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International Relations Major

Bachelor of Arts

With an international relations major, you’ll explore political science, business, economics, and history while gaining skills to excel in careers domestically and abroad.

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Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a B.A. in International Relations, you’ll explore world issues in an interdisciplinary degree that allows you to explore political science, business, economics, and history. As our world is increasingly globalized, you’ll gain the skills to be a professional who pursues answers to world issues to help organizations and businesses succeed. You'll learn why some countries thrive while others fail, and you'll study the history of human rights while working on the puzzles of economic development among the poorest countries on the planet.

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☰ In This Section

Why should I study international relations at Bethel?

Here, you’ll find a Christ-centered learning community where you belong. Your learning will center in the Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science—often called the HiPPos—where you’ll learn from professors who get to know you personally and will invest in your success.

Faith-fueled learning
As you learn and gain skills, you’ll approach world issues from a Christian perspective with the help of faculty and your fellow students.

Flexibility
Bethel's international relations major is flexible and fairly small, and the study of international relations pairs well with almost any other major at Bethel.

A community where you belong
You’ll learn in a welcoming community of intellectually curious students and professors who will invest in your success. You’ll enjoy small class sizes, close connections with faculty, and an emphasis on learning abroad.

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

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Courses and skills

What skills will I develop?

By majoring in international relations, you’ll develop the skills to be a well-rounded person, not just a well-rounded student. And you’ll experience a variety of great courses where you’ll explore big questions and apply them to modern issues.

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A strong base

As you study international relations, you’ll become well-versed in history and contemporary world politics and issues.

Modern preparation

As you expand your knowledge, you’ll explore how to live in the present day, how to interact with current issues, and how you can serve your community and world.

A business mindset

You’ll forge a foundation in business as you learn to interpret economic data and make plans for your future.

Skills for any career

You’ll develop strong critical thinking, clear and persuasive writing, creative problem-solving, and excellent communication that will help you in nearly any job—and graduate school.

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Academic plans

Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.

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Learning opportunities

What experiences will I have?

Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.

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Study abroad

As an international relations major, you’ll study abroad at least once over a full semester, January session, spring break, or summer. Recent students have studied in The United Kingdom, China, India, Egypt, Israel, Belgium, and New Zealand. Study for a semester at a university in another country. Recent students have studied in Chile, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and Lithuania. Many students study abroad more than once.

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Internships

You'll have the opportunity to intern in government, at think tanks, and in nonprofit agencies in the Twin Cities and abroad. Several students each semester also work for the department as a teaching assistants. You’ll have the chance to conduct research with professors through programs like Edgren Scholars and summer research projects.

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Clubs and activities

You can participate in Bethel’s Model United Nations program (BUMUN); Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honorary; and United Cultures of Bethel, and many more clubs and organizations.

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Real-world impact

What can I do with an international relations degree?

As you study international relations, you’ll become the person you’re meant to be and become equipped for a life of purpose in almost any field.

Politics

You’ll be equipped to work as a Foreign Service officer with the State Department, in state legislatures, and in a variety of political jobs.

Service

You’ll gain the skills and connections to serve others and strive for change at nonprofits and other organizations.

Business

You’ll be able to use your skills as a business associate for companies like Target and Cargill.

Education

If you’re interested in teaching, you can pair your major with an education degree or pursue a graduate degree in teaching or education.

Law

You can earn a minor in pre-law and receive academic advising to help you prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

Graduate school

You’ll be prepared to take to continue your studies at top graduate schools. Our graduates consistently score well on graduate school entrance exams.

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Start your journey

Explore Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.

Schedule a visit

Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible and usually have an open-door policy so you can stop by with questions, and you’ll often find students gathered in the “HiPPos Suite.”

Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science

Location

Clausen Center (CC) 429

Contact

Andrew Bramsen

Chris Gehrz

Professor of History