How do I become an International Relations (IR) Honors Major at NYU?

Application to the IR Honors Major occurs in the fall of Sophomore year.  Criteria for admission include a strong academic record at NYU (G.P.A. of 3.65 or better); completion of two of the four required core courses, and progress toward or completion of the foreign language requirement.  The four required core courses are V53.0700 International Politics, V31.0001 Economic Principles I, V31.0002 Economic Principles II and Statistics.  You must complete two of these prior to application.

 

What is the difference between an IR and a Politics degree at NYU?

IR is an interdisciplinary major.  This means that it is comprised of courses taken from the fields of Politics, Economics, Area Studies and Foreign Language.  While there is some overlap with the Politics major, students of IR are also expected to have a strong grasp of economics, foreign language, and the culture and politics of a particular region of their choice.  In addition, IR is an honors only major.  You must apply to the major and maintain a 3.65 GPA throughout your time as a major. 

 

What options would be available to me as a graduate of IR?

Graduates of the IR major have gone on to pursue a wide variety of interests including: law school, positions with international finance groups and multinational corporations, work with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), investment banking, federal programs such as Peace Corps and Teach for America, as well as graduate school programs in International Affairs, Politics, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Economics and Development.  Graduates have attended law school at a variety of universities including NYU, Harvard University, and Columbia, as well as graduate programs at the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard, University of Rochester, and Princeton University.

 

If I am an international student can I waive the study abroad requirement?

We encourage all students to study abroad, even those who are attending NYU, but did not grow up in the United States. It is our belief that an academic experience in another country is a valuable experience.  We encourage all IR Majors who are international students to do a semester abroad in a country outside of their home country.

 

If English is my second language can I waive the language requirement?

Fluency in foreign languages is an important part of the practice of international relations. For this reason it is important that students of IR gain proficiency in as many languages as possible. We encourage students who are already fluent in English and another language to study an additional language at the advanced level. However, on occasion academic schedules may not allow more language study. In such cases a student can fulfill the language competency requirement with written verification of fluency from an NYU language department. If a student is unable to obtain verification of fluency from a language department, he or she will be required to fulfill the requirement through advanced coursework. Advanced coursework in the student’s non-English language will fulfill this requirement.

 

If I am not admitted to the IR Honors Major, can I pursue an international relations course of study as a different major?

Yes.  Since the IR major is interdisciplinary it is made up of courses from the Politics, Economics, Foreign Language and Area Studies Departments.  It is possible to pursue the exact same course of study as a major or double major or minor within any of these departments.  For instance one could simulate an IR course of study by double majoring in Politics and Economics with a minor in Middle Eastern studies. 

 

How can I learn more about the IR Honors Major?

Every September a Briefing Session is held for NYU students interested in the IR Honors Major.  The Briefing Session gives students a chance to meet some of the IR faculty and learn more about admission and requirements.  If you think you might be interested in attending a Briefing Session, please contact Emily Mitchell-Marell (emm9@nyu.edu) to be put on the invite list.