International Relations BA

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The International Relations BA at the University of Massachusetts Boston equips you to navigate and influence the complex landscape of global politics and diplomacy. This undergraduate degree is ideal for students keen to understand the forces shaping international cooperation, conflict, and development, preparing you for impactful careers in government, NGOs, or international organisations. You will delve into core theories of international relations, comparative politics, and global political economy, developing a nuanced perspective on regional dynamics and contemporary world challenges.

You will study this programme full-time on campus over four years, engaging with a curriculum that includes foundational political science, regional studies, and topical electives, culminating in a capstone seminar. Through rigorous coursework and analysis of political systems, you will develop essential research, critical thinking, and communication skills. Graduates of this International Relations BA will be well-prepared for roles in foreign policy, international development, global security, and public service, equipped to address the interconnected issues of our time.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This International Relations BA program offers a comprehensive study of global politics, foreign policy, and international affairs. Students will explore core concepts in political theory and comparative politics, alongside regional and topical electives covering diverse areas such as the Middle East, East Asia, and international economics. The curriculum culminates in a capstone seminar designed to synthesize knowledge and prepare students for advanced research or careers in the field.

1 Core Courses (9 Credits)

Government and Politics of the United States
Introduction to Political Theory
International Relations (B)
Theories of International Relations

2 Regional Electives (9 Credits)

Comparative Politics of Industrialized Societies (C)
Comparative Politics
Japan and the United States
Politics of the Middle East (C)
Latin American Poltc
Central American Politics (C)
Third World Development (C)
The Government and Politics of China (C)
The Politics of the Arab-Israeli Conflict
Nationalism (C)
Russian Foreign Policy (B)
Modern Caribbean Society
Peoples and Cultures of Africa
Peoples and Cultures of Mesoamerica (Mexico and Guatemala)
Peoples and Cultures of the Caribbean
Peoples and Cultures of China
Women in South Asian Religions: Gender Ideology and Practice in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam
Women in Modern China
The History of Modern China
Modern Japan
Emerging Economies in Asia
The Latin American Economy
Comparative Economic Systems
Global Society and the Environment
African History since 1800
Gods and Slaves: Latin America before 1800
Europe since 1945
Shakespeare’s London
Russia and the Soviet Union: From the 1917 Revolution to Putin
Italy Since 1815
Histories of Brazil
Topics in African History
Women in Modern China
The History of Modern China
Modern Japan
India since 1857
Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in Modern History
Human Rights in Latin America
Reform and Revolution in Latin America
Indian Cinema
Latin American, Iberian, and Afro-Luso-Brazilian Cultures and Histories
Women in African Cultures
Gender, Religion and Politics in South Asia
Women in South Asian Religions: Gender Ideology and Practice in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam
Women in Modern China
Political Economy of Development in Africa

3 Topical Electives (9 Credits)

World War II Internment of Japanese Americans (A)
Political Change and Group Identity (A)
Japan and the United States
World Politics and World Order (B)
Pol Intrnatnl Econ
International Organizations I (B)
Imperialism (B)
War (B)
American Foreign Policy (B)
Foreign Policy Analysis
Democratic Theory (D)
The Cold War: Rise and Fall
Introduction to Human Rights
A Biocultural Approach to War
Culture, Globalization, and the Environment
World War II Internment of Japanese Americans (A)
International Trade
International Finance
Economic Development
Political Economy of International Migration
Natural Resources & Sustainable Development
The Multinational Corporation
Global Environmental Change
Natural Resources & Sustainable Development
Human Security
Regional Political Economy
Foreign Policy Analysis
Globalization in Historical Perspective
The Cold War: Rise and Fall
The Vietnam War
US Foreign Policy since 1898
The History of Modern Terrorism
Human Rights in Latin America
Mngng Global Environ
Terrorism
Politics of Food Security
US-Latin American Relations
Russian Foreign Policy (B)
Gender, Development, & Globalization
Globalization and Social Change
Introduction to Human Rights
Gender, Development, & Globalization
Gender, Culture, and Power
Transnational Feminisms: Contexts, Conflicts, and Solidarity

4 Capstone (3 Credits)

Seminar in International Relations (B)
Seminar in International Relations (B)

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 38,620.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 38,620.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 38,620.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 38,620.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 154,480.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 770.00 - USD 963.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,000.00 - USD 4,560.00
Transport USD 600.00 - USD 1,200.00
Utilities & Bills USD 960.00 - USD 1,800.00
Estimated Total USD 4,560.00 - USD 7,560.00

Living cost estimates are based on Columbia Point Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

89%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Border Control & Immigration EnforcementCorrections & RehabilitationCybersecurity & Digital ForensicsDefense & Military SecurityEmergency Services & Disaster ResponseForensic Science & Criminal JusticeIntelligence & InvestigationsPolice & Public SafetyPrivate Security & Risk Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

U.S. Department of State

Why Study International Relations BA at University of Massachusetts Boston

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Very Fast Application response time

University of Massachusetts Boston typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at University of Massachusetts Boston in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about International Relations BA at University of Massachusetts Boston

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks without a separate work permit. After the first year, students may work off-campus with university approval, impacting their post-study work permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English language requirements, you can submit scores from Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Different scores are required for each test, with Duolingo requiring a minimum comprehension, conversation, literacy, and production score of 105.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Potential job titles include diplomat, international development specialist, foreign correspondent, policy analyst, and research consultant.

What will I actually study in this course?

In the International Relations BA program, you will explore international politics and develop research and analytical skills. The curriculum includes foundational knowledge of global politics and examines the role of diplomacy and conflict resolution.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The International Relations BA program at UMass Boston has three intake months: January, May, and August. You can choose any of these months to begin your studies in global affairs.
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