Stanford University

The Program in International Relations (IR) offers an interdisciplinary undergraduate major, minor and honors program allowing students to explore how global, regional and domestic factors influence relations between actors on the world stage. The program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to analyze choices and challenges that arise in this arena. IR majors pursue study in world politics, including courses in Political Science, Economics, History, languages, and other fields focusing on issues such as international security, political economy, economic development, and democratization. The major prepares students for careers in government and the corporate sector, and for admission into graduate programs including, but not exclusive to law, business, economics, and political science.

In the undergraduate major program, students focus on political, economic, and cultural relations among peoples and states in the modern world. Students majoring in IR  will pursue a course of study that includes classes in Political Science, Economics, History, languages and other fields. IR majors may focus on a range of issues including international security, international trade and finance, political and economic development as well as history, politics and culture of other countries and world regions. All IR majors must spend at least one quarter studying abroad and show proficiency in a foreign language. 

The International Relations (IR) major is designed to provide students with an interdisciplinary education of both foundational skills and specific knowledge necessary to analyze contemporary international relations. 

Suggested Preparation for the Major

Prospective International Relations majors are advised to consider Thinking Matters courses that relate to international relations to satisfy a major requirement. Also recommended is any introductory seminar taught by International Relations affiliated faculty through Stanford Introductory Studies.

The program expects its undergraduate majors to be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes. These learning outcomes are used in evaluating students and the Program in International Relations. Students are expected to demonstrate:

1. understanding of core knowledge necessary to understand contemporary world politics.

2. ability to analyze international issues and draw correct inferences using qualitative and/or quantitative analysis.

3. ability to write clearly and persuasively, communicating ideas clearly.

4. ability to evaluate theory and critique research within the discipline.