What it is
International relations & affairs (IR) studies how nations, organizations, and peoples interact across borders — diplomacy, security, trade, human rights, development, and global governance. It combines political science, economics, history, and often languages.
Context on careers: the specific "scientist" occupation for this field is small and usually requires a master's or PhD. But the bachelor's is broadly valuable — its graduates fan out into law, government, policy, business, nonprofits, research, and communications. Think of it as strong analytical and writing preparation, not a single job title.
What you'll study
IR is interdisciplinary and globally oriented:
- CoreInternational politics, comparative politics, international economics
- ContextHistory, regional studies, and a foreign language (often required)
- Focus areasSecurity, development, human rights, trade, diplomacy
- ExperienceStudy abroad and internships are highly valued
Concentrations & focus areas
- International SecurityConflict & defense
- International DevelopmentGlobal poverty & growth
- Diplomacy & Foreign PolicyStatecraft
- International Economics / TradeGlobal markets
- Human RightsAdvocacy and law
- Regional StudiesSpecific world regions
Skills you'll build
- Global & cross-cultural fluencyWorking internationally
- Analytical writingPolicy and analysis
- Language skillsOften a second language
- Research & analysisUnderstanding global issues
- Negotiation & communicationDiplomacy skills
Careers & job titles
- Foreign service / diplomacyGovernment (competitive)
- International NGO / developmentGlobal nonprofits
- Policy / intelligence analystGovernment and think tanks
- International business / tradeGlobal companies
- Lawyer (international law)Via law school
- Journalism / communicationsGlobal affairs
Job outlook & demand
IR careers are rewarding but competitive — foreign-service and top NGO roles draw many applicants. Success favors internships, language skills, study abroad, and often a graduate degree (an IR or policy master's is common). The degree also opens international business and law.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Pay varies widely by sector. Related political scientists have a BLS median of $142,080; government, NGO, and analyst salaries range broadly, and international business/law roles can pay well. Entry NGO and government roles often start modestly.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
A bachelor's opens entry roles; a master's in IR/policy (and language skills) is common for diplomacy, development, and analysis careers.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you are drawn to global affairs, enjoy languages and cultures, and want to work across borders in government, NGOs, or business.
Be strategic: the field is competitive — a language, internships, study abroad, and often a graduate degree make the difference. Pairing IR with economics or data skills broadens options.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- StudiesDiplomacy, security, trade, global governance
- InterdisciplinaryPolitics + economics + history + language
- CareersForeign service, NGOs, analysis, international business
- RealityCompetitive; language & grad study help
- PayVaries widely; ~$142,080 (political scientists, BLS)
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: