International Relations
Understanding how cultures and customs are integrated into business, politics and society creates a great foundation for many professionals and students. The International Relations degree programs are designed for undergraduate and graduate students to learn about the complex relationships among institutions of international governance.
The international relations curriculum enables students to analyze the legal, historical, socioeconomic, and political factors that are key elements in this field of study. Webster students also examine the dynamics, structural characteristics, and humanitarian issues of the global community.
Graduate-Level Study
The master's degree in international relations at Webster University is unique for a number of reasons. Students are able to take advantage of Webster’s global footprint by studying abroad at Webster campuses throughout the world and are taught by faculty who are noted scholars and practitioners in the field. The program offers considerable flexibility and can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis. Webster is also nationally recognized as military-friendly.
International relations students at Webster have gone on to work for Meds for Kids, Boeing, ABB, Enterprise, the Associate Ministry of Coordination and Competitiveness in Ecuador, the United States Army, and as a preparatoria teacher in Honduras. Other graduates have gone on to practice law and work in academia (for example, at Washington University in St. Louis).
Undergraduate Study
The undergraduate international relations major at Webster is designed to help students develop the skills they need to understand and take part in an interconnected world: political awareness, economic understanding, cultural competency, and global citizenship.
Students pursuing a bachelor's degree in international relations may select the following emphases:
- Emphasis in International Economics -- designed for students interested in a deeper understanding of the global economy on a micro and macro scale. (Available only in St. Louis and Geneva)
- Emphasis Migration and Refugee Studies -- designed to give students working knowledge of migration and displacement issues and the sociocultural, political, and economic forces which surround them. (Available only in Geneva.)
Students can earn a minor in international relations.
Career Opportunities:
- Development Officer
- Attorney
- Museum Curator
- Security and Business Ethics Research Analyst
- United States Army Captain
- Magazine Editor
- Academic Project Coordinator
- Finance Officer
Combined Degree
Webster’s combined degree option allows you to start work on your Master of Arts in International Relations while completing your Bachelor of Arts, saving 12 credits in total. Students who have completed between 64 and 98 credit hours and who have maintained a 3.3 GPA in previous college work are eligible to apply.
Points of Distinction
- In the College of Arts & Sciences, the international relations program has the greatest worldwide reach. Courses are offered at Webster's global campuses in Geneva, Switzerland; Vienna, Austria; Leiden, the Netherlands; Bangkok, Thailand; Beijing, China; Athens, Greece; and Accra, Ghana.
- A unique fieldwork/internship opportunity offers students valuable international relations experience outside the classroom.
- Online learning makes it possible to earn a degree while traveling.
- Classes are small and discussion-oriented, and students are individually mentored by their professors and advisors throughout their degree.