International Relations – Albright College

International Relations

Gain tools that are crucial to understanding, evaluating and answering the global challenges of the 21st century.

Today’s world is increasingly interdependent.

Likewise, Albright’s cross-program “interdisciplinary” co-major in international relations explores coursework across different areas of study, including political science, economics, anthropology, sociology and history. Students also gain valuable, hands-on experience through study abroad and internships.

The goal is to provide students with tools to take on tough issues such as conflict, globalization, disease and climate change — all vital for success in a range of fields, including public service, business, the nonprofit sector, education and law.

For more information, please contact Professor Irene Langran at ilangran@albright.edu.

international-relations

Irene Langran, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of General Education and Faculty Development; Professor of Political Science
610-921-7570
ilangran@albright.edu

international-relations

Nathan Henceroth, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Political Science
610-929-6557
nhenceroth@albright.edu

international-relations

Carla Abodalo, MS
Senior Instructor of Sociology
610-921-7592
cabodalo@albright.edu

international-relations

Guillaume de Syon, Ph.D.
Professor of History
610-921-7822
gdesyon@albright.edu

international-relations

Adam John, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of French and Spanish
610-921-7699
ajohn@albright.edu

international-relations

Farhad Saboori, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics
610-921-7884
fsaboori@albright.edu

international-relations

Lisa Wilder, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Economics
610-921-7866
lwilder@albright.edu

Students are required to take each of the following courses:

  • POL 202: International Relations (Foundations Social Science)
  • POL 205: Comparative Politics (Foundations Social Science)
  • International Institutions—select one of the following:
    • POL 242: Human Rights (Connections Global)
    • POL 352: International Law and Organizations
  • Approved Political Science Study Abroad program. Please see the IR Study Abroad Information Sheet for additional information and substitutions, including approved substitute internships and courses.
  • Conflict and Transnational Challenges—select one of the following:
    • ANT 270: People of the World
    • POL 273: Globalization
    • HIS 315: World War II Era
    • SOC 305: Terrorism
    • SOC 470: Immigration and Transnational Families
  • Global Economy–select one of the following:
    • ECO 233: Comparative Economics
    • ECO 234: Economic Development
    • ECO 301: International Economics and Finance

    Prerequisite: ECO 105

  • POL403: Seminar on US Foreign Policy, POL 420: Seminar on Global Poverty, or approved International Relations seminar

For IR/POL Combined Majors Only:

  • In place if POL 202, take one of the following courses:
    • HIS 215: US/Latin American Relations
    • HIS 237: Gender, Women and Power in the Global South
    • HIS 315: World War II Era
    • POL 242: Human Rights
    • POL 273: Globalization
    • SOC 305: Terrorism
  • In place of POL 205, take one of the following:
    • HIS 211: African History
    • HIS 220: Pirates, Plantations and Sugar: History of the Caribbean
    • HIS 228: Dictators and Revolutionaries in Latin America
    • HIS 232: Russia and the Soviet Union
    • HIS 242: East Asia from 1800 to the Present
    • HIS 256: Introduction to the Modern Middle East
    • HIS 267: Twentieth-century Europe
    • POL 260: The Politics of Russia and Neighboring States
    • POL 345: Latin American Politics

What Can I do With a Major in International Relations?

Careers and International Relations

There are many careers that benefit from a background in international relations. Indeed, with the increased pace of globalization, it is difficult to find a career that does not have an international element! This co-concentration is vital to developing a foundation for success in a range of fields, including public service, business, the non-profit sector, education and law.

The chart below lists some of the careers that benefit from this field of study. Please note that some of these careers may require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.

Community Relations Director Diplomatic Officer United Nations Worker
Security Adviser Foreign Services Officer Teacher/Instructor/Professor
Legislative Aide Customs Inspector FBI/CIA Agent
International Lawyer Legislative Correspondent Foreign Travel Escort
Interpreter/Translator International Relations Officer Intelligence Research Specialist
International Account Executive International Media Planner International Restaurant Manager
International Bank Manager International Stock Broker International Job Analyst
International Consultant International Purchasing Agent International Travel Agent
International Real Estate Agent/Broker International Financial Analyst International Quality Control Auditor
International Commodities Trader International Bookkeeper International Economist
International Finance Writer International CEO International Appraiser
International Loan Officer International Sales Analyst Foreign Exchange Trader
International Account Representative International Advertising Executive International Marketing Specialist
International Correspondent Import/Export Coordinator Foreign Affairs Analyst
International Financial Planner International Buyer International Product Manager

How should I prepare for these careers?

  • Serve internships with government agencies or officials.
  • Join student or local political organizations.
  • Become familiar with current events in the world.
  • Earn leadership positions on campus.
  • Combine concentration in education and teaching certification if your goal is work in educational field.
  • Practice language skills by conversing with native speakers.
  • Consider co-concentration in communications and gain experience working with radio or print media within local media industries.
  • Pursue graduate degree.
  • Learn about current trends and hot topics in international relations.
  • Demonstrate intercultural competency, sensitivity and tolerance.
  • Gain experience in communications with people from other countries. Get to know international students on your campus.
  • Live and/or work abroad while in school.
  • Commit to a continuous study of host country’s language
  • Develop a good understanding of etiquette and business practices in target country.
  • Obtain daily papers in target city to determine international and national news, business features, real estate markets, and community calendars.
  • Enhance traits, such as creativity, initiative, tenacity, a willingness to take risks, an adventurous spirit and a sense of humor.

Related Major Skills:

Oral & written communication Organizational numerical analysis
Interpretation problem-solving teamwork Marketing
Computer literacy Creative thinking
Critical thinking Planning and budgeting
Decision making Analytical skills
Time management Management (people and activities)
Reading/writing another language Work independently and on a team
Understanding cultural diversity Public speaking
Communicating between cultures Problem-solving ability
Active listening skills Strong work ethic

Additional Resources

For specific job outlook information, see www.bls.gov/ooh.
Resources Available at Albright College Career Development Center’s Resource Library

  • Careers for Born Leaders and Other Decisive Types, by Blythe Camenson
  • Careers for Courageous People and Other Adventurous Types, by Jan Goldberg
  • Careers for Foreign Language Aficionados and Other Multilingual Types, by H. Ned Seelye and J. Laurence Day
  • Careers for Good Samaritans and Other Humanitarian Types, by Marjorie Eberts and Margaret Gisler
  • Careers for Patriotic Types and Others Who Want to Serve Their Country, by Jan Goldberg
  • Careers for Talkative Types and Others with the Gift of Gab, by Marjorie Eberts and Margaret Gisler
  • Careers for Travel Buffs and Other Restless Types, by Paul Plawin
  • Opportunities in Federal Government Careers, by Neale Baxter
  • Opportunities in Foreign Language Careers, by Wilma M. Rivers
  • Opportunities in International Business Careers, by Jeffrey S. Arpan
  • Opportunities in Overseas Careers, by Blythe Camenson
  • Opportunities in State and Local Government Careers, by Neale Baxter
  • Opportunities in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, by Blythe Camenson
  • Opportunities in Travel Careers, by Robert Scott Milne and Marguerite Backhausen

External Resources

Disclaimer
Links to Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement by Albright College or the Career Development Center.

Links found at http://www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/career/Majors/index.htm
Job and Internship Search Links

Career Planning Links

Professional Associations Links

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