Our BA in International Relations prepares students for international leadership and service. Students examine the great political powers. They discuss humanitarian issues and dynamics of the global community. Courses examine how social, political and economic forces shape the modern world.
Webster’s undergraduate programs provide a broad, well-rounded Liberal Arts education. Along with the Global Citizenship Program, students combine classes in their major with electives in other fields. This allows them to gain knowledge in different disciplines. Webster's international faculty and student body enrich the academic experience. Students experience international relationships firsthand on campus. Our International Relations instructors are academics, political scientists, lawyers and ambassadors. Student opportunities include internships and study abroad through the Webster network.
Program Details
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major theories, methods, and subfields of international relations.
- Identify and evaluate the roles of key global actors and institutions in shaping international policy and decision-making.
- Analyze complex global challenges from diverse cultural, ethical, and theoretical perspectives to develop informed, policy-relevant solutions.
- Demonstrate global engagement and practical readiness through familiarity with global policy issues, foreign cultures, languages, and international experiences.
- 37 required credit hours with the Department of History, Politics and International Relations
- A study abroad experience outside the student's country of origin or 6 international language credits (or advanced proficiency)
- Applicable University Global Citizenship Program hours
- Electives
Curriculum
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Introductory and Skills Courses (All 18 hours required)
If Human Rights Emphasis, students must take the HRTS 1100 course and all other courses in this category.- INTL 1050 Introduction to International Relations (3 hours)
or POLT 1050 Introduction to International Relations (3 hours - POLT 1070 Introduction to Political Theory (3 hours)
- INTL 2700 Methods of Political Inquiry (3 hours)
- POLT 1550 Political Argumentation and Debate (3 hours)
- POLT 3310 Conduct of Foreign Policy (3 hours)
- POLT 1080 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 hours)
or POLT 1060 Introduction to American Politics (3 hours)
or POLT 2250 Politics in the Industrialized World (3 hours)
or POLT 2550 The Politics of the Developing World (3 hours)
or HRTS 1100 Introduction to Human Rights (3 hours)
- INTL 1050 Introduction to International Relations (3 hours)
With permission of the student's advisor, the following courses offered by other areas of study at Webster University may be applied toward the elective credit hours required in International Relations:
- HRTS 1100 Introduction to Human Rights (3 hours)
- ECON 3700 Economics of Development (3 hours)
- JOUR 3080 Global Journalism (3 hours)
- MNGT 3320 Business Law: International (3 hours)
- BUSN 4650 International Business (3 hours)
Career Prospects
- Graduates of International Relations, through their insight, knowledge and transferable skills, are prepared for the workforce and a wide range of careers in international agencies, governmental organizations and the global private sector on an international scale.
- Webster students pursue internships and are provided with valuable opportunities to embark on careers in organizations such as the United Nations network, the OPCW, the Peace Corps, government ministries, intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations, multinationals and embassies and consulates or to work as political consultants, lobbyists or journalists.
Additional Information
This program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in the United States. We have been accredited by the HLC for more than 95 years. This program is not Dutch accredited and does not lead to a degree based on Dutch law, Wet op het Hoger Onderwijs (Law on Higher Education).
Become a Gorlok
Whether you’re seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree, we'll help you achieve academic excellence, preparing you for future career successes. The first step is to fill out our application.
Contact the Admissions Office to Find Out More
If you have more questions about the program, your application or other enrollment-related inquiries, contact our Admissions Office.
Call +31 71 5168000 or send an email to admissions@webster.nl