Interdisciplinary program offers students a global perspective 

As today's challenges increasingly cross national borders, understanding global politics has never been more important. From international law and human rights to migration, trade and diplomacy, the issues shaping the world also influence communities, organizations and careers across nearly every field.

To give students an opportunity to explore these global issues in a way that complements their primary field of study, the UD Department of Political Science and International Relations has launched a new international relations minor. The 15-credit interdisciplinary program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the histories, institutions, laws, norms and governance structures that define international relations. 

“Structured to allow students to tailor the minor to their specific studies and interests, the International Relations minor offers a flexible way to bring an international dimension to existing studies,” said Matthew Weinert, chair of Political Science and International Relations.

"An international relations minor can expand your knowledge of how international systems and world politics shapes everything from the clothes we wear, the air we breathe, the food we eat, who communities are, what we buy and sell, and those with whom we compete and work.”

What Students Will Learn

The international relations minor prepares students to analyze global issues through an interdisciplinary lens while building skills that are valuable across many careers. The program allows students to:

• Build a strong foundation in international and comparative politics by examining the key theories, concepts, institutions and contemporary issues that shape both fields.

• Strengthen critical thinking, research and communication skills through case studies, simulations and the analysis of real-world international challenges.

• Integrate global perspectives with their primary field of study, connecting knowledge from their major with the study of international relations to better understand complex issues from multiple viewpoints.

One of the program's greatest strengths is its flexibility. Because international relations intersects with nearly every area of study, the minor complements a broad range of majors across the University.

The Department of Political Science and International Relations oversees the program, with advising support available to help students develop a course of study that fits their academic and professional goals. Visit the University of Delaware Course Catalog for the requirements and course options.

Students can enroll in the international relations minor beginning fall 2026. Students with questions about the International Relations minor or who would like assistance planning their coursework are encouraged to contact Barbara Ford at barbford@udel.edu or Kyong-Min Son at kmson@udel.edu for advising and additional information.