Students

International Relations at Lehigh

International Relations is taught in most American universities as part of political science. Lehigh is among the few higher educational institutions in the US that has long had a separate department of IR. This means that students with a particular interest in international affairs will benefit from a concentrated program of study that few other schools offer.

Prospective Students

International relations does not absolutely require any specific preparation, but pre-collegiate students interested in the study of international relations should take as much college preparatory work in social sciences as is available to them, including economics, history, government, and geography. At least one foreign language is desirable, though there is no specific requirement.

In recent years IR majors have numbered between 45 and 50 per academic class. They come from all over the world (though a majority are U.S. citizens) and display a wide range of interests. Many add a minor or even a second major in subjects as diverse as economics, religion, Asian studies, or language programs. Another 10 or 15 students per year minor in International Relations. Class sizes range from 40 or more in our beginning courses to as small as 10 or fewer in our advanced research seminars.

 

Career Opportunities for IR Students

Lehigh University's Center for Career & Professional Development have dedicated staff to help Lehigh students with their career path.  Please reach out to Jashanae Day (jadd22@lehgih.edu) to get started!