Is International Relations a Hard Major? What Students Should Know in 2026

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Many students wonder if international relations is a hard major due to its reputation for intellectual rigor and broad subject matter. In the U.S., only about 5% of political science degrees focus specifically on international relations, highlighting its niche but demanding nature. The complexity arises from interdisciplinary study involving politics, economics, history, and global issues.

This article will explore the academic demands, including course rigor and workload expectations in international relations programs. It will also discuss essential skills like critical thinking and research. Finally, it will address how individual backgrounds and interests shape whether students perceive this major as challenging or manageable.

Key Benefits of International Relations as a Major

International relations develops critical thinking and communication skills, essential for career changers adapting to new fields or full-time workers balancing study with responsibilities.
The discipline offers diverse coursework and internships, fostering academic and professional growth beneficial for traditional undergraduates exploring a specialized area.
Students build confidence managing complex global issues, improving problem-solving abilities that ease handling challenging coursework across different student profiles.

Where Does International Relations Rank Among the Hardest College Majors?

International relations is generally placed in the mid-to-upper tier of college major difficulty according to national rankings and surveys like those from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). It demands a significant workload, often requiring students to dedicate 15-20 hours weekly on coursework outside of class.

The major emphasizes critical thinking, research, and strong writing skills rather than technical or lab-based tasks common in STEM fields. Practicum or fieldwork components are relatively rare compared to majors such as nursing or engineering, which often include more hands-on requirements and greater time commitments.

Difficulty levels differ notably depending on the institution and the student's academic strengths. At highly competitive universities, the expectations for intense research and writing can make international relations quite challenging, while other schools may offer a less demanding experience.

Compared to engineering or biology, international relations usually requires fewer study hours and less technical expertise but is typically considered tougher than majors like communications or business, which often have lighter workloads and less research focus.

Ultimately, the challenge depends largely on a student's skills and interests. Those comfortable with analysis and global issues may find it manageable, whereas students preferring quantitative or lab-oriented subjects might struggle more.

What Factors Make International Relations a Hard Major?

Several academic and skill-related demands contribute to making international relations a challenging major for many students. The field requires a combination of intellectual rigor and practical competencies that test students' abilities across multiple dimensions.

Academic Rigor and Coursework Load: The curriculum typically involves completing twelve or more specialized courses, including core classes, electives, and advanced seminars on topics such as global security, political economy, and governance. This demanding workload requires consistent effort and time management to meet high academic standards.
Language and Communication Skills: Most programs mandate at least two college-level foreign language courses, which can be challenging for students without prior experience. Additionally, multiple writing-intensive classes require long research papers that demand strong independent research and critical argumentation skills.
Technical and Analytical Complexity: Students must develop proficiency in political and economic analysis, quantitative research methods, and data interpretation. Coursework often includes statistics or data analysis components, ensuring the ability to critically assess complex international issues within an intellectually demanding framework.
Experiential and Field-Specific Demands: Many programs require participation in mandatory study abroad or field experiences, adding logistical and financial challenges on top of coursework. Balancing these experiential requirements with academic responsibilities intensifies the time commitment involved.

Prospective students interested in efficiently navigating rigorous academic programs may also explore options like the online accelerated associate's degree to complement or build foundational skills relevant to such demanding majors.

Who Is a Good Fit for a International Relations Major?

Identifying the best personality traits for international relations students is key to navigating this demanding major successfully. Students equipped with specific skills needed to succeed in international relations major tend to perform better academically and adapt well to its interdisciplinary approach.

Analytical Thinkers: These students excel at critically evaluating information and synthesizing diverse viewpoints. Their ability to draw reasoned conclusions helps them manage extensive reading and complex research tasks effectively.
Effective Communicators: Strong writing and public speaking skills are essential. Those who thrive can clearly articulate ideas in essays, presentations, and debates, which are central to the coursework.
Organized Individuals: With a rigorous workload that often involves 400-600 pages of weekly reading across multiple classes, disciplined time management is crucial to success.
Language and Culture Enthusiasts: Interest in learning foreign languages and understanding global cultures aligns well with program requirements, often giving students an edge in coursework and group projects.
Collaborative Team Players: Frequent group work demands a cooperative mindset. Students who enjoy engaging with diverse peers benefit greatly from this interactive academic environment.

Students considering international relations may also explore the easiest degree to get to compare workloads and skills across fields.

How Can You Make a International Relations Major Easier?

Many students find international relations demanding due to its broad scope and interdisciplinary challenges. However, adopting certain approaches can help make the workload more manageable and improve comprehension.

Develop Systematic Study Habits: Regularly reviewing materials and summarizing lectures fosters better understanding and retention of complex topics.
Practice Effective Time Management: Breaking assignments into smaller tasks and tracking deadlines with planners or apps can reduce overload and enhance productivity.
Build Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills: Engaging with case studies and debates sharpens evaluation abilities critical for handling diverse global issues.
Utilize Academic Resources: Taking advantage of office hours, study groups, and workshops provides clarity and different viewpoints on challenging concepts.
Enhance Research and Data Analysis: Mastering how to evaluate and synthesize information, along with data handling, improves project quality and eases preparation.

