Educating Global Citizens and Leaders

International Relations Undergraduate Program

In order to tackle the complex challenges of our time—issues like climate change, human rights, pandemics, reproductive health, diplomacy and security, to name a few—we need leaders with a global perspective and who understand how to drive meaningful action in a range of contexts.

At Maxwell, you’ll explore international relations from many angles in order to develop an adaptable set of analytic, cultural and linguistic skills to prepare you for careers in the international arena. By integrating a wide range of knowledge and experiences—blending coursework with practical and experiential learning—you'll discover how the world is shaped by governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations and social movements.

75%

of international relations majors complete at least one semester away from campus

57%

of international relations majors choose to add a second major

66%

of Maxwell faculty conduct research outside of the United States

Global perspectives. Global impact.

B.A. in International Relations

The B.A. in international relations entails a rigorous–yet highly flexible–course of study, drawing on courses from across all of the social science departments, and with ample opportunity for study abroad, internships, participation in faculty-led research projects, and membership on the Model United Nations team, among many other possibilities.

Minor in Global Political Economy

The interdisciplinary global political economy (GPE) minor is designed to help students explore the dimensions and implications of globalization and international economics in contemporary international relations.

Minor in Global Security Studies

The interdisciplinary global security studies (GSS) minor draws on the Maxwell School's world-class social science disciplines to help students explore the dimensions of security, conflict and conflict resolution in contemporary international relations.

Career Paths and Resources

Maxwell's interdisciplinary international relations program will help you develop a global mindset and prepare you for a meaningful career in business, government or nonprofit organizations. See the range of exciting career paths that are open to IR majors and minors.

International Relations Learning Community (IRLC)

First-year students interested in international relations are invited to join this co-curricular academic and residential community. Focused discussions, workshops and activities bring awareness to international issues and resources. Students take the introductory international relations course together in the fall and are assigned an upperclass student to serve as a peer mentor. Peer mentors share knowledge gained through study abroad, internships, elective coursework, team competitions and more.

Photo credit: IRLC Oxfam Hunger Banquet, Fernando Garcia-Franceschini, The Newshouse

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Study Abroad or in Washington, D.C.

My time abroad and in Washington, D.C., strengthened my linguistic skills and interest exploring the realms of diplomacy.”

Derek Gutierrez ’21

B.A. in international relations; Airborne Cryptologic Language Analyst, U.S. Air Force

Learn more about the undergraduate semester in Washington

Visit Syracuse Abroad

It all started here - Model UN

Almost a century ago, a Maxwell faculty member turned a top-of-the-head idea into a student exercise in diplomacy—and basically invented Model UN. Today, Maxwell's Model UN Team regularly receives top honors at competitions in NYC and Washington, D.C.

Maxwell Model UN students in Eggers Hall

Maxwell’s Model UN team earns top honors at national competition

Maxwell’s MUN Team regularly receives honors for its participation, most recently being named “Distinguished Delegation” in Washington, D.C., in 2017 and “Distinguished Delegation” in New York City in 2018.

Student David Barbier pictured with AMC Networks CEO Josh Sapan

David Barbier, Jr. ’23 earns competive Ubben Posse Fellowship

The award includes a $10,000 stipend and a summer internship, working closely with an industry leader. A double major in international relations and television, radio and film (Newhouse), Barbier spent the summer shadowing AMC Networks CEO Josh Sapan.

Alessandro Pugliese speaks at City of Florence welcome event

International Relations major picked to speak at City of Florence welcome event

Alessandro Pugliese was enjoying his third trip to Florence with Syracuse Abroad when asked to speak. He is working on a project using calcio (soccer) as a tool to help with migrants’ integration into Italian society.

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Journal Article

Feb 23, 2023

The Politics of Engagement with North Korea

East Asia , Education , International Affairs , United States

School News

Jan 13, 2023

Maxwell Students, Faculty Among SOURCE and Honors Grant Recipients

Grant Awards , Student Experience

School News

Dec 9, 2022

Maxwell Student Delegation Honored at Model UN Conference

Awards & Honors , Foreign Policy , International Affairs , International Governmental Organizations , Russia , Student Experience

School News

Dec 7, 2022

Trip Inspires Business Venture for Maxwell Alums

Civil Rights , Latin America & the Caribbean , Sustainability