New International Relations Major in GVPT: Equipping Students to Tackle Global Challenges
The Department of Government and Politics (GVPT) is introducing a new International Relations (IR) major — a program designed to prepare students to understand and address the world’s most urgent challenges.
From global conflict and cooperation to climate change, migration, and international political economy, this major provides students with the knowledge, skills, and real-world experiences they need to make an impact in today’s interconnected world.
“Understanding the complex world of international relations continues to be a critical asset in numerous fields and industries,” said GVPT Professor Kathleen Cunningham. Launched in response to today’s rapidly evolving global landscape, the IR major provides a flexible but rigorous pathway for students who want to deepen their understanding of global systems — and be leaders in shaping solutions.
Students in the IR major can choose between two tracks, depending on their interests and career goals:
Bachelor of Arts (IR-B.A.)
A broad and flexible curriculum ideal for students interested in diplomacy, international development, nonprofits, law, or policy work. The B.A. emphasizes understanding global systems, institutions, and the conceptual foundations of international relations.
Bachelor of Science (IR-B.S.)
A research-focused, data-intensive track perfect for those aiming for policy analysis, think tanks, or graduate school. Students receive advanced training in political methodology and data analysis to complement their study of global issues.
Some of the courses available to IR students include:
- International Conflict
- Global Political Economy
- Comparative Politics of East Asia
- Climate & Environmental Politics
- International Organizations & Global Governance
- Political Data Science
These courses not only build a strong academic foundation but also connect directly to today’s most pressing issues.
What truly sets the IR major apart are the experiential opportunities that come with it. Students can:
- Intern in Washington, D.C., just miles from campus
- Study abroad and gain global perspectives firsthand
- Work closely with renowned faculty researchers in small, discussion-based classes
“Addressing big problems like climate change, economic inequality, wars, and pandemics requires understanding international relations," said GVPT Professor David Cunningham. “Students in the IR major will gain key knowledge and tools to prepare them to tackle these global challenges”.
Graduates of the IR major will be well-prepared for diverse career paths, including:
- U.S. Foreign Service & Diplomacy
- Intelligence & National Security
- International NGOs & Nonprofits
- Multilateral Organizations (UN, IMF, World Bank)
- Political Risk & Policy Analysis
- International Law & Human Rights
- Graduate Study in IR, Public Policy, Law, and beyond
One student described the impact of the program this way:
“What I love about the International Relations program is how comprehensive it is. It has given me opportunities like studying human trafficking in Costa Rica and receiving the DACOR Bacon Foundation Fellowship, which connected me with ambassadors and foreign service professionals who now mentor me.”
They added: “Just as importantly, the program has equipped me with professional skills that apply to a wide range of careers, including the ability to analyze global issues and code in R for data analysis.”
— Zohneseh Fopenawoh, current International Relations student.
Small class sizes. Career-shaping opportunities. Professors who are leaders in international research. A major that’s timely, relevant, and designed for the next generation of global problem-solvers.
The new International Relations major at UMD isn’t just another program — it’s a launchpad. Whether students aspire to serve in government, lead nonprofits, or shape global policy, this major provides the tools, experiences, and mentorship to turn those goals into reality.
Ready to learn more:
Meet our International Relations Faculty
Published on Wed, 10/08/2025 - 11:52