, politics, security, development, and their impact on society.

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International Relations, B.A.

The International Relations major is for students interested in global affairs. This interdisciplinary area is headquartered in MTSU's Department of Political Science and International Relations, in the the College of Liberal Arts.

Students who study International Relations may earn either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree by taking courses that illuminate world politics, U.S. foreign policy, and many aspects of the global system, including diplomacy, development, trade, war and peace, human rights, authoritarian governance and democratic backsliding, migration and refugee flows, and more. Our International Relations faculty bring regional expertise in Africa and the Middle East, China and Asia, Russia and Eastern Europe, Western Europe and the European Union, and Latin America. Interdisciplinary minors with an area studies emphasis are recommended to International Relations majors. Among those available are African Studies, Asian Studies, and Russian Studies. As an International Relations major, learn why countries form alliances, make treaties, or go to war. Explore the organizations that promote international cooperation and give rise to international order. Develop knowledge of national security issues and strategic competition in international politics, security, and economics. Investigate global and regional economic links that affect daily life. Study different political systems and forms of government that shape societies and relations among them. Take an in-depth look at topics such as international development and human security, migration, human rights, international law, the status of women around the world, the global economy, and international conflict. A major or career in International Relations also can provide exciting opportunities to experience other cultures through travel abroad to destinations such as Paris, Tokyo, Beijing, Venice, Sâo Paulo, Nairobi, and London. Moreover, International Relations majors develop skills in critical thinking, analysis, and communication that are helpful in a wide range of possible careers.

After graduation, International Relations majors go on to careers in:

  • government
  • diplomacy and foreign affairs
  • business
  • risk management
  • military affairs
  • intelligence
  • education and research
  • health care
  • nonprofit organizations focused on human rights, refugee assistance, and more

In addition to interdisciplinary minors with an area studies emphasis, students majoring in International Relations are encouraged to select minors and electives in foreign languages, humanities, or social science offerings that contribute to an understanding of economic, geographical, historical, and cultural factors in international affairs — or in areas that provide students with substantive skills related to a professional environment, such as business and computer science. Majors and minors in International Relations may choose to participate in the Society for International Affairs. This student organization builds community and sponsors MTSU's Model United Nations (MUN) squad, which has traveled to cities in the United States and abroad to participate in intercollegiate MUN simulations.

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News Briefs

Model U.N. team competes in Moscow

The Model U.N. Team participated in the Moscow International Model United Nations Conference in April 2012, debating with students from all across Europe and the former Soviet Union. The intercollegiate competition simulates the United Nations, allowing students to develop skills in negotiation and conflict resolution involving international issues.

Foreign service officer travels the globe

MTSU graduate Aaron Carlton, stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Uganda, drafted the State Department's annual reports on human rights, human trafficking, child labor, and religious freedom. He also worked at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York City, helping negotiate resolutions with other countries, before being assigned to Venezuela.

News Briefs

Model U.N. team competes in Moscow

The Model U.N. Team participated in the Moscow International Model United Nations Conference in April 2012, debating with students from all across Europe and the former Soviet Union. The intercollegiate competition simulates the United Nations, allowing students to develop skills in negotiation and conflict resolution involving international issues.

Foreign service officer travels the globe

MTSU graduate Aaron Carlton, stationed at the U.S. Embassy in Uganda, drafted the State Department's annual reports on human rights, human trafficking, child labor, and religious freedom. He also worked at the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York City, helping negotiate resolutions with other countries, before being assigned to Venezuela.

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CAREERS

Graduates of the International Relations program can be found all over the globe; examples include

  • City development managers
  • Combat engineers
  • Diplomats
  • Educators
  • Equal employment opportunity coordinators
  • Government employees
  • Import company representatives
  • International trade compliance analysts
  • Linguists
  • Program analysts
  • Public servants
  • Senior intelligence specialists in defense
  • Staff assistants to members of Congress
  • Store managers

Employers of MTSU alumni include:

  • A.O. Smith Corporation
  • California Department of State Hospitals, Patton State Hospital
  • City of San Diego
  • Department of Defense — U. S. Army Contracting Command, Huntsville, Alabama
  • Drug Enforcement Agency
  • Guaranty Trust
  • Hospital Corporation of America
  • Medical Services Corporation International
  • Metro Nashville Police Department
  • Nashville Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
  • Peace Corps
  • SALT International, a non-profit focused on establishing agri-businesses in the developing world
  • South Carolina National Guard
  • U.S. Air Force, linguist
  • U.S. State Department /Foreign Service
  • United Nations
  • United States Congress
  • Wal-Mart, Inc.

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