International Relations Minor
In the Einaudi Center’s international relations minor (IRM), you study the politics, economics, history, languages, and cultures of the world and gain a fresh perspective on your major field of study. The minor is open to all Cornell undergraduates and includes courses from across the university.
About the Minor
IRM is an interdisciplinary undergraduate minor—not a major or a department—open to students enrolled in any of Cornell’s undergraduate colleges. In addition to your regular degree courses, you have the flexibility to take a range of courses across colleges and departments.
Your opportunities as an international relations minor extend beyond the Ithaca campus. If you study abroad for a semester or year, you can complete some of the minor’s requirements, including the language requirement.
IRM graduates have gone on to higher education in disciplines such as political science and anthropology, as well as to successful careers in international law, economics, agriculture, trade, finance, journalism, public policy, and government service.
Cornell Chronicle: International Relations Minor Sets Graduates on Global Paths
For Current IR Minors
The minor has revised requirements in academic year 2021–22! If you enrolled in the Einaudi Center’s international relations minor before July 1, 2021, you may switch to the minor's new requirements—or you are welcome to follow the "legacy" plan, particularly if you're a graduating senior.
For students enrolled before July 2021: View IR minor legacy requirements. Contact faculty advisor Oumar Ba if you have any questions about how to complete the requirements of your international relations minor.
Course Requirements
Your courses will reach across the university, concentrated in four groups. Courses within these groups are designated as core or elective. You must complete six courses selected from the four groups, including one core course in each group. You may select among two tracks in the minor (see below). All courses for the minor must be taken for a letter grade.
See the Registrar's full description of requirements and core and elective courses.
Core Courses
Minor Tracks
Choose your focus: 1) base track, or 2) regional specialization. Select your courses to support one of the tracks.
Regional Track: Language Requirement
Students on the regional track must complete additional language study beyond the College of Arts and Sciences degree requirement of "proficiency." For most languages, proficiency is attained by completing a course at the 2000 level, covering basic grammar and structure of the language.
The language requirement can be fulfilled in two ways:
- Demonstrated facility in one foreign language (proficiency plus one course that uses the language to explore some aspect of a foreign culture, such as literature or film)
- Demonstrated proficiency in two foreign languages
One or both of your languages should be commonly used in your area of regional specialization. All language courses must be taken for a letter grade.
Study Abroad
All international relations minors are strongly encouraged to study abroad. Your international experience will bring a practical dimension to your expertise in international issues. To learn more about programs available for study abroad, consult Education Abroad, part of the Office of Global Learning.
Office Hours
To meet with the IRM administrative coordinator, please stop by 163 Uris Hall during the following hours:
- Monday and Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
How to Apply
Please submit the form (below) to enroll in the international relations minor.
Contact the administrative coordinator if you have further questions or to schedule an appointment. Faculty advisor Oumar Ba is an additional resource for international relations minors.