Welcome to International Relations at SFSU
International Relations prepares students with knowledge and critical skills to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world. Our programs draw from a variety of disciplines and methods to study global issues and the interactions of governments, global institutions and social movements worldwide.
What is International Relations?
International Relations is concerned with relations across boundaries of nation-states. It addresses international political economy, global governance, intercultural relations, national and ethnic identities, foreign policy analysis, development studies, environment, international security, immigration, diplomacy, terrorism, media, social movements and more. It is a multidisciplinary field that won’t restrict you to one approach. You’ll employ a variety of methods including discourse analysis, statistics and comparative and historical analysis.
International Relations is becoming increasingly relevant as the world grows more and more interconnected through trade and commerce, migration, AI and social media, and concerns grow about pressing global environmental problems.
A globalized world calls for academics and professionals trained to comprehend these complex interactions — promoting understanding and crafting policy and business solutions to meet the challenges of today and the future. International Relations offers a comprehensive and adaptable toolkit particularly well suited to employment in a rapidly changing world.
Whether you are looking to start or develop your professional career, enter academia, or simply gain understanding of a globalized world, International Relations at SFSU will provide you with a solid platform of critical knowledge and skills. We offer a wide selection of courses, taught by a diverse faculty with expertise in the most pressing issues and dynamic world regions today.
Our alumni can be found worldwide in nonprofit, private and government positions. These include the U.S. Department of State and other countries’ foreign ministries, the city and county of San Francisco and other local governments, U.S. intelligence agencies, nonprofit organizations in international development, human rights, international labor, environment, international migration and business. A significant number of our graduate students also pursue further professional and doctoral studies at high-ranking academic institutions around the world.
Our Programs
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- Minor
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- Minor
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- Undergraduate Certificate
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Global Peace, Human Rights and Justice Studies
- Minor
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- Major
- Accelerated Master's
- Minor
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- Master’s Degree
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- Undergraduate Certificate
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- Minor
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Middle East and Islamic Studies
- Minor
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- Undergraduate Certificate
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- Minor
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- Minor
Why Study International Relations at SFSU?
International Relations (IR) prepares you with knowledge and critical skills to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world. We draw from a variety of disciplines and methods to study global issues and the interactions of governments, global institutions and social movements worldwide.
A Pioneering Department
Our department — the first of its kind in the U.S. when established in 1936 — explores the interrelations of the world’s primary political and economic institutions, nation-states and social actors. We offer strong foundation courses in International Relations theories, providing an understanding of current debates in the field and why they matter.
IR is career-focused: We are the only program in the entire California State University system to be an affiliate of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs. This organization helps prepare students for graduate school and careers in international relations to transform into more effective agents of positive change.
In IR, you’ll study how global dynamics and trends affect specific countries and geographic regions. You will get to know their interconnections through political treaties, trade, migration, shared social, economic and ideological goals, and their hierarchies of power and wealth and other factors. Learn different theoretical approaches and become empowered to make your own career choices. Specialize in regions and themes of your choosing, taking advantage of electives to tailor the program to your interests, with regional minors and certificates to add to your qualifications!
In addition to our bachelor’s and master’s degrees (including a BA/MA Scholars track) we offer certificates in Migration and Refugee Studies and Global Health and International Risk Analysis. We also offer interdisciplinary minors in African Studies European Studies; Global Peace, Human Rights and Justice Studies; Latin American Studies; Middle East and Islamic Studies; South Asian Studies; and Persian Studies.
Engaged Faculty
The diversity of our faculty in academic specializations, as well as in national origin reflects the diversity of the IR field and the world. Majority of our IR faculty are award-winning teachers and world-wide renown scholars who mentor and publish with their students.
Our curriculum is under constant review to reflect global and regional trends. Students can meet most lower and upper division General Education requirements in the major and graduate rapidly. IR prepares students with writing, research, analysis and communication skills that open doors to diverse career pathways.
Exceptional Careers
An International Relations degree provides a great advantage for a successful career in a world that is more globalized every day. International Relations is a versatile field of study amenable to your areas of interest. IR alumni find jobs in international organizations, governments, non-profits and international business.
Our alumni have achieved great success in a variety of positions across the world in international organizations, foreign services, nonprofits and national and local governments.
From Our Community
Whether you’re a freshman or a transfer considering going with the International Relations Department here at SF State, you’re getting a great bang for your buck of being able to gain the experience and the knowledge that you want.