International Relations

The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations at the University of Maryland, College Park offers students a comprehensive understanding of the complex global landscape. This program is designed to develop students' analytical, research, and communication skills, enabling them to critically assess international issues and engage effectively in a variety of global contexts. Students will explore a broad range of topics, including international politics, global economics, foreign policy analysis, international organizations, security studies, human rights, and environmental challenges. The curriculum combines foundational courses in political science, economics, history, and cultural studies with specialized seminars that focus on regional studies and contemporary global issues.

Students have the opportunity to study abroad, participate in internships, and engage in research projects, preparing them for careers in government, international organizations, multinational corporations, non-governmental organizations, or further academic pursuits. The program emphasizes the development of cross-cultural understanding and diplomacy skills, fostering an awareness of the diverse perspectives that shape international relations. Faculty members are distinguished scholars and practitioners who bring real-world insights into the classroom, enriching the learning experience with their expertise.

Upon graduation, students will be well-equipped to analyze international events, understand the interconnectedness of global systems, and contribute to policy-making and problem-solving on an international scale. The BA in International Relations at the University of Maryland is ideal for students passionate about global affairs, interested in making a difference in the world, and committed to a rigorous academic journey that combines theory with practical application.

Students pursuing the International Relations Concentration are required to take nine courses as outlined below:

1. GVPT200: International Political Relations
2. GVPT280: Comparative Politics OR GVPT282: Politics of the Developing World
3. GVPT Course of Choice
4. GVPT Course of Choice 300/400 Level
5. IR or Comparative Course of Choice 300/400 Level
6. IR or Comparative Course of Choice 300/400 Level
7. IR or Comparative Course of Choice 300/400 Level
8. IR or Comparative Course of Choice 300/400 Level
9. IR or Comparative Course of Choice 300/400 Level

• In addition to GVPT100, GVPT170, and GVPT241, students must complete a minimum of 27 GVPT credits. At least 18 of these 27 GVPT credits must be at the upper level (300-400).
• No more than 42 GVPT credits can be applied toward the 120 credits that are required for graduation. GVPT 100 (Principles of Government and Politics), GVPT 170/171 (American Government) and GVPT 241 (Political Philosophy) are included in the 42 credit limit.
• No more than six GVPT experiential learning credits will apply toward the minimum of 36 GVPT credits. Only internship credit that is taken for a regular grading method in the GVPT department may be included in the minimum of 36 credits. Note most internship credit is pass/fail and does NOT count toward GVPT requirements. Internships counting for the IR Concentration must be related to international relations.
• At least 12 upper-level GVPT credits (4 upper-level courses of choice) must be completed at UMD.
• Please click here to find a sample list of courses by subfield.

Skills Requirement

The skills category comprises four requirements:

1. ECON 200
2. Entire level of elementary foreign language
3. Quantitative skills course
4. Intermediate foreign language

Students may not apply courses used to fulfill the skills category toward the supporting sequence nor apply the course used to fulfill the math gateway requirement toward the skills category. Click here for a complete list of approved skills requirement courses. 

1. Microeconomics

All students must complete ECON 200: Microeconomics.

2. Elementary Foreign Language

Students must complete a foreign language through the entire elementary level. Normally this requires three or four credits of study beginning with the initial elementary course. The entire elementary level in some languages requires twelve hours (e.g. ARAB, RUSS). Students may be exempt from the foreign language requirement if they have satisfied one of the following options:

a. High School Proficiency

Students who are proficient through the entire elementary level of a foreign language because of study in high school or from studying abroad may speak to a GVPT advisor about fulfillment of this requirement. Students must have completed level 3 of the same foreign language at high school level with a “C-” or better in all attempts to be exempt from this requirement. GVPT majors must demonstrate exemption by bringing an official high school transcript to the GVPT advising office no later than the semester in which they reach 90 credits. Students may also check with their GVPT advisor to see if they can access their transcript from their UMD application. *Note- Exemption from elementary foreign language from GVPT does not necessarily guarantee your placement into intermediate or advanced level of the language. Please contact the respective language departments for clarification on intermediate placement.

b. CLEP Foreign Language Exam

Students must complete one of the following language exams and earn the corresponding score to be exempted from this requirement. GVPT majors must demonstrate exemption by having their CLEP scores sent to the University of Maryland. The exam score must be posted to the student's record no later than the semester in which they reach 90 credits.

