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Undergraduate Major

International Relations Major (BA)

With a major in international relations, you'll gain foreign language proficiency and the cross-cultural leadership skills in negotiation, analysis, and advocacy necessary for careers across an interconnected global economy.

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  1. Academics
  2. Undergraduate Degree Programs
  3. International Relations Major (BA)

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Major & Minor

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Campus Location
  • Chester, PA

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Explore the International Relations Major

An international relations degree can take you anywhere in the world when you master the skills to analyze and assess political and economic relations on a global level. At Widener, you'll find yourself culturally immersed right on campus through simulations and training in foreign language.

With opportunities for co-curricular trips to Widener's international partners, you can study abroad from Costa Rica to China and beyond. Internship opportunities abroad and at Philadelphia-based global companies allow you the chance to put classroom knowledge to work.

Our focus on leadership development will hone an adaptable skill set and the confidence you need to make a difference on the global stage.

International Relations BA Program Options

With a flexible curriculum, you'll be able to work with your academic advisor to tailor your degree to your personal interests in areas such as diplomacy, international business, national security, and the history and culture of a geographic region.

Students must also study a foreign language. Studying abroad for at least one semester is highly encouraged. 

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College is about exploration. At Widener, you'll complete a general education curriculum that supports just that. You'll have the flexibility and freedom to dive deep into the topics that spark curiosity, challenge your mind, and power your personal and academic growth. 

Along the way, you'll cultivate critical, meaningful skills employers seek, including:

  • How to make a difference in a diverse world with an inclusive mindset
  • How to write and edit for clear, compelling communication
  • How to analyze data and make decisions using critical thinking

It all starts with ASC 101: Thinking Through — a selection of around 40 course topics that will encourage you to go deeper and examine complex issues that shape our world and our ways of relating to one another. When you dive into the possibilities, you're sure to find multiple courses that inspire and intrigue you, regardless of whether they align with your major! Think of it as an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and truly learn something new. Then, in your senior year, you'll come full circle with a capstone course that takes your Thinking Through topic to new heights strengthened by everything you've cultivated along your college journey.

International relations majors can participate in the following pathways:

Through Widener’s Accelerated Advantage program, you can earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree with only one additional year of study—saving you valuable time and money. Master's degrees can be earned in allied health education (MEd), business administration (MBA), criminal justice (MCJ), organizational development and leadership (MA), and public administration (MPA).
 
While Widener does not offer a master’s degree in the same field as this major, you can still select from a variety of powerhouse master’s programs that will enhance your job opportunities and prepare you for rapid career growth.

Learn more about our Accelerated Advantage 4+1 Program

Interested in gaining real-world work experience before you graduate? As a student, you can tap into powerful networks of faculty mentors, alumni, and Career Design & Development professionals to find your perfect fit.

You'll have multiple opportunities to gain internship or externship support, including the Widener Works program—an externship program that takes place over winter break. Widener also offers an Experience MORE program which helps financially support students who have unpaid or low-paying internships.  

Learn more about internships

Pair Your International Relations Major with a Minor or Certificate

Spanish Minor

Advantages

Become fluent in the Spanish language to connect to non-English speakers through conversation, written communication, and cultural competence.

Outcome

Interpreter

Creative Writing Minor

Advantages

Apply your passion across creative and professional writing forms to gain the critical thinking skills necessary to write engaging pieces.

Outcome

International Journalist

Gender, Women, & Sexuality Studies Minor

Advantages

Deepen your understanding of how gender functions in society in relation to sexuality, race and ethnicity, culture, ability, and class.

Outcome

Nonprofit Program Coordinator

Political Science Minor

Advantages

Expand your understanding of politics and power from domestic, international, and comparative perspectives and learn how to legally solve confrontations.

Outcome

Policy Analyst

Economics Minor

Advantages

Develop an understanding of how an economy functions and how to spot trends and opportunities in finance or business.

Outcome

International Banking Officer

Career Outlook & Outcomes for International Relations Majors

Potential Careers

  • Intelligence Specialist
  • Grants Coordinator
  • Policy Analyst
  • Military 
  • Global Human Resources

Recent Employers

  • Global Philadelphia Association
  • Agilent Technologies
  • World Health Organization
  • US Army 
  • Ernst & Young Accounting Firm

Potential Industries

  • Government
  • Law
  • International business and finance
  • Communications
  • Diplomacy

Why Study International Relations at Widener?

Students in Costa Rica

Engage Beyond the Classroom

Experiential learning will define your international relations study.

With a wide variety of study abroad opportunities, we'll help you find your perfect global experience. You can also take your knowledge of foreign governments and current events to participate in EuroSim, a European Union simulation held in alternative years in the U.S. and Europe.

Along with research opportunities and a variety of clubs and organizations to join, you'll fast become a leader in politics and community engagement.

Students and faculty international relations

Experience Mentorship & Support From Day One

We want to get to know you and see you succeed. Professors will pay attention to how you learn and what you want to accomplish. Your Personal Student Success Team—faculty and peer mentors and liaisons for campus resources—will make sure your first year runs smoothly.

Without skipping a beat, you’ll have what you need to make Widener your second home. And you’ll know how to invest in the greater community, from professional opportunities in Philadelphia to volunteer experiences in your new backyard.

