International Relations

This major prepares individuals for careers or graduate coursework that will require a deep and nuanced understanding of the cultural, economic and political forces driving contemporary global issues and relations among societies.

Contact the Office of Admissions

One University Parkway High Point, NC 27268

Undergraduate Admissions Campus Map Faculty & Staff International Relations

(800) 345-6993

(336) 841-9216

(336) 888-6382

[email protected]

Daily from 8:30am — 5:00pm.

Faculty and Staff

Mark Setzler

Professor of Political Sciences and Director of International Relations Program

[email protected]

+1 (336) 841-9018

Martin Kifer

Chair and Professor of Political Science, Executive Director of the Survey Research Center

[email protected]

+1 (336) 841-9333

Samuel Whitt

Professor of Political Science

[email protected]

+1 (336) 841-9474

The major prepares individuals for careers or graduate coursework that will require a deep and nuanced understanding of the cultural, economic and political forces driving contemporary global issues and relations among societies. Students in the program work closely with a faculty comprised of regional, foreign language and international issue experts who collectively offer a remarkably broad variety of course and instructor choices. HPU students whose coursework has focused on international political and economic issues have gone onto successful careers in many different fields, including international business, law, economic analysis, secondary and higher education, political consulting, policy analysis, and in various other professions that require strong analytical, writing and intercultural skills.

Attend a school with a very strong track-record in placing HPU students in local offices for many different federal legislators in the area and in Washington
Gain the knowledge and experiences necessary to make a difference in the world
Study abroad for a term, learning about other societies while completing coursework in your major
Develop the critical research, writing and analytical skills to enter and thrive in international affairs graduate programs and professional settings
Form lifetime bonds with caring teacher-scholars who are committed to mentoring students throughout their undergraduate education and beyond
Build the skills and versatility to excel in private or public sector settings in the U.S. and abroad

Law
International Affairs
Economics
International Marketing
International Business
Political Science
International Security
Public Policy
International Development

High Point University has a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on survey research experience during their undergraduate career. The Survey Research Center (SRC) conducts high quality public affairs and social science research using a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods. Student work and ideas are at the core of the SRC’s approach to pursuing interdisciplinary research projects and communicating its findings to the public. The SRC’s High Point University Poll surveys people in North Carolina and beyond about crucial public affairs issues and reports the results as a public service. The Center also supports faculty and student professional development by managing and consulting on collaborative student-faculty research projects. The center has been featured on many main news channels such as ABC News, FoxNews, MSNBC, USA Today, New York Times and many more.

Course Requirements

Bachelor of Arts in International Relations

Degree Requirements	Credits
Major Requirements	36-44
University Core Requirements	36-44
Electives	30-38
Total	128

Requirements for B.A. in International Relations

Course	Course Title	Credits
ECO 2030	Principles of Macroeconomics	4
PSC 2019	Political Science Research Methods	4
PSC 2710	International Relations	4
Foreign language: 2020-level or higher. After fulfilling the University’s general educational requirement for foreign language, majors will complete at least four additional hours in the same language. At least one foreign language course must be taken at the Intermediate-II level or higher. Select two courses from the following list (8):
PSC/GBS 2510	Comparing Foreign Political Systems	4
ECO/GBS 3460	International Economics	4
ECO/GBS 4430	Comparative Economics	4
Select one course from the following list (4):
HST 1102	Foundations in Western Civilizations since the Enlightenment	4
HST 1401	Foundations of African History	4
HST 1501	Introduction to East Asian Civilization	4
HST 1601	Foundations of Latin American Civilization	4
HST 1701	Foundations of Middle Eastern History	4
Select two courses, outside of those taken to meet the requirements above, from the following list (8):
ECO/GBS 3460	International Economics	4
ECO/GBS 4430	Comparative Economics	4
HST 2103	The Second World War: A Global History	4
HST 2235	U.S. in the World: American Foreign Relations	4
HST 2602	Revolutionaries and Dictators: Modern Latin America	4
HST 2701	The Modern Middle East	4
HST 3107	The Age of Revolutions and the Birth of Modern Europe, 1815-1914	4
HST 3108	Europe in Crisis, 1914-1945	4
HST 3191	European Economic History	4
HST/GBS 3501	United States and East Asia	4
HST/GBS 3511	Revolutionary China	4
HST/PSC 3701	The United States and the Middle East Since 1945	4
HST 3702	The Arab-Israeli Conflict	4
PSC 3510	Latin American Politics	4
PSC 3511	Ethnic Politics	4
PSC 3512	Democracy, Development and Conflict	4
PSC 4099	Senior Seminar	4
PSC 4510	Democracy and Authoritarianism	4
PSC 4710	International Conflict and Security	4
PSC 4720	U.S. Foreign Policy	4
Select one of the following three options:

1. PSC 4099. Senior Seminar.

2. Four credits earned in INR 4810-4815 Student Internship. The internship must be undertaken in the junior or senior year, and credit is subject to departmental approval.

3. Four credits earned in the completion of a semester-long study abroad experience undertaken in the junior or senior year. The hours used to fulfill this requirement may not satisfy other requirements in the major.

Other Requirements:
1. At least three courses at the 3000-level or higher (at least one of these three must be at the 4000-level);

2. No more than four classes may count toward both a major in International Relations and Political Science;

3. International Relations majors may not minor in Political Science.

For additional program information, please contact Dr. Mark Setzler ([email protected])

Career Opportunities

Our typical program alumnus possesses at least intermediate-level proficiency in a foreign language, has studied abroad, is familiar with quantitative research methods, and has completed advanced coursework in several different disciplines. Not surprisingly, these graduates are well prepared to stand out in numerous fields. In recent years our alumni have been accepted into the Peace Corps, joined PRA International as a proposal analyst, been commissioned as an Air Force intelligence officer, become an intelligence analyst at AT&T, and gone to work for major financial institutions, including Deutsche Bank in Europe.

Nationally, most international relations graduates seeking a long-term career in foreign affairs will go on to seek highly specialized training at the graduate level. Many of our recent program alumni thus have headed directly to graduate and professional schools, pursuing advanced degrees in international affairs, economics, international marketing, law, international business, political science, international security, and international development. Students with degrees in international relations can enter careers as:

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Advertising Executive
Analyst
Archivist
Campaign Worker
Congressional Aide
Educators
History Teacher
International Security Analysts
Journalist
Lawyer and Consultant
Lobbyist
Managers in Various Firms
Officers in the Armed Forces
Peace Corps Volunteers
Professional Writers
Public Relations Staffer
Risk Analysts for Wall Street and International Firms
White House Aide

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Study Abroad

At High Point University, our emphasis on global perspectives is designed to provide students with opportunities to enhance their international awareness and to develop their cross-cultural communication skills. Study abroad is strongly encouraged as a part of this emphasis on global studies. With a variety of extraordinary options at some of the most prestigious universities in the world, students at High Point University are encouraged to study abroad as early as the summer after their freshman year. Employers are looking for more than just a degree; they want well-rounded individuals who have familiarity with diverse cultures, special skills, and knowledge of the world around them.

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