Department of International Relations

International Relations prepares students with knowledge and critical skills to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world. IR draws from a variety of disciplines and methods to study global issues and the interactions of governments, global institutions and social movements worldwide.

Lee's Story

Meet our very own International Relations B.A. student, class of 2022. 
Lee shares on "Finding a Place to Belong and Be Heard".

International Relations Journal

Graduate and undergraduate students publish an annual issue of the International Relations Journal.  We now celebrate our 40th anniversary issue!

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Our Program

International Relations is an increasingly relevant field of study. Studying IR at SF State is a step out into the world. Discover our B.A., M.A., minors and certificates!

We also offer a B.A./M.A. track, referred to as SF State Scholars Blended Program, where 12 units can be double-counted!

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Why Study IR at SF State?

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APSIA Affiliation

The Department of International Relations at SF State is the ONLY program in the entire CSU to be an affiliate with the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs.  APSIA helps students, schools, organizations, and partners transform themselves into more effective agents of positive change.

Our department offers strong foundation courses in International Relations theories, providing an understanding of current debates in the field and why they matter.

The diversity of our faculty in academic specializations, as well as in national origin, ethnicity, gender and religion reflects the diversity of academia and the world.

Our alumni can be found in a variety of positions across the world in international organizations, foreign services, non-profits, and in national and local governments. 

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Announcements

News

  • October 01, 2024
    Model UN's meet-and-greet drew 25 new students, interested in participating with our award-winning team. Led by Professor Ma…
  • September 27, 2024
    This semester, 6 International Relations students attended the western conference for the International Studies Association.…
  • May 23, 2024
    Nandini Tandon, international healthcare entrepreneur, was the featured speaker at this year's International Relations Gradu…
More events coming soon!
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Get Involved and Build Success

Advising

Many of our faculty offer advising for our undergraduate and graduate students to build continued success.

Learn more about Advising

International Relations Journal

The Journal, created and edited by our students, contains articles on political, historical, economic, legal, philosophical, diplomatic and theoretical issues concerning world affairs.

Learn more about the International Relations Journal

Student Resources

Internships provide excellent opportunities to network and gain professional skills. Scholarships are available to assist students in reaching their education goals. We are proud to offer organizations like IR Student Association and the International Relations Council. 

Learn more about these resources

Support SF State's Model United Nations Team!

Who We Are

We are the SF State Model United Nations Team, and we need your support. Our team is dedicated to fostering global awareness, diplomacy, and leadership skills.

Impact of Your Donation

Your donation will help us represent SF State on a global stage at Model United Nations competitions, which help develop our skills and bring back valuable experiences to our campus community.

How to Donate

Visit our crowdfunding page to make an online donation. Under "Additional gift instructions," type in ModelUN.

Contact

For more information, contact Professor Ellis at bellis@sfsu.edu, and follow us on social media @irdeptsfsu on Instagram!

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