International Relations
STUDY THE WORLD IN ALL ITS COMPLEXITIES
More so than ever, events that occur around the world impact our daily lives. If you’re considering majoring in international relations, you probably already have this idea of interconnectedness in the back of your mind. To move beyond grasping to begin affecting real change, you’ll need to develop your knowledge, gain practical experience, and sharpen your analytical mind.
Valparaiso University can help you with all of that. Here you’ll study foreign policy, international law, industrialized countries, and developing states on your path to greater understanding of the complex relations between countries.
THE VALPO ADVANTAGE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
We are a small, close-knit program, and a key benefit of our size is that it’s easy to find support when you need it. Our distinguished professors thrive on teaching undergraduate students, and you’ll have regular opportunities to ask big questions and learn from your professors’ cumulative knowledge and experience.
Because of their strong drive to learn and to lead, international relations majors at Valpo get involved across campus, often holding leadership positions in the Student Senate, Honor Council, College Democrats, and College Republicans.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
There’s a lot of knowledge to be gained by reading and studying, but international relations majors at Valpo also learn by doing. At the Model United Nations Conference, you can research and debate the world’s most pressing problems. Students in this program step into the shoes of real governments, debate real-world issues, and learn about the complexities of negotiation, diplomacy, and seeing hot-button topics from the perspective of others. Through the Community Research and Service Center, you will be able to learn basic research methods and gain practical experience by working with Northwest Indiana governments, nonprofits, and businesses. Some projects are worked into your courses, but there are also paid research positions, as well as paid and unpaid internships.
When you’re ready to spread those wings and fly cross country, you can live and learn in the nation’s capital through Valpo’s Washington Semester. This small, personalized program brings you to the heart of American government, allowing you to earn a full semester of academic credit while interning four days a week and also attending field trips, tours, briefings, and other activities.
A VALPO EDUCATION
At Valpo, you receive a comprehensive, rigorous education within the liberal arts tradition, learning to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems creatively. Our committed faculty invests in the success of students both in and out of the classroom, providing you the individualized attention and guidance fundamental to reaching your full potential.
Our University prides itself on being innovative, continually expanding upon its premier programs in response to an ever-changing job market. The international relations major will supply you with a broad skillset that prepares you to create a better world.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
For information on scholarships and awards, visit valpo.edu/financialaid
CAREER PATHS
Valpo’s international relations alumni have gone on to work in a variety of fields, including:
• Advocacy
• Business and finance
• Community service
• Consulting
• Criminal justice
• Education
• Journalism, media, and communications
• Law
• Non-governmental and nonprofit organizations
• Policy analysis
• Politics
• Research
• State, local, and federal government
Learn More
Valparaiso University admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religion. (For a full statement, see valpo.edu.)
We’ve compiled all the pertinent information about the international relations major — including courses, research opportunities, admission, financial aid, and career opportunities — on our website. Ready to learn more? Get started at valpo.edu/find-your-major/international-relations-major.
