BA in Liberal Arts and Sciences in Political Science - International Relations in Urbana United States | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois organizes its political science curriculum into five distinct disciplines: American Politics, Public Policy, Comparative Politics, Political Theory (also called Political Philosophy), and International Relations. These specialized branches each examine different aspects of political systems and governance. As students progress through higher-level courses, they discover connections between concepts and theories across these disciplines. The Political Science Department provides both major and minor programs, including a general political science track and a civic leadership concentration for majors, plus corresponding minor options. Learners develop skills in applying scientific methodologies to political analysis and interpreting empirical data. Students gain essential knowledge about key facts, classifications, and theoretical frameworks within their selected specialization. The curriculum emphasizes understanding political science's distinct identity among social sciences. International Relations (IR) focuses on cross-border dynamics between nations, examining how global, regional, and domestic elements shape state interactions and non-state actors' roles. Advanced coursework covers diverse IR subjects including international law, economic relations, conflict studies, global governance, and human rights issues.