A major in International Relations consists of 42 semester hours. To prepare a program of study suitable to the needs and interest of the individual student, the International Relations major is required to consult with an advisor. The student's individualized program will be placed on file with the Political Science Department and the awarding of a degree will depend upon fulfillment of that program. The program may be revised during the course of the student's studies with the help of an
advisor. A minor is required.
(Core of 15 Credits)
ANTH 230: Cultural Anthropology 1(3)
POL 231: World Politics (3)
POL 241: Introduction to Comparative Politics (3)
POL 431: International Relations (3)
POL 300-400: Any Comparative Politics course (3)
Required for Major
(Concentration of 15 Credits)
With the advice and consent of an International Relations advisor, each International Relations major will build an emphasis in one of the following areas from approved course lists:
1. Global Policy Issues
2. International Norms and Behavior
3. International Political Economy
4. War, Peace and Conflict Resolution
5. A regional emphasis in one area:
(a) Africa
(b) Asia
(c) Latin America
(d) Middle East
(e) Russia and Neighboring States
Required for Major
(Electives for 12 Credits)
With the advice and consent of an International Relations advisor, each International Relations major will select the remainder of his/her credits from an approved list of International Relations degree electives.
Required for Major
(Foreign Language for 8 Credits)
A year's sequence in foreign language is required, unless waived by examination or because English is the student's second language and the student can provide evidence of suitable proficiency in another language where such evidence is required. Foreign language credits do not count as part of the 42 credits needed for the major.
The International Relations major enables students to develop a rich interdisciplinary perspective on world affairs. International Relations majors enjoy great flexibility in designing their own program in consultation with an advisor. This flexibility allows majors to center their work in an area of interest which might cross several fields, including anthropology, art, economics, English, geography, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, and sociology.
In consultation with an advisor, International Relations majors will choose an area of concentration, which will become an organizing device for their studies. For example, one option is to select one of the general topics of International Relations, such as Global Policy Issues (e.g., Environmental Policy, International Norms and Behavior, International Political Economy, or Conflict Resolution). A second option is to choose a geographic region of concentration: Africa, Asia, Latin America, Middle East, Russia and Eastern Europe, or Western Europe. A third option is open and involves an individually chosen concentration, planned and executed in consultation with an International Relations advisor.
Whatever your specialized area may be, by choosing International Relations as your major you will enjoy a unique academic experience that will help you understand the rapidly changing and increasingly interdependent world. This background, which can be enhanced by the experience of living and studying abroad, constitutes a distinct advantage in future employment or in pursuing further advanced study in law school, graduate school, or business.
International Relations graduates who develop early contacts with prospective employers and acquire prior internship experience can be very successful on the job market. Language expertise, analytical skills, study abroad and foreign travel also provide considerable advantages in seeking employment. Graduates can target the federal government, including the Foreign Service, Civil Service, and other federal agency positions such as the intelligence agencies, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Justice. Students can also consider careers in international governmental organizations, including the United Nations system. Some of these employers may require advanced degrees; however, nonprofit international agencies such as Red Cross, Amnesty International and various church sponsored groups often accept applicants with bachelor degrees. International Relations graduates who are native speakers of English may be in demand overseas as teachers of English as a second language. American schools abroad frequently hire U.S. nationals to teach K-12 in a number of countries. American businesses with foreign subsidiaries or markets are also potential employers of Inter- national Relations majors.
Many graduates choose to pursue advanced degrees in Law, International Relations, Political Science, or other areas in the Social Sciences. Recent graduates were admitted to such universities as University of Minnesota, DePaul University, American University, Syracuse University, among others.
Abdalla M. Battah, Ph.D.
507-389-1019
abattah@mnsu.edu
Tomasz Inglot, Ph D.
507-389-6934
tinglot@mnsu.edu
Eiji Kawabata, Ph.D.
507-389-2990
eiji.kawabata@mnsu.edu
Jackie Vieceli, Ph.D.
507-389-6938
jacqueline.vieceli@mnsu.edu
Reflecting the values, principles, goals, and objectives contained in our university and college mission statements, the Political Science/Law Enforcement Department is dedicated to providing high quality, multi-perspective education that prepares students for professional and intellectual leadership and life long learning in a democratic society within an interdependent global community.The PS/LE Department has the special responsibility to contribute to the vitality of our region, country, and world through the development of responsible citizenship, through the preparation of students for professions and careers in public affairs and law, through research and by direct service activities.For more information about the Department of Political Science or the IR major, please contact the Department Office Manager:
Ms. Pat Davis
(507) 389-2721 (V)
(800) 627-3529 (MRS/TTY)
Fax: (507) 389-6377
E-mail: patricia.davis@mnsu.edu
(800) 722-0544
(507) 389-1822 (V)
(800) 627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY)
E-mail: admissions@mnsu.edu
International Relations Program
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Morris Hall 109Department of Political Science
Mankato, Minnesota 56001Phone: (507) 389-2721
(800) 627-3529 (MRS/T~Y)
Fax: 507-389-6377
E-mail: patricia.davis@mnsu.edu
Website: http://www.mnsu.edu/psle/undrgradir.html
MSU is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity University.
This document is available in alternative format to individuals with disabilities by calling the Department of Political Science at (507) 389-2721 (VJ) or (800) 627-3529 (MRS/TTY).\
