<p>Is there a program for IR in Cornell?
If so, what major do you apply for?</p>
<p>there is an IR minor that you can take no matter what college you attend at cornell... so take any major you want haha...</p>
<p>It's not really a minor. They call themselves a "concentration" - but all you really get is a certificate after completion. </p>
<p>To compare, though: think of it as a BIG minor. You need proficiency in a language (so if you're majoring outside of CAS, it's a drag, but an obvious requirement), you need to complete 8-9 of the IR interdisciplinary courses, depending on which route you choose to take, and there is an unofficial expectation of study abroad or internship work. </p>
<p>I'm sure it is great training, but if you ask me (THIS IS MY OPINION), you're better off picking up a major in Government or in some other social studies department and supplementing it - or even double majoring - with a language/area studies (i.e., Asian studies, or African studies, etc). If you're serious about a career in IR, you're going to want to get the Masters degree, hopefully from one of the top schools (Johns Hopkins' SAIS, Columbia's SIPA, Tufts' Fletcher, Georgetown, American, etc). Generally speaking, these graduate institutions aren't looking at your undergraduate major, so much as they are looking at your post-graduation work experience and your language proficiency. Most IR masters - barring those that took a 5-year MA track or who've got slick connections - are usually ~27 years old, so expect to work a few years before you get your MA.</p>
<p>Everyone I've talked to has told me that an IR undergraduate degree is in no way required - it might be nice - but it's not a requirement. Just get a language, get the piece of paper, and get to work. Government majors, economics majors, communication majors, business majors, area-studies majors - all of these will work. Hell, I'll bet there are even English grads working in IR.</p>
<p>If you want to get the concentration, great. I'm positive that it's full of fun and challenging coursework and that you'll learn a lot. But know that it's not going to be much help beyond the network you can develop with the faculty (most of which are in the Govt and Hist departments, anyway). Just don't overburden your work-load just to get the certificate.</p>
<p>thanks. its very helpful</p>