<p>I am entering BC this fall as a freshmen as econ major but really I wanted to major in International Relations (Yes, BC really wasn’t on my mind as a dream school…). I see that BC offers International Studies starting at Sophomore yr, but I have to apply for it separately, which I don’t mind as long as it is a great program.</p>
<p>Honestly how strong is international studies at BC? I mean not just the vigor of the courses but also whether the alumni connection is well established or professors are interesting… like I expect it be not as strong as IR at Tufts or Gtown but still I would like to hear from those who are familiar with the program!</p>
<p>I know that I shouldn’t judge the school before actually going there but I’m very serious about IR so if it isn’t one of BC’s many pride and strengths… well I should plan on transferring…</p>
<p>Dear mirmiro : The assumption has to be that you either did not apply to or were rejected from Tufts and/or Georgetown. In comparing Tufts to Boston College on international relations, Tufts will be stronger because it happens to be one of the core academic tenets in their curriculum. </p>
<p>As an economics major, it sounds likely that you are in Boston College’s College of Arts and Science. Provided that is true, speak with your dean or academic advisor as to what you can take in your freshman year in CAS that would give you a true IR experience at BC. You might be able to experiment early to see if this is a true passion of yours.</p>
<p>For reference, the details on the program can be found here :</p>
<p>Tufts and Georgetown are probably the top two IR programs in the country, so BC’s International Studies Program (ISP) honestly can’t match them. Nonetheless, ISP is a very strong, well-regarded program, and admission to the major is very competitive. Only 70 students are accepted each year and far more than that apply. So if you’re serious about having that particular major, make sure you have an outstanding freshman year so that you can make the cut when you apply in the fall of your sophomore year.</p>