Advising is an important part of college education as it ensures students make progress towards their degree(s) and have a chance to consult with faculty members about opportunities to expand their skill sets and establish career goals. At the Department of International Relations, it is expected that students will meet with their advisor multiple times throughout their college career. If you are unsure who your advisor is or where to turn to for advising needs, please see below for more information.
If you are an M.A. student or are part of the SF State Scholars Blended Program, please see Prof. Skonieczny.
If you are an International Relations major or have only an International Relations minor declared, please see the advisor you are assigned by last name below.
Please see your minor coordinator if you are earning a minor or certificate in:
- Migration and Refugee Studies
- Global Peace, Human Rights, and Justice Studies
- Middle East and Islamic Studies
- South Asian Studies
- African Studies
- European Studies
- Latin American Studies
Please note that Prof Scott Siegel will be on sabbatical for Fall 2023, and Professor Monshipouri will be on sabbatical for Spring 2024.

Tips for Advising
Watch this short informative video to learn more about advising in the Department of International Relations with Professors Jonathan Whooley and Anthony Pahnke.
Undergraduate Advisors
Student Last Names & Minor Coordinator | Name | Office | |
---|---|---|---|
Starting with A – BH |
HUM 249 |
||
Starting with BO – C |
HUM 267 |
||
Starting with D – G European Studies Minors |
Prof. Monshipouri Prof. Siegel |
HUM 246
HUM 331 |
|
Starting with H – K Migration and Refugee Studies Certificate |
HUM 280 |
bellis@sfsu.edu | |
Starting with L – M |
Prof. Pahnke | HUM 259 | anthonypahnke@sfsu.edu |
Starting with N – RIO Latin American Studies minors |
HUM 427 |
||
Starting with RIT – S |
Prof. Tsygankov | HUM 526 | andrei@sfsu.edu |
Starting with T – Z Middle East and Islamic Studies minors |
Prof. Volk | HUM 576 | lvolk@sfsu.edu |
Graduate Advisors
Student Last Names | Name | Office | |
---|---|---|---|
All Graduate Students SF Scholars/Blended |
Prof. Skonieczny | HUM 452 | askonie@sfsu.edu |

Undergraduate Advising
Majors in the College of Liberal & Creative Arts (LCA) should consult with two advisors each semester:
- an advisor in the major and
- a general education and university requirements advisor in the Undergraduate Advising Center
Students who are completing a minor or an additional major should see an advisor in those programs as well.

Graduate Advising
- View our Master in Arts page and view the Graduate Advising tab.
- The Division of Graduate Studies offers counseling and advising regarding issues ranging from applications to graduation.