What is International Relations?

International Relations, or IR, is actually a relatively new field of academic study. It is comprised of a combination of academic disciplines and methodologies we at ACT call the Human Sciences.

To start with, all ACT students receive a broad academic base, with special focus on communication skills – you will do a lot of reading, writing, and public speaking. The program has a practical dimension as well, with lots of emphasis on problem solving.

The core of the IR curriculum is a series of courses in foreign policy, political economy, regional integration, and international law. Students also take a specially designed cluster of courses in gender, geography, and culture, in addition to more traditional politics and history sub-disciplines. Finally, you will have several optional courses, or IR electives, in a wide variety of areas.

Our program in IR is unique in its dual emphasis on public service and international diplomacy. We aim to produce better citizens – regardless of where you come from and what you hope to do in life – and we provide pre-professional training for a wide variety of careers.