International Relations
As an international relations major at Rollins, you’ll investigate some of the world’s most pressing challenges through an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses everything from political science and economics to history, anthropology, and modern languages. Along the way, you’ll develop in-demand analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills that will prepare you for an influential career in a range of fields.
Many Rollins alumni secure high-profile roles in government, diplomacy, Foreign Service, and intelligence. Others leverage their multifaceted skills and expertise in careers in business, journalism, law, and countless other sectors. No matter your specific career path, international relations will help you engage the world with big-picture perspective and understanding.
Why Study International Relations at Rollins
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Interdisciplinary Approach
The challenges of the 21st century can’t be solved through a single lens. As a Rollins international relations major, you’ll grapple with these complex problems through an array of disciplines, including political science, history, anthropology, and economics.
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Collaborative Research
Through Rollins’ Student-Faculty Collaborative Scholarship Program, every student has the opportunity to partner with our faculty on the kind of advanced research typically reserved for grad school.
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Cross-Cultural Experiences
Increase your cultural competency and prepare for global impact by becoming fluent in a second language and engaging in an international learning experience.
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“My courses in history, economics, anthropology, and political science gave me multiple lenses through which to view problems and prepared me to join the Fulbright program after graduating from Rollins. As a graduate student, this diverse academic background has also given me an advantage over classmates who are new to one area or another.”
Dive Into International Relations
The International Relations Program at Rollins College seeks to foster an awareness of global issues and the ability to act in the international arena. We support the Rollins' goals of high quality liberal arts and applied education for a global society through rigorous and practical courses about international political, economic, historical, and cultural processes, and through study abroad and foreign language requirements.
What You Will LearnRollins International Relations Careers
Rollins international relations grads are making tomorrow happen at some of the world’s most innovative organizations.
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Mo Coffey ’08 ’08
Founder and Principal, Challenges and Solutions LLC
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Layna Mosley ’93
Professor of Political Science, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
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Brent Woolfork ’02
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for House Affairs, U.S. Department of Defense
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Elise Letanosky ’07
Humanitarian & Protection Consultant, Various Organizations (NGOs, institutes, businesses)
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Jesenko Tesan ’04
Founder, Association and Institute for Studies of Societies in Transition
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Ian Wallace ’12
Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State
Real World Experience
From community engagement courses to internships and research, international relations students hone their skills in the real world.
Apply By November 15
It’s never been easier or more rewarding to apply to Rollins. No app fee, formal essay, or test scores required. Apply by Nov. 15 to receive priority consideration for academic scholarships that range from $15,000 per year to full ride.
Apply NowApply NowPopular Courses
Within this multidisciplinary field, you can choose a focus according to your interests. You might earn a minor or double major by specializing in a geographic area, modern language, or complementary field, such as global health.
ECO 308 European Emerging Markets
Trace the transition from Communist to post-Communist economies across Central East Europe, and research the many factors shaping this region’s current economic climate.
POL 332 International Human Rights
Examine the theories, politics, and laws that shape our understanding of human rights around the world, and engage issues such as gender, culture, refugees, and modern slaves.
ANT 365 Real and the Supernatural in Latin America
Investigate the Latin American folklore traditions of the supernatural—from witchcraft and ritual sorcery to shamanism and healing.
ANT 453 The Brazilian Amazon: Environment and Culture Change
Explore the relationship between the ecology of the Brazilian Amazon and the people who have lived there.
POL 353 Foreign Policy of the U.S.
Discuss the decision-making power of various stakeholders and debate whether U.S. foreign policy is reactive. You’ll also study everything from nuclear security and arms control to trade relations and foreign aid.
HIS 375 Aspects of War
Examine the political, social, economic, and personal impact of warfare, and investigate the causes and effects of this most brutal of human struggles.
Beyond the Classroom
Faculty-Led Field Studies Travel up the Mekong Delta as you explore the history and culture of Vietnam. Traverse the world’s tallest sand dunes while studying conservation management in Namibia. Help build an eco-lodge in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro as you examine community development in Tanzania. You’ll gain global experience under the watchful eye of seasoned faculty through dozens of one-of-a-kind field studies.
Prestigious International Opportunity Our rigorous curriculum prepares international relations majors to compete for elite scholarships and study-abroad opportunities. Just ask Karina Barbesino ’19, who spent three semesters studying Mandarin in China through the competitive Boren and Critical Language scholarships.
Get Involved Whether you’re crafting solutions to social issues at our Social Impact Hub or promoting civic engagement through The Democracy Project, you’ll have multiple opportunities to create change on our campus and in communities around the world.
Keep Exploring
Take a deeper dive into computer science at Rollins by meeting your future professors, seeing our grads in action, and sitting in on a class.
April 16, 2025
Foundation for the Future
No one can predict what the world will look like four years from now. That uncertainty might shake some—but not our grads. A Rollins education equips our students to excel, no matter what the future holds.
June 27, 2024
Lahlou ’24 Earns Boren Scholarship
Adam Lahlou ’24 has earned a Boren Scholarship, a prestigious award reserved for students who intend to pursue careers in federal national security.
June 05, 2024
3 Rollins Students Earn Fulbright Scholarships
Three Tars have received the distinguished Fulbright Scholarship, including two teaching assignments and one research fellowship.
Expert Faculty
Rollins’ international relations faculty draws from the departments of anthropology, economics, history, political science, and modern languages and literatures. These experts have significant experience living, teaching, and researching abroad, several as Fulbright Scholars.
International Relations Program
Telephone:407.646.2158
Fax:407.646.2363
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Dexter Boniface, PhD
Program Director of LACS Symposium, Professor of Political Science
Research interests: Inter-American relations, democracy promotion efforts in Latin America, and democratization in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia
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Dan Chong, PhD
Associate Professor of Political Science, Faculty Director of International Relations
Research interests: Human rights, global poverty, and conflict resolution
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Joan Davison, PhD
Professor Emeritus of Political Science
Research interests: Ethnoreligious identity and politics in Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Mike Gunter, PhD
Department Chair, Professor of Political Science
Research interests: Environmental affairs and sustainable development
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Ashley Kistler, PhD
Professor of Anthropology
Research interests: Cultural, linguistic, and public anthropology
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Harry Kypraios, PhD
Associate Professor of Economics
Research interests: International and monetary economics
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Rachel Newcomb, PhD
Professor of Anthropology
Research interests: Cultural and applied/public anthropology
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Joshua Savala, PhD
Assistant Professor of History
Research interests: Modern Latin America, Peru, Chile, labor and working-class history, oceans in history, and social movements
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Anca M. Voicu, PhD
Professor of Economics
Research interests: International trade theory and policy