International Relations

The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations at the University of Southern California offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in the key aspects of global affairs, diplomacy, international conflict, economic development, and cultural interactions. This program is designed for students who are passionate about understanding the complex mechanisms that govern international relations and who wish to play an active role in addressing global challenges in a rapidly changing world.

Throughout their undergraduate studies, students will engage with a diverse curriculum that combines political science, history, economics, anthropology, and foreign languages. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of international systems, empowering graduates to pursue careers in diplomacy, international organizations, policy analysis, non-governmental organizations, journalism, and academia. The program also encourages experiential learning through internships, study abroad opportunities, and research projects, giving students practical insights into international affairs and preparing them for professional success.

Faculty members are experts in their fields, specializing in areas such as international security, human rights, global governance, and regional studies. Students benefit from a vibrant academic community that fosters rigorous debate, interdisciplinary perspectives, and innovative approaches to solving global issues. Additionally, USC’s strategic location in Los Angeles offers unique opportunities for engagement with international businesses, consulates, and cultural institutions, enriching students’ educational experience and professional networks.

Graduates of the USC International Relations program are well-equipped with the knowledge, skills, and global perspective necessary to contribute meaningfully to international policy, development, and diplomacy. Whether pursuing further graduate education or entering the workforce, students leave the program prepared to be informed, responsible, and effective global citizens. The program’s commitment to academic excellence, experiential learning, and global engagement makes it an ideal choice for students dedicated to making a positive impact on the world stage.

Business Requirements

• BUAD 280L Introduction to Financial Accounting Units: 3
• BUAD 281L Introduction to Managerial Accounting Units: 3
• BUAD 302 Communication Strategy in Business Units: 4
• BUAD 304 Organizational Behavior and Leadership Units: 4
• BUAD 306 Business Finance Units: 4
• BUAD 307 Marketing Fundamentals Units: 4
• BUAD 310g Applied Business Statistics Units: 4
• BUAD 311 Operations Management Units: 4
• BUAD 425 Data Analysis for Decision Making Units: 2
• BUAD 497 Strategic Management Units: 4
• ECON 351x Microeconomics for Business Units: 4
• ECON 352gx Macroeconomics for Business Units: 4
• MATH 118gx Fundamental Principles of Calculus Units: 4 *

• or MATH 125g Calculus I Units: 4 **

• Electives-300- or 400-level ACCT, BAEP, non-core BUAD, BUCO, FBE, DSO, MKT or MOR Units: 12

Total business units: 60

Note:

*Placement into MATH 118 is contingent on successful completion of MATH 117 or obtaining an acceptable score on the math placement exam. The MATH 118 requirement may be waived with an AP Calculus AB or BC score of 4 or higher, or an IB math score of 5 or higher.
**A-level mathematics examination scores of A or B may receive subject credit for MATH 125. Eligible students should speak with their academic adviser for additional information.

International Relations Requirements

• IR 210gw International Relations: Introductory Analysis Units: 4

International Political Economy Courses (4 units)

• IR 324 Multinational Enterprises and World Politics Units: 4
• IR 325 North-South Relations in the Global Economy Units: 4
• IR 326 U.S. Foreign Economic Policy Units: 4
• IR 330 Politics of the World Economy Units: 4

International Relations Regional Courses (8 units)

• IR 333 China in International Affairs Units: 4
• IR 345 Russian and Post-Soviet Foreign Policy Units: 4
• IR 360 International Relations of the Pacific Rim Units: 4
• IR 361 South and Southeast Asia in International Affairs Units: 4
• IR 362 The International Relations of the Contemporary Middle East Units: 4
• IR 363 Middle East Political Economy Units: 4
• IR 364 The Political Economy of Latin American Development Units: 4
• IR 365 Politics and Democracy in Latin America Units: 4
• IR 367 Africa in International Affairs Units: 4
• IR 369 Post-War European Relations Units: 4
• IR 383 Third World Negotiations Units: 4
• IR 385 European Foreign Policy and Security Issues Units: 4
• IR 439 Political Economy of Russia and Eurasia Units: 4
• IR 442 Japanese Foreign Policy Units: 4
• IR 465 Contemporary Issues in United States-Latin America Relations Units: 4
• IR 468 European Integration Units: 4

International Relations Electives (8 units)

Choose two from the list below or the two lists immediately above:

• IR 305w Managing New Global Problems Units: 4
• IR 306 International Organizations Units: 4
• IR 310 Peace and Conflict Studies Units: 4
• IR 315 Ethnicity and Nationalism in World Politics Units: 4
• IR 316 Gender and Global Issues Units: 4
• IR 323 Politics of Global Environment Units: 4
• IR 327 International Negotiation Units: 4
• IR 341 Foreign Policy Analysis Units: 4
• IR 344 Developing Countries in World Politics Units: 4
• IR 381 Introduction to International Security Units: 4
• IR 382w Order and Disorder in Global Affairs Units: 4
• IR 402 Theories of War Units: 4
• IR 427 Seminar on Economics and Security Units: 4
• IR 444w Theories of Global Society Units: 4
• IR 483 War and Diplomacy: The U.S. in World Affairs Units: 4

Total international relations units: 24

Total program units: 84

• Common App Writing Supplement: Essay and Short Answer questions
• Transcripts: First-year applicants should submit official transcripts of all high school and college coursework completed.
• Official Test Scores: Arrange for the testing agency to send your SAT or ACT scores directly to USC.
• School Report: All first-year applicants are required to submit the Common Application School Report by providing the name and e-mail address of a recommender.
• Letter of Recommendation from a Teacher or a Counselor
• Portfolio, resumé and/or additional writing samples: if required by major. Performance majors may also require auditions. 
• Submit your fall grades (when available): Use the Mid-Year Report Form included in the Common Application or visit www.usc.edu/midyeargrades to submit your fall grades.
• Financial Statement of Personal or Family Support
• TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic scores, if the student’s native language is not English.

Scholarships

• Mork Family Scholarship
• Stamps Leadership Scholarships
• Trustee 
• International Freshman Academic
• USC Associates
• Deans
• Leadership

The University of Southern California offers a comprehensive program in International Relations designed to prepare students for the complexities of global affairs. This program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical experiences to equip graduates with a deep understanding of political, economic, cultural, and social factors that influence international interactions. Students in this program have the opportunity to explore diverse topics such as international law, global security, diplomacy, human rights, international development, and foreign policy analysis. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and effective communication, which are essential for careers in government, NGOs, international organizations, or private sector multinational companies.

The program often encourages students to engage in study abroad opportunities and internships to gain firsthand experience of international contexts. USC’s location in Los Angeles enables students to connect with a vibrant hub of international diplomacy, business, and cultural exchange. Faculty members are distinguished scholars and practitioners with expertise across various disciplines related to international affairs, providing mentorship and guidance tailored to students’ interests and career aspirations.

Students can often choose specialized tracks or concentrations within the International Relations program, such as Security Studies, Global Commerce, or Human Rights. These tracks allow for a tailored educational experience aligned with specific professional goals. In addition to coursework, many programs incorporate simulations, model UN activities, and conferences to develop practical skills in negotiation and policy formulation.

Graduates of the International Relations program at USC are well-prepared for advanced study or immediate entry into professional fields such as international consulting, diplomatic service, policy analysis, international nonprofit organizations, or journalism on international issues. The program’s network of alumni and industry connections provides valuable resources and opportunities for career development. Overall, USC’s International Relations program aims to develop globally minded, culturally competent leaders capable of addressing current and future international challenges.