![Three students smile during a discussion with a whiteboard in the background.](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/undergrad/academics/history-philosophy-political-science/_assets/images/site-images/international-relations-hero.jpg?w=400&auto=format)
With an international relations major, you’ll explore political science, business, economics, and history while gaining skills to excel in careers domestically and abroad.
![Two students smile as they listen to a classroom lecture.](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/undergrad/academics/history-philosophy-political-science/_assets/images/site-images/international-relations-intro.jpg?w=400&auto=format)
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Interested in learning more about Bethel's B.A. in International Relations? Fill out this simple form and we'll send you more information soon.
Connect with a counselor
They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.
Courses and skills
What skills will I develop?
By majoring in international relations, you’ll develop the skills to be a well-rounded person, not just a well-rounded student. And you’ll experience a variety of great courses where you’ll explore big questions and apply them to modern issues.
![A professor addresses a classroom of international relations students.](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/undergrad/academics/history-philosophy-political-science/_assets/images/site-images/international-relations-skills.jpg?w=400&auto=format)
A strong base
As you study international relations, you’ll become well-versed in history and contemporary world politics and issues.
Modern preparation
As you expand your knowledge, you’ll explore how to live in the present day, how to interact with current issues, and how you can serve your community and world.
A business mindset
You’ll forge a foundation in business as you learn to interpret economic data and make plans for your future.
Skills for any career
You’ll develop strong critical thinking, clear and persuasive writing, creative problem-solving, and excellent communication that will help you in nearly any job—and graduate school.
![Students having a discussion in the Brushaber commons](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/undergrad/academics/_shared-content/images/student-discussion.jpg?w=400&auto=format)
Academic plans
Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.
Learning opportunities
What experiences will I have?
Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away.
![Visitors moving quickly past large paintings in an art museum, creating a blurred motion effect.](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/undergrad/academics/history-philosophy-political-science/_assets/images/site-images/history-philo-experience-2.jpg?w=400&auto=format)
Study abroad
As an international relations major, you’ll study abroad at least once over a full semester, January session, spring break, or summer. Recent students have studied in The United Kingdom, China, India, Egypt, Israel, Belgium, and New Zealand. Study for a semester at a university in another country. Recent students have studied in Chile, Costa Rica, Indonesia, and Lithuania. Many students study abroad more than once.
![A professor and a student having an in-depth discussion in a book-filled office.](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/undergrad/academics/history-philosophy-political-science/_assets/images/site-images/history-philo-experience-1.jpg?w=400&auto=format)
Internships
You'll have the opportunity to intern in government, at think tanks, and in nonprofit agencies in the Twin Cities and abroad. Several students each semester also work for the department as a teaching assistants. You’ll have the chance to conduct research with professors through programs like Edgren Scholars and summer research projects.
![Two students smiling and chatting during a group discussion, with laptops and water bottles on the table.](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/undergrad/academics/history-philosophy-political-science/_assets/images/site-images/history-philo-experience-3.jpg?w=400&auto=format)
Clubs and activities
You can participate in Bethel’s Model United Nations program (BUMUN); Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honorary; and United Cultures of Bethel, and many more clubs and organizations.
Real-world impact
What can I do with an international relations degree?
As you study international relations, you’ll become the person you’re meant to be and become equipped for a life of purpose in almost any field.
Politics
You’ll be equipped to work as a Foreign Service officer with the State Department, in state legislatures, and in a variety of political jobs.
Service
You’ll gain the skills and connections to serve others and strive for change at nonprofits and other organizations.
Business
You’ll be able to use your skills as a business associate for companies like Target and Cargill.
Education
If you’re interested in teaching, you can pair your major with an education degree or pursue a graduate degree in teaching or education.
Law
You can earn a minor in pre-law and receive academic advising to help you prepare for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
Graduate school
You’ll be prepared to take to continue your studies at top graduate schools. Our graduates consistently score well on graduate school entrance exams.
![Students conversing on Lake Valentine dock](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/_shared-content/images/bkg/dock.jpg?w=400&auto=format)
Start your journey
Explore Bethel for yourself
Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.
Faculty mentors
Meet your professors
You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Professors are accessible and usually have an open-door policy so you can stop by with questions, and you’ll often find students gathered in the “HiPPos Suite.”
Department of History, Philosophy, and Political Science
Location
Contact
Student Support
Your support team
At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.
![Nursing students in lab](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/undergrad/academics/_shared-content/images/nursing-students.jpg?w=390&auto=format)
Career coaching and preparation
A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.
![Woman smiling in classroom](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/undergrad/academics/_shared-content/images/people-smiling.jpg?w=390&auto=format)
Academic advising
No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.
![Students working at whiteboard](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/undergrad/academics/_shared-content/images/students-at-whiteboard.jpg?w=390&auto=format)
Tutoring and academic support
The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.
![Student group outside in front of the CLC](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/undergrad/academics/_shared-content/images/studentGroup-clc.jpg?w=390&auto=format)
Faith formation
As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.
![Smiling student wearing Bethel University beanie](https://bethel-university.imgix.net/_shared-content/images/cas-academics/student-with-hat.jpg?w=390&auto=format)
Become A Bethel Student
Apply now
You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.
Find your fit
Explore related programs
Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.
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