Difference: Global Studies VS. International Relations

<p>Could some one tell me what is the difference between Global Studies and International Relations? Thanks!</p>

<p>I’m planning to major in Global Studies, and I had the same question, too. If you have started your application online, you will see “Global Studies (International Relations)” when you choose your major. So they are basically the same, just that U of M uses a different term. :)</p>

<p>thanks for reply, but these two majors belong to different departments, GS belongs to Institute of Gobal Studes, and IR is from Political Science Department. So, what do you think of it?</p>

<p>I don’t believe IR is from Political Science Department, unless you’re directing to a specific school. International Relations, International Studies, and Global Studies are the same in general. They are not from any department, they are considered as programs. You choose a track/theme to focus on with an area study. The track may vary by school, Politics is just one of them. Culture, commerce, environment, media, and etc., would not be considered as Political Science Department, would they? Hope this helps.</p>

<p>Thank you for your answer. I have some materials to show you.
This is from political science department. ([Major</a> : Political Science : U of M](<a href=“http://www.polisci.umn.edu/ugrad/major.html#major]Major”>Undergraduate | Political Science | College of Liberal Arts))
The Subfields
International Relations is the study of relations among nations, centering attention on problems of foreign policy, international trade, international cooperation, and war and peace.
Like you said, another one is from institute for Global Studies.
([Institute</a> for Global Studies : University of Minnesota](<a href=“Global Studies | College of Liberal Arts”>http://igs.cla.umn.edu/))
This is what I try to say. :)</p>

<p>If your question is directing to the International Relations in Political Science Dept, it is just part of the subject you will learn for Political Science major. It is not the same as Global Studies major, even if you choose the Governance, Peace and Justice theme, it is still somewhat differentiated because you get to focus more on the region you chose rather than domestic. But they do have some courses in common though, so if politics is what you’re focusing on I guess it’s just the matter of what you want on your diploma; Political Science, or Global Studies?</p>

<p>I hope got it right this time. :)</p>

<p>^
Yeah vickyu post sounds about right. I also have done extensive research within these majors offered at different school, I think I’m leaning more towards political science and economics, but also consider international realations and economics. Though as one stated earlier, international relations is basically a branch of poli sci.</p>

<p>thanks, buddy, it makes sense. O(∩_∩)O</p>

<p>Coolbrezze, choose the one you like best. :)</p>

<p>^
Yeah its difficult to decided choosing to study between poli sci or IR with economics, but I do know your major isn’t completely lock your freshmen year.</p>

<p>I do think that if law school is your focus that political science is a more recognized major than global studies unless you are applying only to the U’s law school. Something to keep in mind.</p>

<p>Denquist: Thanks, your answer makes me much clearer about how to choose my major!</p>

<p>^
Law school is a option to keep open but not a definate at all.</p>

<p>Coolbrezze, what is your opinion? could you explain more?</p>

<p>Oh, my opinion to your question would be international relations is a more common major than Global Studies. Global studies although likely similar may be more direct towards say national resources, natural resources, etc… basically less studies of humans exact, unless speaking on how they use x, whie international relations is more political science. It really depends on the school though.</p>