2025-2026 General Catalog
Source: https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/political-science/international-relations-ab/ Parent: https://catalog.ucdavis.edu/departments-programs-degrees/#programsanddegreestext
Program Director. Contact the Department of Political Science.
469 Kerr Hall; 530-754-8098; International Relations
Problems of security, development, ethnic conflict, human rights, health, and the environment are increasingly confronted at a global rather than a national level. With its theoretical models and real-world application, the study of international relations is an exciting and highly relevant interdisciplinary major.
The Major
Graduation with a major in international relations requires the completion of introductory courses in political science, economics, statistics, and history. The major also requires fluency in English and working knowledge (approximately 24 to 30 units of course credits or equivalent fluency) of one other modern language. Students choose one of four tracks that encompass major topical areas in combination with an area studies emphasis:
- World Trade & Development
- Peace & Security
- Global Environment, Health, & Natural Resources
- Peoples & Nationalities\ \ Upper division coursework for Tracks I, II and III is composed of twelve courses. Students choosing Track IV, Peoples and Nationalities, are required to study or work abroad for a minimum of one quarter; upper division course work is reduced to nine classes in recognition of the experience gained through education abroad.
Programs, Internships, & Career Alternatives
One program of special interest to international relations majors is the Education Abroad Program, which provides insights into the life and culture of other countries. At UC Davis, the Internship and Career Center assists students in obtaining legislative, legal, and business internships. In addition, the UC Davis Washington Center and UC Center Sacramento arrange internships and run a full-credit academic program in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento respectively with a full range of opportunities for International Relations majors (see also UC Washington Center (UCDC). International Relations graduates are prepared for employment in government agencies (such as the Foreign Service), state agencies, international or non-governmental organizations (such as the United Nations), foundations, and companies having interests in international business, trade, or finance. The stringent language requirement of the major program enhances career prospects in jobs that demand knowledge of the language and culture of other countries.
International Relations Abroad
International Relations strongly encourages all students to participate in the UC Education Abroad Program; those who choose to study Track IV, Peoples and Nationalities, must study or work abroad for a minimum of one quarter. A maximum of five courses taken abroad may be applied toward the International Relations major. Courses are selected in consultation with an advisor for the Department of Political Science.
Major Advisor
Contact the Department of Political Science.
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