International relations is an interdisciplinary major dealing with today's global problems and potential solutions. You may choose to focus on world trade and development, peace and security, global environment, health and natural resources, or peoples and nationalities. You will have access to courses from over 40 campus departments to gain a more complete picture of the issues and traditions that shape regions and nations, as well as gain the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an increasingly global workplace. After completing lower-division work in the social sciences and in a foreign language, you will select an emphasis for your advanced study. You may choose to focus on world trade and development, peace and security, global environment, health and natural resources or peoples and nationalities. You will specialize in one region of the world: Western Europe, Russian and East/Central Europe, Asia and the Pacific, Latin and South America or Africa and the Middle East. You may also take advantage of UC Davis' extensive Education Abroad Center programs to gain firsthand experience in another country.
One program of special interest to international relations majors is the Education Abroad Program, which provides insights into the life and culture of other countries. At UC Davis, the Internship and Career Center assists students in obtaining legislative, legal, and business internships. In addition, the UC Davis Washington Center and UC Center Sacramento arrange internships and run a full-credit academic program in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento respectively with a full range of opportunities for International Relations majors (see also UC Washington Center (UCDC). International Relations graduates are prepared for employment in government agencies (such as the Foreign Service), state agencies, international or non-governmental organizations (such as the United Nations), foundations, and companies having interests in international business, trade, or finance. The stringent language requirement of the major program enhances career prospects in jobs that demand knowledge of the language and culture of other countries.
