International Relations

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES – INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS CONCENTRATION

Worldwide poverty, global warming, and terrorism are among the many daunting challenges facing the world today, but there are also many signs of positive change and progress. The dramatically-increased capacity for communication, understanding, and cooperation have affected relations not only between nation-states, but also among citizens of those states, leading to a global civil society. All of which brings us to the importance of a bachelor’s degree with a focus on International Studies.

What is International Relations?

International relations, in the most basic sense, is the study of these challenges, relationships, and institutions from the international level (e.g. the United Nations or the World Trade Organization) to regional or local levels, such as states, societies, organizations and even individuals. It considers the impact not only of political relations, but also of economic practices and institutions, technological developments, and matters of identity.

Program Requirements

In addition to the interdisciplinary core requirement of 60 credit hours for the B.A. degree, students who choose a focus area concentration in International Relations will complete an additional 36 credit hours, including these courses:

  • BS 421 (Current Topics in International Business)
  • EC 431 (International Economics)
  • PL 311 (World Political Systems)
  • SC 311 (Population and Human Ecology)
  • 2 elective 300-400 level courses in History, Political Science, or Sociology
  • 12 credit hours (one year) of a foreign language

CAREERS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

A bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences with a concentration in International Relations, like other liberal arts degrees, may not give you immediate entry into a specific field. However, with its broad knowledge base, it can be the differentiator you need to excel in a variety of occupations … and help you pursue careers in International Relations. These occupations include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Archivist
  • Demographer
  • Diplomat
  • Foreign Affairs Analyst
  • Foreign Service Officer
  • Immigration Specialist
  • Intelligence Specialist
  • Journalist
  • Language Specialist
  • Market Research Specialist
  • Further Education in International Relations

In addition, the interdisciplinary scope of the International Relations focus area gives students the kind of wide-ranging background which many graduate and professional degree programs find attractive in applicants. In particular, students wishing to continue their education may go on to graduate programs in Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Business, or Law.

CURRICULAR REQUIREMENTS

Curricular requirements must comply with all general academic requirements for a bachelor’s degree, including:

  • Completion of 180 quarter hours,
  • Residency requirement of 48 quarter hours
  • Completion of HM 279 (East-West University Signature course)
  • Completion of HM 491 (Senior Seminar),
  • An overall GPA of 2.0 and a 2.5 GPA in the major,
  • Compliance with Satisfactory Academic Progress policy pertaining to both Grade Maintenance and Timely Completion,
  • All outcome measures required by the assessment program must be passed successfully,
  • All financial obligations must be cleared

The program embodies three broad blocks of curricular requirements or components:

I: General Education Core (64 quarter hours);
II: BHS core and concentration courses 60 quarter hours
III: Elective courses (56 quarter hours), for a total of 180 quarter hours

I: General Education Core courses:

  • 5 specified courses in English and Communications for a total of 20 quarter hours;
  • 1 specified mathematics course, one biology course, and 12 additional hours from biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics for a total of 20 hours;
  • 1 specified humanities course and 16 additional quarter hours selected from behavioral and social sciences and humanities for a total of 20 hours;
  • 1 specified course from computer and information science for a total of 4 hours.

II: BHS Core and selected International Relations concentration area courses

  • 11 specified BHS core courses, and an additional 16 hours BHS elective courses for a total of 60 hours

III: Elective courses:

  • 56 quarter hours from freely selected courses

Alumni & Students

Jiaxin Li

Jiaxin Li

Before attending East-West University, I attended college in China. I heard about EWU from my uncle and knew it would be a good opportunity to expand my knowledge and prepare for my career.

I am studying Management in the business program and ultimately would like to use these skills to pursue my dream of becoming a designer. I have learned a lot in my classes and courses like Accounting teach skills that I will continue to use.

In China, my parents and teachers always told me that through studying, one gains success and fortunes will follow. Reading brings us everything. At East-West University, I am studying hard to prepare for my future.

Justyna Bronska

Justyna Bronska

I came to East-West after studying in the ESL program at Triton College. I received a scholarship for international students and was also hired as an international student advisor. I’ve always wanted to be successful regardless of the obstacles in place and exceed expectations. My experience at East-West University has changed my approach toward life and my responsibilities.

I’m studying in the Business program to obtain a management position. An important lesson I’ve learned at EWU is that I am responsible for my own future. I am committed to finishing my degree and have obtained the self-discipline to do so as I’ve made progress in my program. When I graduate, I would like to travel, have a family, and buy a house. Studying business at EWU will give me the tools to succeed.

Greg Williams

Greg Williams

I could not pass up the opportunity to return to school at East-West. I chose EWU because of its academics, location, and affordability.

East-West has helped me be successful by making it possible for me to both work and go to school. The instructors are experienced have encouraged me to pursue a career in Accounting. I have really enjoyed my experience here and would like to go to graduate school after I finish. My professor always said to ‘be the captain of your own ship.’ At East-West University, I am afforded the opportunity to do so.