​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Program Description

There are more than 190 nations around the globe, each of them with a different set of political, cultural and economic systems and ideals. Learn how to navigate the delicate world of diplomacy in a growing and ever-changing global economy with a major in international relations. You will gain a better understanding of significant issues facing the international community and individual nations and learn to think critically, analytically and diplomatically.​

Points of Pride

  • CMU students have earned a number of awards, including “Distinguished Delegation,” at international simulations of the United Nations, which feature students from around the world.

Put Your Degree to Work

After completing our international relations program, you will be ready for a career in international governmental and nongovernmental agencies, international private business, the U.S. Foreign Service, teaching and research. Career options can range from policy analyst to law enforcement special agent.

​U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sample data

JobMedian PayJob Growth through ​2024
Attorney$115,820 per year6% (43,800 new jobs)
Public affairs director$104,140 per year7% (4,700 new jobs)
Political scientist$99,730 per year-2% (100 fewer jobs)

For More Information

Visit the international relations website or contact:

David Jesuit
Anspach Hall 238
Email: jesui1dk@cmich.edu
Phone: 989-774-2795

Program Overview

The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires. For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.

(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)

International Relations Major

An International Relations major consists of 33 hours. A minimum of 15 hours of course work must be at the 300 level or above. No more than 15 credits may be double counted with the Political Science Minor. Courses taken on a Credit/No Credit basis may not be counted toward majors or minors in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, with the following exceptions: internship (PSC 395), practicums (PSC 393 & 394) and lab course (PSC 355). In the case of these exceptions, no more than three credits total may be applied to the major or minor. Majors and minors in International Relations should enroll in PSC 150 as freshmen (see course description). Transfer students majoring in International Relations will be expected to take at least 15 hours of coursework in the department; transfer minors, 12 hours. It is recommended that all International Relations majors enroll in PSC 280QR during their sophomore year. Any regular faculty member in the department can serve as the student's advisor on a major or minor. Internships: The department has established an internship program where students are provided relevant firsthand work experience. The duration of an internship can vary depending on the number of credit hours (1-12) taken. Students majoring in International Relations are allowed to count three internship credit hours toward their major.
Total: 33 semester hours Note: A minimum of 15 hours of PSC and/or PAD course work must be at the 300 level or above.
Required Courses
(15 hours)
PSC 150
Introduction to International Relations
3
PSC 242
Introduction to Comparative Politics
3
PSC 280QR
Introduction to Empirical Methods of Political Research
3
PSC 375
Modern Ideologies
3
PSC 551
Seminar in International Relations
3
Other Requirement
(3 hours)
Select one of the following:
PSC 340
African Political Systems and Processes
3
PSC 341
Comparative Politics: Eastern Europe
3
PSC 343
Southeast Asian Political Systems and Processes
3
PSC 344
East Asian Political Systems and Processes
3
PSC 345
Middle Eastern Political Systems
3
PSC 346
The Politics of Islam
3
PSC 347
Comparative Politics: Western Europe
3
PSC 348
Latin American Political Systems
3
PSC 370
Gurus, Avatars, and Nukes: South Asian Politics
3
PSC 515
Comparative Public Policy
3
PSC 540
Cultural Heritage and Politics of Eastern Europe
3
Electives
(15 hours)
Select 15 hours of PSC and/or PAD courses. OR Select one of the following certificates: Undergraduate Certificate - Global Governance and Advocacy Undergraduate Certificate - Governance of Nations Undergraduate Certificate - International Security Studies A student earning a certificate must choose courses different than those chosen to fulfill the major required courses. Up to 6 hours of course work from one certificate may be used to fulfill requirements in another certificate in the department. Although the major may be combined with any of the certificates, students pursuing the major in international relations are advised to consider choosing one from among the list above .