Online Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
This Bachelor of Arts in international relations program explores the fundamentals of global politics ranging from diplomacy to international affairs. In your courses, you'll explore topics such as conflict and trade to gain an understanding of how the world functions politically. Upon completing this program, graduates can pursue careers in international companies, academia or nonprofit organizations.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/13/2025
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
Prepare for careers in a world of increasing global interconnectedness
As an international relations major, you’ll gain an understanding of the complexity of global affairs and build the necessary skills to overcome challenges. Upon graduation, you’ll be proficient in developing and conveying solutions to decision-makers in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to take Policy Design Studio and play the role of a U.S. embassy official addressing global events as they happen under the guidance of a former ambassador.
What you’ll learn in this program
In this program, you’ll learn from faculty experts and policy practitioners about various aspects of international relations ranging from security and intelligence to international trade and law. You’ll practice writing concise, action-driven writing for decision-makers, critical reasoning and argumentation and analyzing global trends. Alongside your courses, you’ll have opportunities to exercise these skills in internships, fellowships and other professional opportunities. Additionally, you’ll gain valuable transferable skills, including:
- Analysis.
- Communication.
- Problem-solving.
- Research.
- Team-based collaboration.
Upon graduation, you’ll be a competent professional with a comprehensive understanding of the political and legal systems as they relate to international relations.
What are the differences between this BA and a BS in international relations?
The major differences between the BA and BS international relations programs fall within their required coursework. As a student in the BA program, you won’t be required to take the additional four courses required for the BS program including Political Statistics, an extra upper division track elective, and two science and society courses. Instead, you’ll complete a language course requirement that isn’t required in the BS curriculum.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
International relations courses
In this program, you’ll complete courses that cover fundamental topics of international relations such as globalization, foreign policy analysis and global affairs. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to take elective courses such as Do You Want To Build A Nation?, where you can practice functions, legitimacy, moral basis and foreign relations of a hypothetical nation-state.
The jobs you could get with an international relations degree
Upon graduating from this program, you can pursue a range of positions within international relations such as intelligence officer, foreign service officer and policy analyst. You’ll also be an ideal candidate for higher education programs and advanced career pathways in policy or law school. Additional career examples include, but aren’t limited to:
Business Intelligence Analyst
Climate Change Analyst
Intelligence Officer
Lawyer
Military Officer
Operations Research Analyst
Political Science Professor
Public Relations Manager (PR Manager)
Regulatory Affairs Manager
Learn from faculty experts in international relations
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
Learn from faculty experts in international relations
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
The largest and most diverse college at ASU
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.
23
interdisciplinary schools and departments.
25,500+
currently enrolled students.
$170 million
in research expenditures in 2022.
100+
undergraduate degrees.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
