Majoring in International Relations
Becoming a global citizen is an essential part of being a Connecticut College student. As an international relations major, you will have the tools to understand and tackle critical problems like terrorism, ethnic strife and global warming. You study international politics, foreign policy, comparative politics, international economics, history and a foreign language. Within the major, you focus on a specific area, such as foreign policy analysis, international political economy, the politics of development, environmental politics, security studies, human rights, regional politics or ethnic conflict.
International opportunities and study abroad
Most international relations majors study abroad for a semester. Some take advantage of a semester-long Study Away Teach Away (SATA) program, in which a small group of students and one or two Connecticut College professors go abroad together. Other opportunities include a College-funded summer internship abroad or a one- to three-week trip for a specific course. In the past, students have explored renewable energy in Spain, pollution in Martinique, and the issues of race and ethnicity across borders.
Special opportunities
Many international relations majors choose to double major, often in economics, history or a foreign language. You can also choose an Integrative Pathway, such as Global Capitalism or Peace and Conflict, or pursue a certificate from one of the College's interdisciplinary academic centers, which allow you to enhance your major with one of four concentrations: international studies, environmental studies, art and technology or public policy and community action.
