05/13/2025
What Are Political Science and International Relations?
Political science and international relations are both rooted in the study of governance, but they explore different dimensions of political systems. Political science focuses on national institutions, public policies, and political behavior within a country. In contrast, international relations looks beyond borders, studying how countries, non-state actors, and international organizations interact on the global stage.
For students interested in understanding how societies are governed or how nations cooperate and manage conflict, both fields offer meaningful ways to explore complex political issues. Knowing the key differences may help clarify which path may align best with your interests.
Educational Pathways and Degree Options
A bachelor’s degree in international studies often overlaps with both political science and international relations, offering students a broader, interdisciplinary approach to global and domestic issues. These programs typically combine coursework in political theory, economic development, international trade, and cross-cultural communication, allowing students to explore how political and economic systems interact on the global stage.
Political science programs may include courses in political theory, comparative politics, and public administration. Students learn how laws are made, how political institutions operate, and how voters influence public policy.
Meanwhile, international relations programs often emphasize international law, global trade, diplomacy, and security. Students in these programs may also study a foreign language, participate in study abroad experiences, or explore how international organizations such as the United Nations support peace, human rights, and global cooperation.
Some schools offer interdisciplinary or hybrid options for those interested in the intersection of domestic and international politics. These programs may be especially valuable for students who want to understand how internal policies influence a country’s global position.
Students may also examine international law, foreign policy, and the roles of international institutions and non-state actors. Unlike a more focused political science major or international relations degree, an international studies track encourages exploration across the social sciences, making it a versatile option for prospective students seeking a well-rounded perspective.
Whether you're analyzing trade agreements, studying public affairs, or exploring international media, this path may help students develop versatile skills for diverse careers. The interdisciplinary nature of international studies also appeals to those interested in combining global awareness with practical skills like research, writing, and negotiation.
Specializations in Political Science and International Relations
Both political science and international relations offer specialization opportunities that let students dig deeper into the topics that interest them most.
Political science specializations may include:
- Public policy and administration
- Political economy
- Electoral systems and political behavior
- Comparative politics, which examines how different governments operate
Students in international relations may focus on areas like:
- International security
- Human rights
- International development
- Global governance
- International institutions and their role in crisis response and diplomacy
The interdisciplinary nature of these programs allows students to explore themes that span both domestic and international political arenas. Some students even use coursework in international political economy to understand how economic systems shape policy on both national and global levels.
Understanding International Relations Theory
To better understand how countries cooperate—or clash—international relations theory provides several lenses.
- Realism focuses on power and national interests.
- Liberalism emphasizes the role of institutions and international cooperation.
- Constructivism explores how shared ideas and norms influence global behavior.
These theories help students make sense of international issues such as conflict, diplomacy, and globalization. A grounding in theory also supports skills in policy analysis, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
The Role of Political Science in Domestic Governance
In contrast to global theories, political science focuses more on how decisions are made within a country. Students explore the foundations of political ideologies, how parties and governments function, and the impact of legislation on everyday life.
This knowledge may support roles in public administration, local governance, advocacy, or research. It also gives students a framework for evaluating domestic policies through a critical, informed lens.
Career Paths in Political Science and International Relations
Both degrees may lead to careers in public service, advocacy, research, or global affairs. But the types of opportunities often vary by field.
Political science graduates may pursue roles in:
- Government and public administration
- Political consulting
- Legislative analysis
- Advocacy and civic engagement
- Research or education in the political sphere
International relations graduates may explore careers in:
- Foreign service or diplomacy
- International organizations and non-governmental organizations
- International development or humanitarian aid
- Global trade, international finance, or compliance roles in the private sector
While these fields often overlap in skills, the career focus usually aligns with the core subject matter—national security and internal governance for political science; international cooperation, diplomacy, and cultural awareness for international relations.
Skill Development in Political and International Studies
Whether you're studying political science or international relations, you’ll likely build a valuable set of core competencies.
Political science emphasizes:
- Critical thinking and research
- Understanding of political systems
- Data analysis and statistics
- Written and verbal communication
International relations focuses on:
- Cross-cultural communication
- Global awareness and foreign language proficiency
- Ethical reasoning and international law
- Collaborative problem-solving in global contexts
These skills may apply across many sectors, from government to the private sector, and from education to nonprofit organizations.
Exploring Career Interests in International Relations
If you're considering a career in international affairs, preparation may begin with your coursework but extend well beyond the classroom.
Here are a few ways to gain an edge:
- Study a foreign language and seek opportunities for immersion
- Explore topics like international law, diplomacy, and international trade
- Learn about international systems through organizations like the United Nations
- Pursue internships with global agencies or nonprofits
- Develop strengths in conflict resolution, negotiation, and intercultural understanding
Some international relations programs include experiential learning components that aim to expose students to global contexts.
Choosing the Right Path in Political or International Studies
Your choice between these two fields often comes down to personal interest.
- If you're drawn to public policy, electoral behavior, or national governance, political science may be a natural fit.
- If you're fascinated by diplomacy, global conflict, or how international institutions operate, international relations may offer more aligned opportunities.
Both paths allow you to contribute to the public good, whether through domestic politics or international cooperation. With shared foundations and distinct areas of focus, students in each field gain tools to better understand and engage with the world around them.
Deciding Between Political Science and International Relations
When comparing political science vs international relations, the distinction often comes down to focus. Political science looks closely at political systems, institutions, and behavior within countries, while international relations explores how nations interact, addressing topics like diplomacy, global politics, and international cooperation.
Both fields offer opportunities to build skills in analysis, research, and communication—skills that may apply to a range of professional paths. Your decision might depend on whether you're more interested in understanding local governance or working with ideas that span borders.
Whether your interests lean toward national security, economic development, or international policy, either major may serve as a starting point for exploring roles in the public, private, or nonprofit world.
