International Relations BA (Hons)
San Francisco State University, United States
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
San Francisco State University
International Relations
Program Overview: BA in International Relations at SF State
The Bachelor of Arts in International Relations at San Francisco State University is an interdisciplinary program focusing on the changing political, economic, and cultural relations within a globalized system. The program explores how global, regional, and domestic factors influence relations between actors on the world stage, preparing you for careers in diplomacy, government, NGOs, and international business.
The curriculum is designed around three core objectives: imparting knowledge of basic concepts, theories, and methods in international relations; developing in each student at least one area of special individual competence; and training students in research, writing, analytical, and presentation skills. You will have the opportunity to develop specializations in areas such as international political economy, global security, human rights, and regional studies.
SF State's Department of International Relations is the only program in the entire California State University system affiliated with the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA). Students benefit from a diverse faculty, the opportunity to publish original research in the department's International Relations Journal, and participation in Model United Nations competitions at regional and national levels.
Key Program Highlights
- Only CSU program affiliated with the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA)
- Culminating senior thesis experience with faculty mentorship and original research publication opportunities
- Interdisciplinary curriculum spanning political science, economics, history, and cultural studies
- Located in San Francisco with access to international organizations, consulates, and global businesses
Curriculum & Core Modules
The International Relations BA curriculum combines a structured core of foundational courses with flexible electives and complementary studies. You will complete core courses totaling 25 units, 18 units of IR electives, and 12 units of complementary studies from related disciplines. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills such as report writing, policy analysis, and oral briefing techniques.
Introduction to International Relations (I R 104)
3 UnitsFoundational course introducing basic concepts, theories, and frameworks in international relations, providing the essential groundwork for all subsequent coursework in the major.
Fundamentals of International Relations: Theories, Issues, and Perspectives (I R 208)
4 UnitsIn-depth exploration of the fundamentals of the IR field including international political, economic, and social theories, building analytical skills for understanding global dynamics.
International Relations Analysis and Application — GWAR (I R 309GW)
3 UnitsAdvanced course focused on analytical methods and their application to international relations problems, fulfilling the university's Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement.
U.S. Foreign Policy (I R 310)
4 UnitsComprehensive examination of the formation, implementation, and impact of United States foreign policy, analyzing historical and contemporary case studies in global diplomacy.
Introduction to International Political Economy (I R 312)
4 UnitsStudy of the intersection between international politics and economics, examining actors, institutions, and issues important to international political economy and global trade systems.
Senior Thesis in International Relations (I R 550)
6 UnitsCulminating experience in which students conduct original research and produce a senior thesis under faculty supervision, demonstrating mastery of IR theories, methods, and analytical writing.
Elective Courses & Specializations
Admission Requirements for International Students
San Francisco State University welcomes international applicants to the BA in International Relations program. Admission is based on English proficiency, academic performance, and financial documentation. All applications and inquiries are handled through Uni4Edu to ensure a streamlined and supported process.
Academic Requirements
- Secondary EducationCompletion of 12 years of primary-secondary education with eligibility to enter a university in your home country
- GPA Requirement (Freshmen)Minimum 2.5 GPA or B- average in academic courses completed after 9th grade
- GPA Requirement (Transfers)Minimum 2.0 overall college GPA in all transferable courses
- Academic RecordsOfficial transcripts from all institutions attended; documents not in English must include certified English translations
- Financial DocumentationProof of financial resources required for F-1 visa students via Financial Affidavit
English Language Proficiency Requirements
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 61
- IELTSMinimum overall score of 6.0
- ExemptionThree or more years of full-time study at an institution where English was the principal language of instruction
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
San Francisco State University is dedicated to offering financial aid, and approximately 68% of students receive some form of scholarships or financial assistance. The Department of International Relations also provides scholarships to assist students in reaching their education goals. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on available funding opportunities.
SFSU International Student Scholarship
Merit-based scholarships available to international students demonstrating strong academic achievement. Awards vary by year and are subject to eligibility criteria set by the university.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects for International Relations Graduates
Graduates of the International Relations BA program at SF State are well-prepared for diverse career paths across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Employment possibilities exist in business, government, journalism, teaching, and private international service organizations. The degree also provides excellent preparation for entry into competitive graduate programs or work abroad.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers Hiring IR Graduates
Rankings & Recognition
San Francisco State University is a well-established public institution founded in 1899, recognized nationally for social mobility and international engagement. The university is ranked among national universities by U.S. News & World Report and holds a distinctive position as a top host of international students among master's-level institutions in the United States.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| International Hosting of Students | National Recognition | #4 among master's institutions |
| Study Abroad Participation | National Recognition | #1 for academic-year study abroad |
| Campus Diversity | USA Today | Top 25 Most Diverse |
| IR Department APSIA Affiliation | APSIA | Only CSU affiliate |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
Similar Programmes
Bachelor's Degree
36 months
Economics and Politics\t
University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
June 2025
Gross Tuition
19300 £
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Economics with a Year Abroad\t
University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
October 2025
Gross Tuition
19300 £
Bachelor's Degree
42 months
Business Economics with Marketing BSc (Hons)
University of Dundee, Dundee City, United Kingdom
Earliest Intake
July 2026
Gross Tuition
21900 £
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Economics
Manhattan University, Bronx, United States
Earliest Intake
August 2026
Gross Tuition
46100 $
Bachelor's Degree
48 months
Economics
University of Toledo, Toledo, United States
Earliest Intake
October 2026
Gross Tuition
36570 $
Uni4Edu AI Assistant
