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U.S. international relations programs, also sometimes called “international affairs” programs, typically have a strong base in political science, to which are added courses in such areas as history, law, languages, and business. A related academic option is a major in “international studies,” programs that typically are somewhat more interdisciplinary, adding perspectives from sociology, literature, art, environmental studies, anthropology, and many other fields (varying by institution), while typically maintaining the policy-oriented focus common to international relations programs. Another option would be an “area studies” major, typically focusing on a particular geographic region. These programs may also be policy-oriented or may allow concentration on historical, literary, religious, or other aspects that help define a culture.
Undergraduate admissions requirements for any of these types of programs are the same as for other majors. First, you need to demonstrate proficiency in English (typically by taking the TOEFL test). Some universities offer “conditional admission” if you are not quite good enough in English but meet other entrance requirements—this means that you would start in an English language program and then could continue immediately on to degree study once you successfully complete the training and/or achieve acceptable TOEFL scores.
Schools will also generally want to see your original high school transcripts, or notarized copies if originals are not available. You will need to fill out an application form and pay a processing fee. Often scores on the SAT Reasoning and/or two or three SAT Subject tests will be requested, though some schools do not require these of international students, and others do not require them from any applicants. More selective institutions often have such additional requirements as recommendations from teachers, information on extracurricular activities, and a written statement of purpose or other essay.
You’ll want to start early (ideally a year or more before you plan to start classes). You need time to find the right program for you and have the best chance at admission and financial aid.
Particularly useful for entering an undergraduate program in these fields are an interest in understanding other cultures, international experience, and background in social sciences and foreign languages and literature. Foreign language knowledge is not required for entry to most U.S. undergraduate programs but is almost certain to be required prior to graduation in this area of study.
Undergraduate international and area studies are liberal arts programs, involving the opportunity to explore many subjects. Study abroad is a very important element of these programs, and students will be encouraged to travel to other countries to learn about different cultures through experience.
Most four-year programs in these areas award a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree. A few two-year programs are also available—graduates usually transfer to a four-year degree program.
Well over half of undergraduate international and area studies majors proceed on to graduate school, either continuing in the same field or moving on to programs in law, business, public administration, or other areas. Advanced study and credentials are important for many international career paths though options are also open to those with just a B.A.
Individuals entering a graduate program need not have an undergraduate major in the same field but should ideally have a foundation in social science areas including some knowledge of international relations and international economics. They are likely to need good written and oral communication skills, knowledge of one or more foreign languages, study background in one or more foreign countries or regions, computer skills, and social science methodology skills.
The GRE general test is used as an entrance examination by most, along with the TOEFL and sometimes relevant GRE subject tests. Scores on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE general test are evaluated along with such factors as undergraduate grade point average and recommendations from professors. A written statement of purpose will also commonly be required.
Some graduate schools offer academically oriented programs, while others offer professional programs. Programs focused on academic research generally lead to a doctoral (usually Ph.D.) degree. This credential can be important for university teaching or research as well as some policy-oriented careers but a master's degree is the more common, and expected, professional credential for most careers.
Professional degree programs usually end at the master's degree level. They are intended to impart professional skills while still allowing for some specialization. Particularly popular professional degrees are the Master of International Affairs or Master of International Relations credentials.
Many students with international and area studies interests also consider related professional degrees outside the field itself, especially an internationally focused Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) or Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program. These fields may use the GMAT test as an admissions requirement rather than the GRE. International students should examine programs carefully to ensure that programs under consideration are appropriate for them and not too strongly geared to U.S. students entering the international arena.
Core to most of the widely varied U.S. professional degree programs is study of policy analysis, macro- and microeconomics, management, quantitative methods, statistics, and research methodologies as well as development of oral and written communication skills and capacity for teamwork. Competence in a foreign language is usually a degree requirement. In some cases, however, programs expect students to gain this competence prior to enrollment or independently—language instruction may not be offered within the degree program.
Specialization is part of both academic and professional degree programs. Students can focus on functional subjects such as international conflict resolution or international trade and finance or regional topics such as Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Russia/Eurasia.
Almost all graduate programs require some type of final, "capstone" experience of students. This might include a comprehensive exam, thesis or dissertation, or an independent study project.
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