International Relations (B.A.)

  • Major
  • 4-year, On Campus

Why Study International Relations at La Salle?

Passionate about global affairs? Curious about diplomacy, international organizations, conflict, human rights, and the forces shaping our interconnected world? Become a La Salle Explorer and discover how International Relations can help you make a difference—right here in Philadelphia and around the globe.

Our program brings global issues to life through engaging class discussions, simulations, policy analysis, research projects, and hands-on learning experiences. Go beyond the headlines to understand how governments, international organizations, businesses, and citizens work together—and sometimes compete—to address the world’s most pressing challenges.

Our program:

  • Examines today’s most important global issues, including international security, diplomacy, economic development, migration, climate change, and human rights.
  • Connects students with experts and practitioners through internships, guest speakers, professional networking opportunities, and events focused on international affairs, including travel-study courses to Washington, D.C.
  • Develops future leaders with strong analytical, communication, research, and problem-solving skills that employers value.
  • Offers exceptional faculty, engaging courses, and small class sizes that provide personalized mentorship and a meaningful learning experience.
  • Allows you to tailor your courses and interests for multiple career options by dual-majoring or minoring in Political Science, Philosophy, Economics, Criminal Justice, Sociology, or History.

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, La Salle students experience professional opportunities with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, businesses, and international institutions. Through internships, service learning, and research, students gain practical skills while building professional connections. Develop global perspective, cultural awareness, and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.

Whether you aspire to work in diplomacy, international development, public service, law, national security, business, or nonprofit leadership, an International Relations B.A. provides the foundation to reach your career goals. IR’s interdisciplinary curriculum also provides excellent preparation for graduate and professional study, including law school, public policy programs, business school, and doctoral study. Outside of class, you can join a variety of student clubs including Model United Nations.

Come join us as we explore the people, ideas, and institutions shaping our world—and become informed and engaged global citizens!

Curriculum, Courses and Requirements

Highlighted Courses

POL 221 – Comparative Government Systems

This course is an introduction to non-traditional and non-Western political systems. Content will vary from year to year and may include topics such as Asian political systems, Latin American systems, the political structures of ancient imperial organizations, pre-colonial African tribal organizations, etc.

POL/HIS 325 – Imperialism in the Modern World

This course examines the causes and consequences of imperialism in the modern world. It considers and compares imperial institutions, ideologies, economies, and cultures.

POL/ECN 334 – Political Economy of Latin America

This course begins by examining aspects of the indigenous societies prior to the arrival of Europeans in what has come to be called “Latin America.” Throughout, it considers issues such as colonialism, militarism, race, gender relations, and religion that have shaped the societies, politics, and economies of nations from Mexico and the Caribbean to those of the Southern Cone.

Meet the Faculty

Faculty are experts and leaders in their fields and are committed to providing opportunities to students in the classroom and beyond.

Career Opportunities

As multilingual candidates with an interdisciplinary background, graduates of La Salle’s international relations program will have a competitive hiring advantage over students from other universities. Some careers in international relations include:

  • Diplomat
  • Foreign affairs specialist
  • Foreign policy maker
  • Immigration specialist
  • Intelligence analyst
  • International lawyer

Below is a sampling of what some of our graduates are up to:

  • Jessica Perez-Salinas, ’25, Legislative Assistant, Office of Pennsylvania State Senator Art Haywood
  • Emma Reynolds, ’25, Contract Specialist, Department of the Navy, Washington D.C.
  • Gvantsa Tvaliashvili, ’25, Immigration Paralegal, Palladino, Isbell & Casazza, LLC, and M.A. student in International Relations, City College of New York
  • Mia Mattingly, ’24, law student, Thomas R. Kline Law School, Drexel University
  • Sarah Hanlon, ’23, Passport Specialist, U.S. Department of State
  • Daneille O’Brien, ’23, National Internship Director, Sentencing Foundation
  • Jude Husein, ’21, Chief of State Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives, Pennsylvania State Senate

The International Relations program was the main reason I chose La Salle over other universities that only offered Political Science. International Relations teaches you how to connect small details to the big picture. I learned that evidence, logic, and critical thinking often lead to more than just one right answer—a mindset makes me stand out in my career.

Gvantsa Tvaliashvili, ’25
International Relations major
Gvantsa Tvaliashvili