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Buffalo State University 26 courses 120 total credits
International relations (IR) focuses on understanding the interactions and interconnectedness of nation-states and other non-state participants in international affairs. IR practitioners investigate the crucial global issues and agendas of our times such as international and intrastate conflicts, sustainable development, terrorism, foreign policy, international trade and economic integration, international development, and the protection of human dignity. The IR program challenges students to think with diverse world views and intense study of current global events. The program equips students for future careers in foreign service, nonprofit work, international business, and global governance. It also offers training in foreign language skills, analytic empirical analysis skills, and international field experience either through an internship or a study-abroad program.
| General Education 23 Requirements | 33 credits |
| International Relations Major Requirements | 39 credits |
| All College Electives | 48 credits |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 credits |
Required Courses
Complete ALL of the following Courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSC 101 | Introduction to Government and Politics | 3 |
| PSC 104 | International Relations | 3 |
| PSC 203 | Political Analysis | 3 |
| PSC 204 | Political Statistics | 3 |
| PSC 352 | History of Political Thought II | 3 |
| PSC 399 | Research Skills | 3 |
| PSC 470 or PSC 488 | Senior Seminar or Internship | 3 |
| Total Required Courses | 21 credits | |
Area Studies Electives
Complete at least 1 of the following courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSC 240 | European Political Systems | 3 |
| PSC 333 | African International Relations | 3 |
| PSC 335 | International Relations of the Middle East | 3 |
| PSC 340 | Politics of Developing Countries | 3 |
| PSC 341 | Government, Politics, and Policies of the European Union | 3 |
| PSC 345 | Politics and History of the Middle East | 3 |
| GEG 300 | World Regional Geography | 3 |
| GEG 360 | Geography of Asia | 3 |
| Total Area Studies Electives | 3 credits | |
Major Electives
Complete at least 4 of the following courses:
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSC 210 | The American Presidency | 3 |
| PSC 305 | Environmental Policy | 3 |
| PSC 308 | International Organizations and International Law | 3 |
| PSC 330 | American Foreign Policy | 3 |
| PSC 337 | Politics of Globalization | 3 |
| PSC 344 | Comparative Democracy | 3 |
| PSC 430 | Un and Global Affairs | 3 |
| Total Major Electives | 12 credits | |
Foreign Language or Elective
Any 1XX or 2XX ARA, CHI, FRE, ITA, or SPA course chosen based on advisement and proficiency. Students who receive foreign language exemption should take an additional course chosen with their advisor from those courses listed above or the electives listed here. Complete at least 1 of the following courses: Defend valid conclusions concerning international relations topic area based on analysis of literature, theory development, hypothesis generation, statistical analysis of data, and discussion of study outcomes. 5. Demonstrate an understanding of the civic dispositions and skills conducive to democratic involvement and global awareness.
| Code | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSC 495 | Special Project | 1-3 |
| PSC 497 | Capstone Internship | 3-16 |
| PSC 499 | Independent Study | 1-12 |
| Total Foreign Language or Elective | 3 credits | |
Click a course code or title to read the full course description.
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