International Relations at Yale?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Yale University
1

<p>I'm a rising senior in high school and a prospective IR major. I've been told IR is a "subfield" of political science—that I shouldn't "narrow my options too soon" with such a specific major.</p>

<p>I've grown increasingly enamored with Yale, which does not actually offer a BA in International Relations. As I see it, there are three possible options:</p>

<p>A) the Global Affairs major, which has two tracks: international development and international security.</p>

<p>B) the International Studies major, a secondary major that "complements the discipline-based requirements of a first major with the comprehensive and interdisciplinary study of international affairs." </p>

<p>C) the Political Science major, with an interdisciplinary concentration in international studies.</p>

<p>I'm wondering if any current students or alumni would offer their thoughts and/or advice regarding my prospective major? Many thanks!</p>

2

<p>Bump</p>

<p>I would like to know this as well.</p>

3

<p>waiting for the answer</p>

4

<p>Option C. Or you could major in political science and minor in global affairs, if possible.</p>

5

<p>A couple of things:</p>

<p>1) There are no minors at Yale. You could do Global Affairs and Political Science as a Double Major, although that might get redundant.</p>

<p>2) Global Affairs was introduced as a replacement for International Studies. The latter is being phased out, and the class of 2016 won’t be able to enroll in it.</p>

6

<p>I was in the same situation when I was a pre-frosh myself. :)</p>

<p>First, any major is specific in one way or another. I don’t see how poli sci is more specific than, let’s say, physics or theater studies. You have two years to explore your options before declaring a major. In my opinion, that’s enough for you to shape up your future plans. </p>

<p>International Studies is no longer offered, so don’t worry about it.
Poli Sci with a concentration in IR is one way to go. We do have a very strong Poli Sci department and most people are happy with it.
My personal advice is to shoot for Global Affairs. It’s a major in its own right, not a minor or something. Also, Yale is investing a lot of money and effort in building it up so I expect it to be a very good program. (I’m applying for it this coming year). The only drawback is that it is selective and they only take about 50 kids every year. Of course, that means that these 50 lucky kids have all the resources available at their disposal.</p>