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Degree Title

Bachelor of Arts

Summer A 2024 Start Date:

May 6, 2024

Summer B 2024 Start Date:

June 17, 2024

Overview

Do you have a passion for world issues? FIU's fully online Bachelor of Arts in International Relations prepares students for internationally-focused careers in government, non-profit, and the private sector, and also provides a solid foundation for graduate studies. The major's unique interdisciplinary curriculum includes courses across a broad range of social, political and economic disciplines to prepare you for an increasingly interdependent world. 

FIU's fully online BA in International Relations is designed to produce graduates who think critically, creatively and independently about important global issues. Students gain competency in the skills needed to thrive in a complex, interconnected world: cultural perspective, political awareness, economic understanding and global citizenship.

Take the next step.

With FIU Online, you can learn anywhere, anytime. Our interactive technology enables you to watch lectures, get real-time feedback from your instructors and collaborate with classmates on projects. Plus, we provide you with a personal success coach who will provide you with one-on-one guidance every step of the way.

  • Why Apply?

    Complex economic, political and cultural issues transcend international boundaries. With a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from FIU, you can gain a whole-world perspective on the choices and challenges shared among nations. The study of international relations requires the ability to research and analyze information, solve problems, and express oneself clearly in speech and writing—all highly desirable skills to employers. With globalization and the growing importance of cross-cultural understanding in business and government, graduates will be well-positioned for a wide variety of careers.

    Career Opportunities

    Many of our international relations graduates have gone on to excel in public service, including careers with local, state, and national governments, and with international and non-governmental organizations. Others have entered the private sector in fields as diverse as banking and finance, consulting, business, journalism, law, marketing, and higher education. In politics and government, a bachelor's degree in international relations can lead to positions as a policy analyst, legislative aide or foreign service officer. In the private sector, there are job opportunities in international business and commerce, helping companies navigate export restrictions, trade regulations, and managing teams across cultures and continents. In the public sector, work on humanitarian efforts can focus on economic development, fighting famine or eradicating disease.

  • Courses

    Program Completion Requirements

    A total of 120 credits is required for the Bachelor of Arts in International Relations.


    Common Prerequisite Courses and Equivalencies

    Courses which form part of the statewide articulation between the State University System and the Community College System will fulfill the Lower Division Common Prerequisites.

    For generic course substitutions/equivalencies for Common Program Prerequisites offered at community colleges, state colleges, or state universities, visit: Florida Shines, See Common Prerequisite Manual.

    Required for the Degree:  

    INR 2001 Introduction to International Relations (3 credits)

    Core Requirement: (3 credits)

    Take one of the following courses:

    • GEA 2000 World Regional Geography

    • CPO 2002 Introduction to Comparative Politics

    • REL 3308 Studies in World Religions

    • SYP 3456 Societies of the World

    • ECS 3003 Comparative Economic Systems

    • WOH 2001 World Civilization

    • EVR 1017 Global Environment & Society

    Upper Division Program

    International Relations majors must complete a minimum 30 semester hours of course work in the department with a grade of ‘C’ or better.

    Group I Courses for the Major: (12 credits)

    In addition to the Core Requirement, INR majors must take at least one course (3 sem. hrs.) from each of the following divisions in Group I:

    • International Law/International Organizations (IL)

    • Foreign Policy/Security Studies (FP)

    • International Political Economy (IPE)

    • A fourth course from among the following (Full course listings can be found in the catalog):

      • An Additional INR-prefixed Group I course

      • Comparative Politics courses

      • Economics courses

      • Geography courses

      • History courses

      • Sociology and Anthropology courses

    Group II Courses for the Major: (12 credits)

    INR majors must also take at least four courses (12 sem. hrs.) in Group II, including at least one from each of the following divisions:

    • Area Studies (AS)

    • Issues and Problems in International Relations (IP)

    • Second AS or IP course

    • One course from among the following (Full course listings can be found in the catalog):

      • Geography courses

      • Religious Studies courses

      • Economics courses

      • Anthropology or Sociology courses

      • Comparative Politics courses

      • Environmental Studies course

    Note: INR 4943 Internship in International Affairs can count as the fourth Group II course as long as the student has completed one course from each of the three divisions, above.

    Group III Courses for the Major: (6 credits)

    • INR 4013 Development of International Relations
    • INR 4603 Theories of International Relations

    Students may not take INR 4013 until they have completed INR 2001 and at least nine (9) credits in INR courses. Students must take INR 4013 before they take INR 4603. These two courses may not be taken concurrently

    Electives

    Students are encouraged to double major or pursue a minor in related fields such as political science, economics, geography, modern languages, history, sociology/anthropology, or business. We recommend that students take introductory courses in economics and gain fluency in at least one foreign language. Students may also consider appropriate academic certificates such as those in Latin American and Caribbean Studies, Asian Studies, African and African Diaspora Studies, and European Studies.

  • Requirements

    To ensure every student’s success, we have certain admissions requirements for each of our programs. To help you through the application process, our enrollment advisors are here to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

    Applications are accepted for Spring, Fall and Summer terms.

