The Joint Degree Program in International Relations

The International Relations major in the Joint Degree Programme at the University of St Andrews and the College of William & Mary builds on the distinctive strengths of both universities. Students will master the most important theoretical approaches to the study of world politics, and they will learn how the international system operates as well as the major challenges it faces. Majors in the program will take courses from a range of disciplines–in particular, politics, economics, and history–and they will learn how to integrate insights from these diverse approaches to the study of international relations. Topics and issues covered include international security, world trade and finance, environmental politics, human rights, terrorism, regional and ethnic conflict, and the impact of globalization. Students will benefit in particular from exposure to the different modes of analysis pursued at the two universities–more scientific at William & Mary, more philosophical at St Andrews. Together the two universities offer the broad spectrum of courses needed for a solid foundation in the study of world politics. All International Relations majors in the joint program will pursue an independent study project as part of their degree, either by writing a dissertation at St Andrews or by taking a senior research seminar at William & Mary.

Required Credit Hours: 54

A minimum of 54, at least 45 of which (180 in St Andrews equivalents) must be taken in courses numbered 300 or above.

As detailed in the schedules below, there will be a range of  courses required in the joint degree program. The IR advisor at both institutions will work closely with each student to ensure that they are taking the courses they need to take in order  to excel at the next level and at the host institution.

First Year For William & Mary Home Student (Suggested):

St Andrews equivalents in parentheses for guidance; *indicates required course.

First Year For St Andrews Home Student:

W&M equivalent in parentheses for guidance; *indicates required course.

During the 2nd Year:

The student moves to the host university to complete their second year of studies.

Years 3 and 4:

Students home or away, with one of each being spent in the home institution. Students will take a variety of courses in years 3 and 4; our only compulsory element during these final two years is that all joint  programme students complete a fourth-year capstone experience which involves extensive, independent, faculty-mentored research. Students spending their fourth year at St Andrews take IR 4099; students at W&M typically complete an Honors thesis. We have designed this degree program so that the first two years give students broad exposure to a variety of different approaches to IR. The final two years allow the student to  specialize based on his/her interests and on the research opportunities afforded them at the two institutions.

All students will take the course INRL 300  (International Relations in Disciplinary Perspective) and a research methods course. Students who do not take INRL 300  in years 1 or 2 at W&M must take it in year 3.

Since the St Andrews intermediate core courses prepare students for more advanced courses in years 3 and 4, IR 2005 and 2006 (or their equivalents at W&M) will be required of all students.