International Relations, Diplomacy, and Law, B.A.

Four Core Courses

• PS 101 Introduction to American Politics (4 Credits)
• PS 140 Introduction to International Relations (4 Credits)
• PS 150 Introduction to Comparative Politics (4 Credits)
• PS 180 Introduction to Political Philosophy (4 Credits)

Three Research Writing Courses

• PS 201 Political Science Research Writing (4 Credits) or other approved RW
• PS 490 Senior Thesis Seminar (4 Credits)
• PS 491 Senior Thesis Seminar (4 Credits)

Five International Relations, Diplomacy, & Law Electives

Elective Courses: Students must complete five courses from the following list. At least three of these courses must be at the 300 level or above:

• PS 220 American Constitutional Law (4 Credits)
• PS 240 U.S. Foreign Policy (4 Credits)
• PS 243 Introduction to Peace and Conflict Resolution (4 Credits)
• PS 270 Introduction to Security Studies (4 Credits)
• PS 281 Model United Nations (4 Credits)
• PS 311 International Law (4 Credits)
• PS 317 Antiracist Immigration Law and Advocacy (4 credits)
• PS 321 Global Governance and International Organizations (4 Credits)
• PS 335 Politics of Russia and East Europe (4 Credits)
• PS 370 International Human Rights
• PS 385 Special Topics in Political Science
• IS 320 Global Poverty and Inequality (4 Credits)
• IS 330 Social Life of War (4 Credits)
• IS 340 Law, Disorder and Globalization (4 Credits)

• Note: Courses completed abroad and/or electives not listed above may satisfy major and concentration requirements with approval from the Program Director—Political Science majors or department chairperson. 

Elective Course Requirement

Students must complete one 4-credit elective course offered in the Historical and Political Studies Department that will complement career goals or allow for intellectual exploration.

Cognate Course Requirement

• EC 210 Principles of Macroeconomics (4 Credits)

• (Note: Cognate course credits do not count toward major credit requirement)

Suggested Undergraduate Courses

Students are strongly encouraged to take PL 155 : Applied Logic and MA 141 : Elementary Statistics before taking PS 490 : Senior Thesis Seminar.

Joint and Accelerated Programs

The International Relations, Diplomacy, and Law major offers several ways to pursue graduate school, including:

• A 4+ 2 program with Arcadia’s International Peace and Conflict Resolution master’s program

• An accelerated 3+2 with Arcadia’s International Peace and Conflict Resolution master’s program

• An accelerated 3+3 program with Drexel University’s School of Law

• A 4+3 assured admission program with Drexel University’s School of Law

• An accelerated 3+2 program with the American Graduate School of International Relations and Diplomacy

Study Abroad and Away

International Relations, Diplomacy, and Law majors are encouraged to study abroad for a semester, a year, or another time period that meets their curricular and personal needs. For example, the Department of Historical and Political Studies has global field study courses that combine traditional course work with a 7-to-14-day overseas travel component.

When studying abroad, students should try to enroll in appropriate courses that are not offered on the Glenside campus, giving students a unique opportunity to interact with other students, faculty and public officials from another culture and political system.

If studying abroad for a semester or a year, International Relations, Diplomacy, and Law majors can plan to study abroad during any semester except senior year due to the required senior seminar & thesis course sequence.

Since it is important students plan ahead for study abroad, they should consult with their advisers as soon as possible and make their intentions known to the Division of Civic and Global Engagement.

Internships and Experiential Learning

International Relations, Diplomacy, and Law majors are strongly encouraged to pursue internship opportunities. The Department of Historical and Political Studies offers an internship course to encourage this, PS 380 (Political Internship), designed to be taken in either the Fall or Spring semester, in addition to other coursework.

Arcadia University also participates in the Washington Semester Program at American University and the Washington Center Program. Each offers an off-campus experience of seminars and internships, drawing on the resources of the Washington, D.C. political community. Internship experiences will assist students in deciding what career to pursue after graduation and provide them with valuable personal and professional experiences, connections, and references. Students may also pursue internships over the summer, though these typically do not come with academic credit.

Studying abroad is another way to supplement and expand upon learning that takes place in the classrooms in Glenside. International Relations, Diplomacy, and Law majors study away through Arcadia’s College of Global Studies at sites in Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and more. International internships are also available through Arcadia’s College of Global Studies; while abroad you may also do an internship in the British or Irish parliaments.

Finally, students may participate in and travel with an award-winning Model UN team. This allows studies to experience how the United Nations, an intergovernmental organization, works to address global issues.

Senior Capstone

The Senior Capstone Project is the opportunity for students to bring four years of coursework and academic and personal experiences together by engaging in an extended project. International Relations, Diplomacy, & Law majors complete a two-semester Capstone course that challenges them to integrate their education, interests, and career plans into producing a polished research-based thesis and poster presentation.