    Steps to Apply

    First Year Students

    Please submit the following:

    • Online application
    • $30 application fee.
    • Official SAT, ACT and/or CLT scores.
    • Official high school transcripts.

    Transfer Students

    Please submit the following:

    • Online application
    • $30 application fee.
    • Official college transcripts.
    • If you have less than 60 transferable college credits, you must also submit official high school transcripts and SAT, ACT and/or CLT scores in addition to any transcripts from postsecondary schools to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

     

    Returning Students

    Returning students must meet the current university and degree-specific requirements to be admitted. For more details, FIU has policies for students who left FIU.

       Please submit the following:

    • Online application
    • $30 application fee
    • Updated official transcripts

    International Students

    In addition to the above requirements, international applicants should submit:

    • Official English Language Proficiency exam scores (TOEFL or IELTS).
    • Official translations of any transcripts, if not in English.
    • If you have less than 60 transferrable college credits, you must also submit official high school transcripts with translation.


    Program Admission Requirements

    • Candidates must first be accepted into the university. Students admitted to Florida International University are admitted directly to their chosen major.

    Program Completion Requirements

    A total of 120 credits are required to complete the fully online undergraduate degree. Students must complete the  University Core CurriculumUniversity requirements and Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs requirements while satisfying requirements toward their International Relations major and are expected to make good progress based on critical indicators, such as GPA in specific courses or credits earned. In cases where students are not making good progress, a change of major may be required.

    The Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs advisors work to redirect students to more appropriate majors when critical indicators are not met. For specific course requirements, visit the Courses tab on this program page.

    Admission Documents

    To complete the online undergraduate programs admissions form, select your program from the  application form . You may complete the online application and submit it, even before taking any entrance exams.  All supporting admission documents may be sent to:

    
Florida International University
    
Office of Undergraduate Admissions

    P.O. Box 659003

    Miami, FL 33265-9003

    USA



    FIU also accepts transcripts electronically via:

    • Faster (All FL public institutions)

    • Naviance (Typically used by private high schools)

    • SMART/Joint Service Transcript – Military records

    *Meeting the university minimum requirements does not guarantee admission

  • Tuition

    We’re thrilled that you’re considering online education and want you to know exactly what to expect for tuition and fees. Education is an investment in your future. Use the following student tuition and fees calculator to determine your costs.

  • Top Faculty

    Dr. Astrid Arraras

    Astrd Arraras is a professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Florida International University.  Her areas of expertise are in Latin American Politics, Democratization and Political Development.  She earned her Ph.D. from Princeton University in 1998.

    Dr. Eduardo Gamarra

    Eduardo Gamarra is a tenured full professor of political science in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Florida International University. He has been at FIU since 1986 where he also directed the Latin American and Caribbean Center (LACC) from 1994 to 2007. As director of LACC, Gamarra was involved in research and public policy issues, academic exchanges, fund raising, and other multiple activities in most countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. In February 2016 he was appointed founding director of the Latino Public Opinion Forum at the Stephen Green School of International and Public Affairs.

    Dr. Eric Lob

    Eric Lob is an assistant professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Florida International University. Lob teaches courses on Middle East politics and international relations, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and political violence and revolution. His research focuses on the intersection of development and politics in the Middle East. He holds a Ph.D. from Princeton University’s Department of Near Eastern Studies and an M.A. from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

    Dr. Mohiaddin Mesbahi 

    Mohiaddin Mesbahi is a professor in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Florida International University. He earned his Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Miami in 1998. He serves as the Founding Director of the Middle East Studies Center at Florida International University.

    Dr. Naisy Sarduy

    Naisy Sarduy specializes on the international relations of the Middle East, with a particular focus on Iran, Islamic political movements and their relations with the West. She received her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Oriental Studies from the University of Oxford in England. She holds a Master’s degree in International Studies from the University of Miami, where she wrote a thesis on “The West in Modern Islamic Political Thought”, and a Bachelors’ degree in French and International Relations from Florida International University.

    Dr. Marcie Washington

    Marcie Washington specializes in peace and conflict and studies and displaced persons and refugee studies, with a particular focus on the manner in which refugees and internally displaced persons influence civil war onset and domestic and regional politics. She received her Master's degree in International Affairs in the College of Social Sciences at Florida State University and her Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Nova Southeastern University. She teaches Challenges of Refugees and Migrants, Conflict, Security, and Peace Studies, Politics of Development and Underdevelopment, Strategic Studies and National Security, Development of International Relations Thought, and Contemporary Problems in International Relations.

fiuonline.fiu.edu

120 Credits Required

fiuonline.fiu.edu

235.57 Per Credit Hour (In-State) + Fees

fiuonline.fiu.edu

648.87 Per Credit Hour (Out-of-State) + Fees

* Total tuition and fees are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Fully Online Degree
  • Program Starts: Fall, Spring and Summer
  • Become part of an exceptional community and make the most of your education. Join the Honors College.
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