Academic Programs
The Department of Political Science and International Relations offers three majors, with Honors degree options for each:
- the BA in Political Science,
- the BA in International Relations, and,
- the BA in Political Science Education.
We also offer four minors: Political Science, Political Communication, Politics and Social Justice, and Legal Studies.
Our courses are designed to equip you with the skills necessary to succeed in a variety of professions, including: developing analytical, critical thinking, written, and oral communication skills; and, learning how to work productively with peers in a variety of problem-based learning situations, such as mock trials and simulations.
The Political Science major
May be completed with a concentration – American Politics; Global Politics; or Law, Politics & Theory – to allow for a more in-depth consideration of topics and issues, or without a concentration, to provide for a broad overview of Political Science.
The International Relations major
Students select a concentration – Development and Political Economy; Diplomacy and Global Order; US Foreign Policy and National Security; or Societies and Beliefs – and a regional specialization – Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East
The major also provides the foundation for those students seeking to deepen their knowledge of the politics, culture, and history of a region by complementing their IR major with courses or a minor in one of the University's Area Studies programs -- African, Asian, European, Islamic, Jewish Studies, Latin American & Iberian Studies
Experiential Learning
We encourage our majors to take advantage of the many experiential learning opportunities at the University of Delaware, including: undergraduate research with one of our faculty members study abroad during winter or summer session, interning at a political science or international relations-related organization, service learning, or serve as an undergraduate teaching assistant for one of our classes.
Legal Studies
A sizeable number of our majors plan on pursuing a career in law and complement their political science and international studies majors with a minor in Legal Studies. For further information, contact Dr. Wayne Batchis, J.D. (batchisw@udel.edu). ​
