International Relations
The International Relations program encompasses courses offered by the departments of history, political science and economics. The program explores the enduring questions of the origins of war and the maintenance of peace, the nature and exercise of power within an international system, and the changing character of the actors (both state and non-state) who participate in the various levels of international decision-making.
Admission Information
- Apply to either the Humanities or Social Sciences admission categories on the St. George campus
- Six Grade 12 U or M courses, including English are required
- A senior high school math course is recommended.
- Students outside of Ontario should have the equivalent senior high school credits
Bachelor of Arts Programs
- International Relations (specialist and major options)
- International Relations/Peace, Conflict and Justice (specialist)
First-Year Courses
There are no specific first-year International Relations courses.
Advice for First Year
Students interested in the International Relations specialist program must take:
- HIS 103Y1 - Statecraft and Strategy OR TRN 150Y1 - National vs. International OR TRN 151Y1 - Global Governance;
- or two of VIC 181H1 - Events in the Public Sphere: World Affairs, VIC 183H1 - Individuals and the Public Sphere: Shaping Memory, VIC 184H1 –Individuals and the Public Sphere: History, Historiography and Making Cultural Memory, or VIC 185H1 – Events in the Public Sphere.
Students must also take ECO 100Y1 - Introduction to Economics or ECO 105Y1 - Principles of Economics for Non-Specialists, as well as one introductory modern language course or either MAT 133Y1 - Calculus and Linear Algebra for Commerce or MAT 137Y1 Calculus.
Students interested in the major program must take the same courses as above but are not required to take an introductory modern language course or a math course.
Careers
The primary function of the program is to offer students the best education available in Canada regarding the nature of international relations. Some graduate do further work in international relations at graduate school. Others seek further complementary education, for example, by attending law school, masters programs in business or public administration, teacher training, or journalism schools, in preparation for careers in the private or public sector.
Direct career options include:
| Consular assistant | Immigration officer |
| Diplomat | Intelligence officer |
| Export or import sales manager | International banker |
| Foreign affairs advisor | International trade officer |
| Foreign service officer | Public affairs reporter |
