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International Relations & Development Studies H T

Get an international perspective and prepare for an exciting career in foreign affairs and global governance. Focus your sights in a variety of areas such as diplomatic relations, human rights, international justice, conflict resolution and more. You’ll learn from our faculty members and develop analytical skills to build novel approaches to global issues. You can broaden your horizons an add a student exchange opportunity, or the EU study abroad course where you will travel to Europe for exclusive access to NATO officials.

Sample Courses: Intro to Canadian Government and Politics, Intro to International Relations, International Conflict and its Resolution, Comparative Politics in a Changing World, Political Economy of Agriculture and Food

Specialization Options: Students select one minor to complete as part of their degree: Arabic Studies; Business Administration; Communication, Media, and Film; Economics; Entrepreneurship; French Studies; Geography; History; Indigenous Studies; Jewish Studies; Latin American Studies; Modern Languages; Philosophy; Race and Ethnicity Studies; Sociology; Women’s and Gender Studies

Career Tracks: Diplomatic officer, community rights organizer, foreign correspondent, policy analyst, international development worker

Co-op Co-op Available
G General 3-year program
H Honours 4-year program
T Thesis Available
C Combined Honours programs available

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"My education at the University of Windsor has prepared me for the demands of this experience, especially through developing my writing and communication skills. I’d really recommend the Young Diplomats Abroad Program to any other students interested in the foreign service. It’s been everything I could ask for."

Erik Stenlund
BA in International Relations and Development Studies
MA in Political Science

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What Will I Learn?

Describe and explain major issues and phenomena of political science, international relations, and global developments
Research and investigate political issues, synthesize data and information from varying sources and present descriptive and empirical evidence to support a central thesis
Confidently assert political ideas and arguments, and defend them with sound reason and logic

Effectively communicate ideas, arguments and evidence through clear, concise and coherent written work

Explain the rights and responsibilities associated with Canadian and global citizenship

Propose and evaluate alternative policy solutions to contemporary societal problems

Number of Graduates (2020)

94%

EMPLOYMENT RATE OF GRADUATES*

*2 years following degree completion (OUGS Social Sciences, 2019)

Explore your opportunities

Ambassador
Border services official
Community developer
Community rights organizer
Consultant
Court monitor
Demographer
Development analyst
Diplomatic officer
Foreign correspondent
Human rights officer
Immigration agent
International health educator
Journalist
Lawyer

Legal consultant
Lobbyist
Operations director
Law enforcement officer
Policy analyst
Political aide
Political organizer
Professor
Project manager
Public official
Public relations officer
Reporter
Research co-ordinator
Teacher

First Year

Take required courses including Introduction to Canadian Government and Politics with mentorship component and Introduction to International Relations and Effective Writing I and II
Review degree course requirements
Research available minors in Arabic Studies; Business Administration; Communication, Media, and Film; Economics; Entrepreneurship; French Studies; Geography; History; Jewish Studies; Latin American Studies; Modern Languages; Philosophy; Sociology; Women’s and Gender Studies
Meet with an academic advisor
Receive peer mentorship from Political Science Help Centre

Middle Years

Take required courses and check in with academic advisor to make sure you are on the right path
Take the From University to Work course
Explore research opportunities with professors HIP
Take courses in your minor
Start taking courses required as pre-requisites for graduate/professional school
Seek out courses that offer field experience HIP
Continue taking courses with a strong emphasis on academic writing/research
Consider taking the Public Administration or Law and Politics Certifi cate
Consider applying to go on exchange in your third year (apply in second year) to fulfill the International Exchange concentration option HIP

Final Year

Meet with an academic advisor to go over degree requirements
Complete all required courses for your degree
Apply to graduate through UWinsite Student Portal
Complete your selected minor, as well as remaining coursework
Work with a faculty member on a research project or publication HIP
Complete required courses for Public Administration or Law and Politics Certificate
Take a field work or practicum course to culminate your senior experience HIP

