<p>I wanted to major in International Relations but apparently they don't have that here at Michigan? Does anybody have any beneficial info regarding this? I've already scheduled a meeting with the PoliSci department but I'd like to know what other students think or know regarding this topic.</p>
<p>I actually wanted to know the same thing. I really want to study political science and international relations so I am not sure if Michigan has exactly what I am looking for. However, if you look at the undergraduate handbook on the political science website for Michigan (<a href="http://polisci.lsa.umich.edu/documents/undergradHandbook2003.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://polisci.lsa.umich.edu/documents/undergradHandbook2003.pdf</a>) it says under the world politics course that it allows you to focus on foreign policy and international relations. However it is not a very detailed description. I was wondering to what degree this course would actual focus on international relations and current events compared to other IR degrees in other universities.</p>
<p>I'm taking Polisci 160 (intro to world politics) right now. Love the class. 1st half is on conflict, 2nd half is on political economy. It's a great starting point for international politics. Morrow is a great lecturer. </p>
<p>You really need to customize your own major, if you're thinking about IR. I was as well, and there are so many ways you can shape your major to fit an "IR criteria." The new International Institute has some new concentrations if you want to focus on one part of the world: International</a> Institute</p>
<p>Explore the majors (I think doubling in polisci and a language may be equal or greater than an IR degree), and the course catalogs. There are so many cool classes that delve into the international politics arena. </p>
<p>Also, you should check out the Ford School of Public Policy. The have an undergraduate program, and you can focus on a certain type of policy--like international policy, or something.</p>
<p>PM me, or just reply to this if you have any other questions.</p>
<p>Since IR is basically a subset of political science, and Michigan's PS reputation is world class, I think you're safe :)</p>
<p>Michigan doesn't really focus on pre-professional modifications of liberal arts programs, so you won't see IR, journalism, criminal justice, and things like that.</p>
<p>I took PolSci 160 last year and now need something past that.</p>
<p>Also, the fact that Michigan has a good PS reputation is nice to know but it doesn't really answer my question in any way. It's nice to know though so thanks for that.</p>
<p>No IR degree. However, there is a BA in Public Policy from the Ford School. It's new.</p>
<p>In most of the other universities I have looked at that offer political science (Georgetown, UVA, Wisconsin, UNC, John Hopkins), the political science course is divided into political theory, American politics, comparative politics, and INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. At Michigan, the courses are divided into political theory, American politics, comparative politics, and WORLD POLITICS. However I am confused because the description for world politics course seems like an international relations course. Can someone please tell me what the difference between an international relations and world politics course are? And if there is no difference then why does Michigan label the course differently?</p>