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General Inquiries
1-866-684-7237
Master's Admissions
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+1-647-722-6642 (International)
Bachelor's and Certificate Admissions
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International relations is a broad field that helps create bonds between nations through economic, social, and political relationships. International politics is a subset of the study of international relations, and as such, it requires critical thinking skills and proficiency in cross-cultural communication. While international relations encompasses a wide array of disciplines, professionals who specialize in international politics typically focus more narrowly on specific types of nation-to-nation affairs, such as foreign policymaking, diplomacy, and trade regulation. By studying international relations, one can focus on international politics through various specializations and career paths.
International relations professionals who have an interest in international politics may use their knowledge of the global political landscape to help government agencies, private organizations, or other legal entities implement mutually beneficial policies. Depending on the nature of their employers, professionals in this field may specialize in several different areas, including:
For international relations professionals with an interest in international politics, careers focused on foreign policy, cyber diplomacy, national security, and the global economy may be of interest. Professionals may pursue opportunities to lead commercial, non-profit, or public initiatives around the world. The following career paths often involve international politics:
The Foreign Service is a branch of the U.S. Department of State that unites diplomats and other international relations professionals as they work for American interests abroad. The Foreign Service has five career tracks that all need international relations professionals:
International relations professionals may work with human rights organizations, disaster relief agencies, and other nonprofit groups to oversee the delivery of aid and services to countries in need. People who work in this area may be responsible for providing support to communities and keeping aid workers safe who are often in hostile conditions.
The United Nations (UN) is the paramount international political entity. The organization currently has 193 nations as members, with the aim of progressing the interests of humanity across the globe. Professionals employed by the UN work in many different capacities to achieve objectives like maintaining international peace, protecting human rights, delivering humanitarian aid, and upholding international law. Jobs offered by the UN that could best suit international relations graduates are in the following UN professional networks:
Professionals who work in international relations roles within the private, government, and legal sectors can apply their passion for international politics to build stronger bonds between nations. As international politics is a subset of international relations, a Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) degree can help students understand the fundamentals of relevant issues in foreign policy, diplomacy, and trade. The curriculum also covers economics, communications, security, cyber diplomacy, and humanitarian work. Equipped with this knowledge, MAIR graduates can be prepared to take a lead role in helping shape international policy, take on major global challenges, and make a difference in lives all over the world.
As the nation’s oldest private military college, Norwich University has been a leader in innovative education since 1819. Through its online programs, Norwich delivers relevant and applicable curricula that allow its students to make a positive impact on their workplaces and communities.
Our online Master of Arts in International Relations program offers a curriculum that evolves with current events to help you face the future of international affairs. Norwich University’s master’s degree in international relations covers many subjects to give you a look at the internal workings of international players, examine the role of state and non-state actors on the global stage, and explore different schools of thought. You can further strengthen your knowledge by choosing one of five concentrations in International Security, National Security, International Development, Cyber Diplomacy, or Regions of the World.
Recommended Reading:
Interstate Relations versus International Relations Careers
Career Outlook: Foreign Service Specialist
Career Outlook: Foreign Area Officer
Sources:
International Relations, Encyclopedia Britannica
Why international relations is the key to all our futures, The Independent
Nonprofit Groups with an International Focus, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Job networks, United Nations
Strategic Communication, United Nations
Foreign Policy, Gerry Connolly
Organization, U.S. Department of State
Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State
5 Career Tracks for Foreign Service Officers, U.S. Department of State
The Dilemma of Humanitarian Intervention, Council on Foreign Relations