When speaking with a graduate who majored in international relations, she reflected on the difficulties she initially faced juggling heavy reading lists and complex theories. She explained that developing a daily review habit transformed her approach, making dense material less intimidating. She also highlighted how joining a study group gave her fresh perspectives and motivation during tough periods.

"It wasn't just about working harder but learning smarter," she said, emphasizing how breaking tasks into small steps helped her avoid burnout. Her experience showed that combining steady routines with community support and skill-building transformed the challenge of this major into an achievable journey. This balance was key to her staying engaged and succeeding academically.

Are Admissions to International Relations Programs Competitive?

Admissions to international relations programs are indeed competitive, largely due to a high number of applicants competing for limited spots. Top-tier universities often see acceptance rates between 4% and 8%, driven by the major's popularity and constrained program sizes.

This competition means candidates must present strong academic credentials and relevant achievements to stand out.

Selectivity fluctuates across institutions, with the most selective schools expecting GPAs around 3.7 or higher and standardized test scores in the upper percentile ranges. Applicants benefit from involvement in activities like debate or Model UN, which showcase commitment beyond academics.

Less selective universities may offer more accessible admission, but demand remains consistently strong at reputable programs or those near international hubs.

When I spoke with a professional and international relations graduate, he described his application journey as "intense but rewarding." He recalled carefully building a resume filled with leadership roles and relevant internships to meet rigorous requirements.

"It felt overwhelming at times," he shared, "but focusing on real-world experiences helped me show who I am beyond grades." This thoughtful preparation, he believes, was key to gaining admission at a competitive school and shaped his early confidence in the field.

Is an Online International Relations Major Harder Than an On-Campus Program?

Online international relations programs are generally not harder or easier than their on-campus counterparts; both require high-level engagement with complex theories and interdisciplinary material. The differences lie primarily in how students experience academic demands, interaction, and pacing.

Here is a comparison of online International Relations degree vs on-campus programs highlighting key aspects:

Academic Expectations and Workload: Both formats demand extensive reading often reaching hundreds of pages weekly, analytical writing, and synthesis of global events with equivalent curriculum rigor.
Pacing and Self-Discipline: Online students must manage time independently, maintaining motivation without the structure of in-person classes. On-campus students benefit from scheduled classes and direct supervision.
Interaction and Support: Traditional settings provide spontaneous classroom discussions and immediate feedback, whereas online learners rely on virtual communication and must be proactive in seeking mentorship and peer connections.
Learning Environment: Online programs offer greater flexibility and global networking opportunities but may lack the immediacy of face-to-face engagement present on campus.
Unique Challenges: Online international relations majors face challenges such as self-pacing and reduced physical interaction, while traditional students may find consistent engagement easier due to structured environments.

Regarding whether is online International Relations harder to complete, it ultimately depends on individual learning styles and adaptability. Both pathways require commitment to critical global awareness and rigorous study.

For prospective students looking for accessible degree options, various low cost associate programs online can offer a relevant starting point for international studies and related fields.

Are Accelerated International Relations Programs Harder Than Traditional Formats?

Accelerated international relations programs are generally harder than traditional formats due to their condensed timelines, faster pacing, and increased workload intensity. These factors create a more demanding academic environment that challenges students to adapt quickly and manage heavier course loads.

Below is a comparison of accelerated and traditional international relations programs focusing on key aspects affecting student experience:

Course Pacing and Content Density: Accelerated tracks require completion of the same credits in less time, leading to heavier semesters and additional summer or intersession courses compared to the more spread-out traditional format.
Workload Management: Students who are highly motivated and organized often thrive in accelerated programs, while others may struggle with the limited flexibility and rapid pace.
Academic Expectations and Skill Demands: Accelerated programs demand advanced time management, research, and reading abilities earlier, as graduate-level courses begin sooner than in traditional paths.
Learning Retention and Stress: The compressed format can increase stress and reduce opportunities for reflection or elective exploration, potentially impacting long-term understanding of complex theories.
Flexibility and Structure in Scheduling: Traditional majors allow more schedule adjustments accommodating extracurriculars or part-time work, whereas accelerated students follow stricter pathways to meet tighter deadlines.

For those exploring program options, researching accredited online schools offering no-cost applications can provide alternatives that balance rigor with flexibility. Considering whether an accelerated international relations program difficulty matches personal learning style and resilience is crucial before committing.

Can You Manage a Part-Time Job While Majoring in International Relations?

Students majoring in international relations can often balance part-time work alongside their studies, though success depends on factors like course demands, credit loads, and personal study discipline.

The major typically involves heavy reading and writing rather than fixed lab hours, which can offer greater scheduling flexibility. Students' ability to manage work also hinges on how they distribute their weekly workload and the flexibility of their job hours.