First Year

Explore available International Studies internships and field placements HIP
Volunteer with local government or a non-profit organization
Investigate research opportunities as part of the Outstanding Scholars program HIP
Research student exchange opportunities for middle years in locations such as the UK, France or Australia HIP
Join clubs such as the Undergraduate Society for IR and Political Science, Model United Nations, UWSA, Mock Trial Association, or Pre-Law Society
Participate in the Bystander Initiative workshop to gain skills that will help you be an effective and supportive ally to prevent sexual assault on campus
Apply for a co-curricular experience such as VIP - Community Service Learning

Middle Years

Join the Mock Trial Association, or Model United Nations to compete in local and international competitions
Participate in the UWill Discover undergraduate research conference HIP
Attend a Political Science Speaker Luncheon Series presentation
Apply for student exchange program HIP
Expand your skills by taking on a summer, part-time or volunteer position
Consider running for office in the Political Science Society and/ or as student representative on the Departmental Council
Consider applying to become a Political Science Mentor (in third or fourth year
Join a professional association in your field such as the International Studies Association

Final Year

Work with the Cross-Border Institute to conduct research and public outreach
Become a tutor for Students Offering Support (SOS) HIP
Join the UWindsor Model NATO, Model United Nations or run for a UWSA executive position
Work with a local organization through field placement courses such as the Public Service Management Internship Practicum HIP
Run for office on the Departmental Council or Undergraduate Society for IR and Political Science
Conduct field research with faculty member HIP
Consider applying to become a Political Science Mentor (in third or fourth year)

First Year

Start by making a list of things that you enjoy and areas in which you excel
Meet with a career advisor in Career Development and Experiential Learning (CDEL) for help developing a plan for your future years
Consider a career assessment workshop or appointment to help you identify possible career paths
Get involved with a part-time job, volunteer opportunity, campus group, or research assistantship
Attend CDEL workshops to learn how to find a summer or part-time job and write a university-level resumé
Chat with an advisor during CDEL's Drop In hours to get answers to your career and job search questions

Middle Years

Research career fields and occupations with the help of a CDEL career advisor
Explore opportunities and meet potential employers by participating in CDEL’s Job Shadow Experience, job fairs, and industry networking events
Explore further educational opportunities by attending the Graduate and Professional Schools Fair and researching admission requirements for programs you are interested in
Create a LinkedIn profile and have it critiqued by CDEL
Take part in informational interviews and use sources like LinkedIn and Ten Thousand Coffees to meet people in your targeted profession
Search job postings to learn what skills, knowledge, and credentials you will need for potential careers

Final Year

If you are considering applying to graduate or professional school, be aware of early application deadlines
Meet with CDEL to prepare application documents like a resumé, cover letter, CV, or personal statement for jobs and education programs you are applying to
Attend CDEL's workshops on interview skills and job search strategies
Set up a mock interview with a career advisor for professional school or job applications
Take part in recruitment events and job fairs, including those organized by CDEL
Explore professional development opportunities through Continuing Education

HIP

High-Impact Practices (HIP)

A HIP is an enriching educational experience that can be life-changing and often includes learning outside of the classroom while encouraging meaningful interaction and collaboration.

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International Relations & Development Studies H T

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What Will I Learn?

Number of Graduates (2020)

EMPLOYMENT RATE OF GRADUATES*

Explore your opportunities

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

High-Impact Practices (HIP)

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Program Highlights & Admission Requirements

Your location

International Relations & Development Studies H T

Admission requirements for Applicants in Canada

Admission requirements for Applicants outside of Canada

Get a FAHSS Brochure sent straight to your inbox

Connect with INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS & DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

What Will I Learn?

Number of Graduates (2020)

EMPLOYMENT RATE OF GRADUATES*

Explore your opportunities

Career Tracks

Experiences

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

First Year

Middle Years

Final Year

High-Impact Practices (HIP)

Learn More

Apply to UWindsor

Step by step: How to Apply

Events & Webinars

Questions? Need Help?

There are multiple ways to connect with UWindsor to ask questions

International
Relations & Development Studies

Get a FAHSS Brochure
sent straight to your inbox

Apply to
UWindsor

Events &
Webinars

Questions?
Need Help?