^{The Wilf Family Department of Politics offers two undergraduate majors, one in Politics and one in International Relations (IR). For information about the Politics major, click here.}

The International Relations (IR) major provides students with an understanding of the global system’s past, the tools to function effectively in the present, and the ability to foresee and respond to developments in the future. The program combines a foundation of core courses in politics, economics and statistics with a suite of advanced classes on international relations and political economy, elective courses focused on a particular region, for a total of 12 courses. Advanced study in a foreign language and a semester of study abroad are also required.  IR courses are offered at many of NYU’s Study Away sites.

A select number of IR majors qualify for our honors program, which provides students with an unparalleled opportunity to work individually with faculty members in conducting original research on the topic of their choice. Honors students take an additional two-semester senior seminar sequence during which they write a thesis that they present at a department-wide colloquium at the conclusion of their senior year.

The analytical skills gained by IR majors prepare them for a wide range of careers.  Our graduates accept positions with governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), think tanks, international finance groups, multinational corporations, law firms, and other institutions.  Many pursue further study in fields such as political science, law, and public and international affairs at highly competitive universities.

For more information, please contact us at politics.undergrads@nyu.edu.

Michael Gilligan

Professor of Politics

Director of International Relations Undergraduate Program