Many international relations students maintain moderate credit loads and opt for jobs with adaptable schedules, such as campus positions or remote roles, aligning with their academic calendar. The discipline's emphasis on essays, research papers, and discussion-based learning allows students to work assignments around their jobs more easily than in fields requiring strict lab time or frequent technical problem sets.

Study abroad programs and senior thesis projects can temporarily increase workload, requiring adjustments in employment commitments. Effective balancing often relies on realistic planning and selecting roles that accommodate academic priorities without compromising either responsibility.

What Jobs Do International Relations Majors Get, and Are They as Hard as the Degree Itself?

Career paths for international relations graduates vary in difficulty, responsibility, and required skill sets. While some jobs match the rigor of the major, others may feel less demanding or challenging in different ways.

Diplomat: Diplomats negotiate treaties, analyze political events, and represent their country abroad. This job is demanding, requiring high-level communication and adaptability in high-pressure environments. It is generally as demanding as the major, involving long hours and frequent travel.
Policy Analyst: Policy analysts research and evaluate international policies while advising governments or organizations. The work emphasizes intellectual rigor, critical thinking, and strong research and writing skills. It is similarly demanding to the major, focusing on analysis and strategy.
International Business Consultant: Consultants help companies navigate global markets, manage cross-border trade, and ensure compliance with international regulations. This role can be demanding, especially dealing with complex markets, but tends to be less academically intense than the major.
Journalist: Journalists report on global events, interview leaders, and analyze international stories. The profession is fast-paced and requires excellent communication, with a different kind of pressure focusing on deadlines and real-time reporting.
Nonprofit Program Manager: These managers lead initiatives that address global challenges like development and humanitarian aid. The work is meaningful and engaging but generally less academically demanding than the major, concentrating more on project management and teamwork.

Students interested in the highest paying international relations jobs in the United States should consider the varying demands of these roles when planning their careers. For those exploring careers for international relations graduates with salaries, understanding the balance between job challenges and skills required is essential. More insights on suitable career options can be found in the best high paying jobs for introverts.

Do International Relations Graduates Earn Higher Salaries Because the Major Is Harder?

There is no direct link between the difficulty of an international relations major and earning a higher salary. While the program can be challenging and develop important skills such as analysis, writing, and research, salary tends to reflect market demand and practical experience more than academic rigor.

Graduates who focus on building specialized skills and gaining relevant experience are often better positioned for higher pay. Thus, although academic challenges contribute to skill-building, they don't guarantee increased earnings on their own.

Several elements influence salaries for international relations graduates. Industry demand is significant. Political scientists earn a median of $122,220, while intelligence analysts and diplomats typically make between $75,000 and $113,000 annually.

Geographic factors also matter, with higher wages common in cities like Washington, DC, and New York due to the presence of government bodies and international organizations. Additionally, having advanced degrees and related work experience can open doors to more senior, better-paid roles. Entry-level salaries usually range from $38,000 to $70,000 but tend to rise with specialization and career growth.

What Graduates Say About International Relations as Their Major

Amira: "Pursuing international relations was certainly challenging-there's a lot of theory and real-world application packed into every course. However, the experience broadened my worldview and prepared me to work confidently in global nonprofits, which made the tuition cost of around $30,000 per year feel like a worthwhile investment. For anyone passionate about diplomacy and policy, it's a hard but rewarding major."

Kai: "Studying international relations required balancing complex subjects like economics, history, and political science, which made it a demanding major. Reflecting back, the cost-often upwards of $40,000 annually including fees-was significant, but it opened doors to a career in international consulting that I truly value. It wasn't easy, but the depth of knowledge I gained was priceless."

Tam: "International relations is definitely no walk in the park; the workload is intense and the topics are intricate. Yet, the insights I gained have been crucial in shaping my professional path in diplomatic services, justifying the high costs associated with the degree, which average over $35,000 per year. If you're ready for a challenge, this major lays a strong foundation for global careers."

Other Things You Should Know About International Relations Degrees

Is international relations just political science?

While international relations overlaps with political science in studying governments and policies, it focuses specifically on the interactions between countries, including diplomacy, conflict, and global cooperation. Political science has a broader scope covering domestic politics, political theory, and institutions. Therefore, international relations requires knowledge of multiple disciplines beyond political science alone.

Do you have to be good at math for international relations?

International relations majors generally do not require advanced math skills, but some understanding of statistics and data analysis can be helpful for research methods and quantitative studies. Most coursework emphasizes critical thinking, writing, and analysis rather than complex mathematical concepts.

Is international relations a good major for studying abroad?

Yes, international relations is especially well-suited for students interested in studying abroad. The major's global focus encourages students to experience different cultures and political systems firsthand, enhancing their understanding of international dynamics and providing valuable language and intercultural skills.

Does international relations involve a lot of memorization?

Memorization plays a role in learning key historical events, treaties, and international organizations, but the major emphasizes critical analysis and application of concepts more than rote memorization. Students must engage with theories, case studies, and contemporary global issues to succeed.