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Student Stories

Cloe DiFlumeri poses alongside two individuals during an internship at Museum of Arts and Sciences.

" There’s so much overlap with my majors. They’re interdisciplinary so they allow me to explore my passions, but I love the different perspectives they all bring. "

Cloë Di Flumeri

Class of 2023
Read Story
Mamadou Keita is mentored by Professor Stephanie Schechner

" I am very fortunate to have come to this country and received one of the best educations. My mindset now is ‘how can I give that type of opportunity to others back home in Guinea?’ "

Mamadou Keita

Class of 2013 and 2018
Read Story
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Our Faculty

Jeremy Backstrom
Jeremy Backstrom
Assistant Professor

"My attraction to Widener came from the culture and practices of the departments I teach in. I immediately felt at home with the benefits of the small class sizes, which create a department culture that truly emphasizes an open-door policy, student-faculty collaborative research, and a significant interaction between students and professors."

James E. Vike
James E. Vike
Associate Dean of Social Science

"Our students care about furthering positive outcomes in society. My goal in the classroom is to help them do this by building managerial and leadership skills that improve work performance in the near term and aid career advancement."

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Recent News

Taylor Easter smiles at the camera wearing a blue graduation cap and blue Widener sweatshirt

Meet Taylor Easter, the 2025 President’s Award Winner

Taylor Easter is the 2025 President's Award winner. One of the university's highest honors, the President's Award recognizes a graduating senior who has contributed the most to Chester campus life through scholarship and participation in extracurricular activities.

View All College of Arts & Sciences News

Admissions & Aid

Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!

Admissions

Applying to Widener is easy—and free! Simply complete our Widener Application or the Common Application. You'll also need your official high school transcript and either an admissions essay or your SAT/ACT scores. We're a test-optional school, so there's no need to submit both.

Know you're interested in applying to Widener but unsure if you're ready to zero-in on a major? You can apply as an Exploratory Studies student with an undecided major. This program will help you start your college journey on the right foot while you explore which undergraduate program is the right fit for you.

When to Apply​

We accept applications on a rolling basis—there are no hard deadlines. Apply when you're ready and we'll take a look as soon as we receive your app. 

Key dates to keep in mind:​

  • October 1: FAFSA opens for the next academic year (Widener's school code is 003313)​
  • November 1: Early Action deadline and decision notifications begin​

What to Expect After Applying​

Once we receive your application and all materials, you can expect to hear back from us quickly. Along with your application decision, you'll also find out about any merit-based scholarship awards. You're automatically considered for merit scholarships as soon as you apply—you don't need to apply separately.

Learn more about the application process

If you apply before November 1, you are considered an Early Action applicant which comes with benefits like:

  • Receiving your admissions decision by Thanksgiving
  • Early consideration for merit-based scholarships
  • Early notification of financial aid offers, including need-based awards
  • Priority enrollment for summer registration—where you sign up for classes!

All applications are non-binding, so why wait? Apply today!

Our admissions team will help you make the most of college-level credits earned after high school. We maintain strong partnerships and articulation agreements with numerous local community colleges and also accept a wide range of course credits earned at accredited colleges and universities.

Curious about how many credits may transfer? Email your transcripts to transfer@widener.edu and our transfer coordinator will personally review your coursework as an unofficial credit evaluation. Applicants are given priority during busy seasons, but you don't have to apply to work with our transfer coordinator. 

Transferring doesn't have to be a guessing game—share your stats and we'll take it from there! 

Learn more about applying as a transfer student

Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.

Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. 

This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.

Learn more about applying as an international student
Learn more about life at Widener as an international student

Financial Aid

Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings an exceptional education within reach. Complete your admissions application today to determine your financial aid package, including scholarships and grants.

Widener FAFSA Code 003313

Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to getting you the financial assistance to make the cost of college—an investment in your future—affordable. This free, online application is the gateway to grants, loans, and other forms of financial aid. Every year, the U.S. Department of Education offers billions of dollars in financial aid to eligible students. Widener gets in on the action, too, annually awarding aid to students with need. 

You and at least one parent or caregiver will need a separate FSA ID to access the Federal Student Aid's online system and serve as your legal signatures. Make sure to create your unique FSA IDs before you get started. Our school code is 003313.

 

    Paths to Savings

    Nearly 100% of Undergrad Students Receive Financial Aid

    Nearly 100% of new full-time undergraduate students receive significant financial aid offers that reduce out-of-pocket costs and make a Widener education not only affordable, but well worth the investment. In fact, once your total financial aid is calculated, the cost of a Widener education is often equal to if not lower than other competitive universities–but with far superior outcomes for your career and earning potential.

    The first step to see how much aid you qualify for is submitting the FAFSA.

    Scholarships Start at $100,000 Over 4 Years

    (including $20,000 per academic year for transfer students)

    Funding you don't have to pay back after graduation? That's a win-win! Scholarships and grants are a way for the university and other organizations to honor the academic, merit, and talent-based achievements of our students.

    4+1 Students Save Time & Tuition

    In the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you can save up to a year of tuition by pursuing a master's degree—resulting in thousands of dollars in savings. During your fifth year of study, you can also apply for graduate-level scholarships and assistantships to further reduce education costs. To learn more about graduate scholarships and assistantships, please speak with your academic advisor during the spring semester of your senior year.

    More About Tuition & Financial Aid

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