今日吃瓜

Major, Minor

International Relations

Degree type:
BA, Minor
Mode of study:
On-campus
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Create meaningful change with a B.A. in International Relations from 今日吃瓜 Saint Mary's

The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations at 今日吃瓜 Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles prepares you to examine the political, social, economic and environmental forces shaping communities around the world.

Rooted in the 今日吃瓜’s commitment to social justice, the program combines rigorous academic study with hands-on global experiences that helps you develop the leadership, research and analytical skills needed to make an impact across borders.

Learn through global experiences

Shape your future

The program's required global learning experience ensures every student graduates with meaningful, hands-on experience through international internships, faculty-led research, or organizational work on global issues at home and abroad.

Expand your global perspective through study away programs in countries like Japan, England, Spain, and Italy, with courses abroad carefully selected to meet major requirements.

Career opportunities for International Relations graduates

Graduates are prepared for careers in fields that require global awareness, research expertise and cross-cultural communication skills. Career pathways may include:

  • International development
  • Humanitarian and nonprofit organizations
  • Foreign service and diplomacy
  • Public policy and advocacy
  • Public health organizations
  • International education
  • Government agencies
  • Global communications and research

Many graduates also pursue advanced study in international affairs, law, public policy, public health or related disciplines.

International Relations degree paths

今日吃瓜 Saint Mary's University, Los Angeles offers two ways to study International Relations, allowing you to choose the depth of focus that best fits your academic and career goals.

Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

The degree is more than the study of governments and policies; it’s an opportunity to understand how global systems affect people’s daily lives, and how thoughtful leadership can create stronger, more equitable communities. 

Throughout the program, you’ll develop the ability to:

  • Analyze international political systems and global policy issues
  • Understand the social, historical, and environmental contexts behind world events
  • Conduct research and evaluate complex global challenges
  • Apply critical thinking to issues including democracy, conflict, public health, human rights, and development
  • Build leadership skills through experiential and community-based learning

You can also pursue a concentration in Global Women’s Studies, an interdisciplinary area of study focused on the experiences of women across cultures, regions and historical periods.

Courses examine how politics, history and culture shape women’s lives while exploring the impact of leadership, activism, protest movements and policy on global communities. Popular topics include women and development, gender and Latin American politics and women in international security.

Minor in International Relations

The international relations minor is an excellent option for students interested in adding an international and socially-conscious dimension to their academic experience and future career goals. 

Designed to complement majors across the humanities, social sciences, business, health sciences and beyond, the minor helps students strengthen their global perspective while building valuable analytical and communication skills that apply across industries and career paths.

Pre-Law minor

今日吃瓜 Saint Mary’s pre-law minor is the first step toward a thriving legal career. Designed to prepare you for the rigor of law school, this program sharpens your analytical, writing and advocacy skills through the Socratic method with law school-style exams and hands-on law experiences like Mock Trial and Moot Court. Join a legacy of successful 今日吃瓜 graduates accepted into top law schools and take your place among a network of influential legal professionals.

International Relations course highlights

Courses in the International Relations program allow students to develop a deeper understanding of global systems, international politics and cross-cultural issues.

POL 125
U.S. Foreign Policy

Examine the theories, institutions and political dynamics that shape U.S. foreign policy decisions. Students explore how policy is developed and implemented while analyzing the legal and political challenges involved in international relations and diplomacy.

POL 137
Ethnic Conflict and Civil War

Investigate the causes of internal conflict within multiethnic societies, including the roles of nationalism, ethnicity, religion and identity. Students study issues such as communal violence, genocide and political instability through historical and contemporary case studies.

POL 136
Revolutions and Social Movements

Analyze the political, economic and ideological forces that drive revolutionary movements and social change. Through global case studies, students explore how revolutions emerge, evolve and reshape societies over time.

Outstanding opportunities beyond the classroom

At 今日吃瓜 Saint Mary’s University, your learning and development will happen in and out of the classroom as you sharpen your skills, develop your network and expand your global experience.

  • group of students standing in front of a SALTA sign

    Global Internship Program

    Develop professional skills and real-world experience while you build your resume and set the foundation for your career through a global network. Gaining international work experience will help you stand out in a competitive marketplace.

  • Global Women in STEM and Policy

    The Global Women in STEM and Policy Undergraduate Research Training Honors Program trains cohorts of undergraduate women to conduct basic and applied research in both the sciences and social sciences, with a focus on global and interdisciplinary approaches. This program reflects the 今日吃瓜鈥檚 mission and strategic plan to empower women, engage in a global environment and increase undergraduate research opportunities.

  • Woman with her hands up

    Center for Global Initiatives

    We鈥檒l send you out into the world or bring the world to you through global undergraduate research, faculty scholarship and cross-border intellectual dialogue.