International Relations is an interdisciplinary degree drawn from courses in Economics, International Business, Political Science and History. The degree provides a broad understanding of world affairs and competence for entry-level positions in the field. It is also suitable for entrance into law school or graduate school.

B.A. Degree with Major in International Relations - 128 semester hours

University Core Curriculum

Fine Arts (6 hours)
FA 1101, 1102, and 1103 Introduction to Fine Arts, plus 3 hours chosen from approved Art, Drama or Music courses.

English and Communication (15 hours)
EN 1311 Rhetoric and Composition (or EN 1313 for ESL students), plus 6 hours of 2000-level courses and EN 3300 Advanced Composition.
Speech (SE): 3 hours chosen from approved courses.

Languages (6-12 hours)
Sophomore-level competency in a modern foreign language: French, German, Japanese, Portuguese or Spanish (2312 or 2318). International students whose mother tongue is not English may substitute 6 hours in American studies. This is automatically included within the International Relations curriculum. Students who wish to attempt to CLEP a foreign language must do so before the junior year.

Sciences, Math and Computer Literacy (12-15 hours)
3 hours in Mathematics (MT). Students must pass the Math Proficiency Test or MT 0301 without credit before taking any MT requirement. MT credit may not be transferred in from another college after enrollment at St. Mary's. 9 hours in sciences, to include both biological and physical sciences. EG 2300, High Technology and Society, is recommended.
Computer Literacy may be satisfied by (1) passing a proficiency test given by the Computer Science Department; or (2) taking PO 2310, Political Research Methodology or CS1301, CS1302, and CS1303 (instead of CS1300).

The following are all required of IR majors:

Social Sciences (18 hours)
EC 2301 Introductory Macroeconomic Theory
EC 2303 Introductory Microeconomic Theory
HS 1302 United States since 1877
HS 1352 World Civilization since 1650, or HS 1303, Introduction to Latin America
PO 1311 American National Government
PO 1314 Understanding Politics

Synoptic Studies (15 hours)
Philosophy: PL 1310 From Experience to Meaning; 3 hours of ethics; and 3 hours chosen from advanced courses.
Theology: TH 2301 Theological Foundations; plus 3 hours from approved 3000-level courses.

International Relations Major (24 hours)

The IR major requires 24 hours of courses beyond the Social Sciences Core, in Economics, History, International Relations and Political Science. Selected International Business courses and AN 2331 Cultural Anthropology, also apply. EC 3310 and IR 5399 are required courses. At least one course in EC or IB, PO and HS must be part of the major.

The Economics courses are to be chosen from
EC 3310 International Economics (required of all IR majors)
EC 3302 World Economic Geography
EC 3311 Growth and Development
EC 3315 Inter-American Economic Problems
EC 3340 Public Sector Economics

The HS courses may be chosen from
HS 3347 History of American Foreign Policy
HS 3348 World War II
all 4000 and 5000-level courses

The PO courses may be chosen from PO 3360-3367 and PO 4468-4370 and PO 5000 courses IR 5399 Senior Colloquium

The remainder of the student's courses may be used to fulfill a minor or double major or to explore areas of interest. IR majors who wish to take a second major in Economics, History or Political Science must fulfill all the requirements of that Department for their major. No more than 6 hours may be applied to both majors.

Majors are encouraged to take an internship, either overseas or with an appropriate agency in the United States. No more than 9 hours of internship credit can be applied to any degree.