International Relations - B.A. Download to print

The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations is the largest interdisciplinary program in the College of Arts and Sciences. Its curriculum provides a well-rounded education for students interested in global issues and the challenge of advanced foreign language coursework. The study of Spanish, French, German, Russian, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese or Italian is coupled with a broad exposure to the social sciences and humanities approaches to the problems facing the modern world, including human rights, economic development, ethnic conflicts and the role of supranational organizations. Students have the opportunity to study abroad and participate in internships with international organizations through Kent State’s Semester Abroad in Geneva, Switzerland.

While the best known career opportunity for students in International Relations is diplomacy, graduates find employment in many other fields.  A variety of governmental organizations, such as the Departments of State, Commerce, Defense and Homeland Security and national intelligence and security agencies, seek out students with training in International Relations. 

International organizations, such as the United Nations and its affiliated agencies, similarly desire employees with the broad background a baccalaureate degree in International Relations provides.  Non-governmental organizations with interests in refugee assistance, economic development, fair trade, human rights and immigration regularly hire students with an International Relations degree.

Private sector positions are available in financial, research and lobbying firms and in multi-national corporations with business interests around the globe.

Recent graduates with degrees in International Relations often apply to serve in the Peace Corps, an agency of the United States government, which provides economic and social development assistance to developing countries and their citizens around the world.  International organizations and corporations often seek out individuals who have had this worthwhile and rewarding experience abroad.

The undergraduate International Relations degree also prepares students for the rigors of graduate school in a wide range of areas including international affairs, political science, public policy, economic development and business management.  Additionally many graduates go on to pursue law degrees with a focus on international law.

General Admissions for Freshman Students: Admission Requirements at the Kent Campus: The freshman admission policy at the Kent Campus is selective. Admission decisions are based upon the following: cumulative grade point average, ACT and/or SAT scores, strength of high school college preparatory curriculum and grade trends.

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago. For more information on admissions, visit the admissions website for new freshmen.
 

For more information about admission criteria for transfer, transitioning and former students, please visit the admissions website.

Minimum 120 total credit hours and 42 upper-division credit hours. Minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA and 2.000 major GPA.

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a basic understanding of economics, politics, geography and history.
2. Have a minimum of fifth-semester proficiency in one modern foreign language specialization.