Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

Core: 25 Units

I R 208 must be taken prior to I R 309GW, and I R 309GW must be completed prior to I R 550. No core courses may be take concurrently with I R 550.

• I R 104: Introduction to World Affairs (3 Units)
• I R 208: Fundamentals of International Relations: Theories, Issues, and Perspectives (4 Units)
• I R 309GW: International Relations Analysis and Application-GWAR (4 Units)
• I R 310: U.S. Foreign Policy (4 Units)
• I R 312: Introduction to International Political Economy (4 Units)
• I R 550: Proseminar in Foreign Policy Analysis (6 Units) (Culminating Experience)

Grading Basis

International Relations majors must take the core courses for a letter grade.

Electives: 18 Units

Students are required to complete 18 elective units related to international relations. At least twelve units of coursework must be upper-division I R courses (300-level or above) or be cross-listed with I R. Six additional units may be taken outside of the department upon the approval of a major advisor. Lower-division language courses taken in the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures and 200-level IR courses can be used for these six units; otherwise, upper-division courses are required.

Twelve units of complementary studies are required of all candidates for the B.A. degree in International Relations. These units must come from courses bearing a prefix other than IR and that are not cross-listed with International Relations. They can be lower or upper division courses. Students can also satisfy this requirement by completing a minor, a second major or through an approved study-abroad program.

Complementary studies courses should have a direct bearing on the study of politics, or deepen and enrich the study of politics. Such courses are typically found in departments like Modern Languages and Literatures, Political Science, Urban Studies and Planning, or Philosophy, and in the College of Ethnic Studies.

Six of the twelve Complementary Studies units may count toward the major as elective units, if approved in advance by an IR advisor. Students must consult with an advisor in the department to ensure that their choices fulfill the department’s requirements.

In addition to fulfilling elective requirements for the International Relations major and minor, many electives offered through the IR department satisfy upper-division General Education and SF State Studies requirements.

Note: Due to staffing, the department is not able to offer all elective courses on a regular basis. The course IDs marked with an asterisk are those the department can currently offer on a regular basis—if not every academic year. This does not include cross-listed courses housed in and staffed by other departments.

Updated June 2023

Employment possibilities for graduates in international relations exist in business, government, electronic and print journalism, teaching and private international service (e.g., U.N. Association, Red Cross, etc.). Students completing a degree find it excellent preparation for entry into highly competitive programs of advanced study or work abroad in areas of special interest or knowledge.

Some of the most likely career areas are:

• Non-governmental organizations
• Foreign Service officer
• Import/export business
• Commerce Department
• International finance and banking
• Corporate regulatory affairs
• Peace Corps administration
• Intercultural communication
• Foreign correspondent
• International counseling
• United Nations staff
• International airlines
• Intelligence officer
• International marketing
• Social studies teacher
• International lawyer
• Policy analyst
• Research on global issues

Explore our Alumni section to find out where an IR degree might take you!