INTLR-BA - International Relations (BA)

The Program in International Relations (IR) offers an interdisciplinary undergraduate major, minor, and honors program allowing students to explore how global, regional, and domestic factors influence relations between actors in the modern state system. IR majors pursue a course of study in world politics that includes classes in political science, economics, history, environmental policy, languages, and other fields. IR majors may focus on a range of issues including international security, international trade and finance, political and economic development, human rights and humanitarian policy, democratization, climate change, global health as well as the politics, history, and cultures of other countries and world regions. All IR majors must spend at least one quarter studying abroad and achieve high proficiency (through second-year college level) in a foreign language. The IR major prepares students for careers in the government, nongovernment, and private sectors, and for admission into graduate programs, including law, international policy, business, political science, economics, and journalism.

Suggested Preparation for the Major

Prospective International Relations majors are advised to consider any introductory seminar taught by International Relations affiliated faculty through Stanford Introductory Studies. Students may also want to begin foreign language study. It would also be useful in the freshman and sophomore years complete an introductory economics and/or statistical methods/data science course, both of which are core requirements for the major.

Declaring the Major

Students interested in majoring in International Relations are encouraged to declare during their sophomore year, but no later than the beginning of their junior year to ensure timely completion of the program. They are urged to discuss their plans with the undergraduate Student Services Officer or peer advisors as early as possible. To declare the major, students must fill out the Declaration of Major in Axess; choose a faculty advisor; and submit a completed Major Declaration Packet to the Program in International Relations Office or the IR Student Services Officer. It is recommended that students meet with their faculty advisor at least once per academic year to discuss progress towards degree completion; however, quarterly meetings are highly encouraged.

Upon approval, a maximum of 15 non-Stanford units may be applied to the major for credit.

The program expects IR majors to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

1. Core knowledge necessary to understand contemporary world politics.


2. Ability to analyze international issues and draw correct inferences using qualitative and/or quantitative analysis.


3. Ability to write and communicate ideas clearly and persuasively.


4. Ability to evaluate theory and critique research within the discipline.