• EXAM and Score:
• French Language, Level 2 - 67
• German Language, Level 2 - 58
• Spanish Language, Level 2 - 71

Proficiency in language level II will satisfy the Language Skills Requirement at the elementary level for the Government and Politics major. Please note no credit is awarded. This test is only used to determine a student's proficiency of the language. For additional information you can contact the CLEP Administrator in the Counseling Center, Room 0106A Shoemaker Hall (301) 314-7688.

c. Proficiency Exam through a Private Agency

Students may have a proficiency exam administered by a private source. GVPT majors must submit a signed and sealed letter documenting that he/she is proficient at the elementary level or higher of a given foreign language. Students should contact the appropriate language department for suggestions on where to go for a proficiency test.

3. Quantitative Skills Requirement

This requirement is designed to insure that our students graduate with an introduction to rigorous skills in argumentation, reasoning, and statistical inference. Student may choose a quantitative course from an approved list. 

4. Intermediate Foreign Language Course

Students must complete the first course in an intermediate foreign language. Placement levels are determined by the foreign language placement test and may require the completion of the necessary prerequisite introductory foreign language course(s). 

Requirements

• Nonrefundable application fee of $75
• Two letters of recommendation are required for a completed application: one from your school counselor and one from a teacher. Recommendations must be sent to us directly from the recommender.
• Official copy of your high school transcripts
• Where appropriate, include official results and certificates of completion from national secondary school examinations such as GCSE/GCE, CBSE national and regional, CXC/CSEC and WAEC. Transcripts must be sent in the native language with a certified English translation.
• The SAT or the ACT is required.
• If neither the SAT nor the ACT is available in your country, submit a written request for a waiver of this requirement with your application. Applicants who don’t submit some form of official standardized testing may be at a competitive disadvantage.
• Activities and awards list or resume
• If English is not your native language—regardless of your citizenship—you must have an official report of your scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at the address below by the appropriate application deadline. The Office of Undergraduate Admissions will consider all materials submitted in the application package to determine your level of English proficiency.

BSOS College Scholarships

• Irv & Micki Goldstein Scholarship Award
• Jean & Robert Steele Scholarship Award
• Katherine Pedro & Robert S. Beardsley Scholarship Award
• The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences Scholarship Award
• The Montgomery Family Endowed Scholarship Award
• Murray E. Polakoff Scholarship Award
• Gregory F. Ball Scholarship Award

The University of Maryland, College Park offers a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations through the School of Public Policy and the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. This program is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the political, economic, and social factors that influence international affairs. Students gain knowledge in areas such as international politics, security studies, global economics, and diplomatic history, preparing them for careers in government, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, or private sector entities involved in international trade and diplomacy. The curriculum includes core courses in international relations theory, comparative politics, and international law, as well as specialized electives that allow students to focus on regions like Asia, Europe, or the Middle East, or thematic areas such as global development or environmental policy.

Students are encouraged to participate in internships, study abroad programs, and research projects to gain practical experience and global perspectives. The university’s location near Washington D.C. offers unique opportunities for engagement with policy think tanks, government agencies, and international institutions. Graduates of this program are well-equipped with analytical, research, and communication skills, which are essential for success in related fields. Additionally, the program emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural competence, and ethical considerations, enabling students to navigate complex global issues responsibly. The University of Maryland also offers minors, certificates, and advanced degree pathways for those interested in further specialization in international relations or related disciplines. Overall, the program aims to develop informed global citizens who can contribute thoughtfully to international policy and diplomacy.