International Relations Major

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The international relations major investigates some of the world’s most pressing issues through an interdisciplinary approach which encompasses politics, history, economics, and culture. Students gain an appreciation for the diversity of global perspectives. Topics include human rights, development, trade, indigenous peoples, democratization, and peace and conflict. The major easily can be paired with majors or minors in Political Science, Economics, History, Anthropology, Global Health, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Middle East and North Africa Studies, or a foreign language. International Relations majors typically graduate to careers in the foreign service, public and private sector internationally-focused organizations, or graduate and professional school.

Major Requirements (13 courses)

Majors complete thirteen (13) courses in four academic categories: political science, history and culture, economics, and global languages. This includes four (4) required core courses eight (8) electives and proficiency in a modern language (one course numbered 202 or above). At least half of these courses must be at the 300-400 level.

Required Courses (4 courses)

Political Science Electives (3 courses)

Economics (1 course)

History and Culture (4 courses)

Complete four (4) courses with an area emphasis on history and culture.

Modern Language

Students are required to complete a modern language through the 202 level or higher. The courses must be conducted in that language, with the purpose of achieving reading and conversational proficiency (courses in translation may not be counted).

The language requirement may be waived by demonstrating ‘native proficiency’ in a modern foreign language, as determined by the Rollins College Department of Modern Languages and Literatures (this applies to languages taught by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures). If the language is not taught at Rollins, the requirement may be waived by demonstrating a proficiency in a modern foreign language at the ‘advanced’ level by passing a standardized test administered by the ACTFL Testing Office. Information and application forms for these tests can be obtained from the Rollins College Department of Global Languages.

Receiving a foreign language waiver does not reduce the total number of courses required for the international relations major (13). Students receiving a waiver are required to take one additional course from the lists of approved courses in international relations (political science, history, or economics).

International Experience Requirement

Students must complete an international experiential learning component for the major. This requirement is fulfilled by providing appropriate documentation and writing a 750-word essay based upon one or more of the following:

Rollins College or other approved study-abroad program.
A field study trip led by a faculty member who regularly offers courses for the International Relations major.
Study in an internationally-related program at American University in Washington, D.C.
Experience in the U.S. as an international student.
Work or military service abroad.
A pre-approved internship or employment with an international focus.

Major Policies

While study abroad is encouraged, a maximum of five (5) transfer courses will be counted toward the major, and no more than two (2) transfer courses will be accepted in a single academic category for the major.
Receiving a foreign language waiver does not reduce the total number of courses required for the international relations major (13). Students receiving a waiver are required to take one additional course from the lists of approved courses in international relations (political science, history, or economics).