<p>I am thinking of majoring in Political Science or International Relations, however I heard that most people that major in International Relations also know another language? And often even double major in another language? Is language really that critical to International Relations?</p>
<p>At Tufts one is required to take (6?) semesters of language to become proficient in another language. Yes, it's quite important I'd say to master it, or at least to become somewhat proficient by the time one graduates.</p>
<p>language is important, though different schools have different requirements on what you have to have to graduate.. if you go on to grad school, however, many require proficiency to graduate..</p>
<p>in general, though, language will probably help you to get jobs in that field... but if you don't already have a language that's fine, i started a new language when i got to college, so you still have plenty of time to figure that out!</p>
<p>I'm an IR major, and my language (aside from English) is French, although I'm doing a semester of Spanish for kicks...and resume purposes. It's strongly recommended, plus anytime you tell people (anyone, I swear!) you major in IR, they ask "what's your language?" It's nice to do language classes also b/c you learn a lot of cultural stuff, and if you do IR, you might have to do area studies classes and such. </p>
<p>--Sarai--</p>
<p>I'm going to be an IR/French major and I already know French. Yeah, definitely get good at another language fast. Not (just) for the major or school requirements, but for yourself when you go to get a job. You'll be up against bi and trilinguals.</p>
<p>At Georgetown's School of Foreign Service you have to take a proficiency exam in at least one other foreign language, and many people choose that language as their second major or minor. Plus, it is something that you will need in the field if you plan on working in IR.</p>