International Relations

Our students seek to understand the political, economic, social, and cultural relations among states as well as the transnational roles of non-state actors.

Students sitting in class

At Simmons, we engage our students politically

Through opportunities like the Warburg Program — where you learn from former U.S. Ambassadors and other leaders in business and public service — and internships in local and national government, our students blend theory and professional preparation.

Our events are leadership focused, attracting visionaries like Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Gloria Steinem. By studying international relations, you'll find your political voice through panel discussions, local politics, and student council. 

International Relations is offered as both a stand-alone minor and as a concentration within the Political Science major.

A minor consists of the following five courses:

POLS102 Introduction to International Politics 4
ECON214 Gender, Globalization, and Development 4
 
ECON218 International Trade 4
OR
ECON220 International Monetary Systems 4
 
HIST101 World History II 4
OR
HIST128 Modern European History 1789-1989 4
and one elective, to be chosen from any other core course or area elective

Your advisor will help you tailor a program of study that fits your interests and career goals. Majors and minors that compliment international relations include political scienceeconomicshistorysociologymanagement and communications.

Internships are a key component of the international relations program. In Boston there are a myriad of opportunities to build your skills with organizations in the city and beyond. Many of our students take advantage of the Barbara Lee Family Foundation Intern Fellowship Program, whose mission is to move women into the political sphere.

Spotlight on International Relations Students and Alums

Photos of the six award winners

Undergraduate Recipients of 2023 Senior Scholar Award

Six seniors across the University have been selected as recipients of the 2023 Senior Scholar Award, in recognition of outstanding scholarship and contribution to a field of study.


Photo of Tozoe Marton

Simmons Alum Researches Equity in Healthcare for Women

Tozoe Marton ’18 has done research with the Women's Global Health Imperative Group at Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International as a public health analyst where she worked on women's global health, focusing on women and HIV.


Simmons University Main College Building

Passionate Leaders Project: Fall 2021 Cohort

The Passionate Leaders Project supports undergraduate students seeking to enrich their academic and professional interests by funding learning opportunities beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Learn what the Fall 2021 Cohort is up to!


From top left: Catherine Cox '23, Brianna Desharnais '22, Julia Hart '21, Lauren Howard '22, Evangeline Kennedy '21, Irmana Monem '21, and Graciella Rios Ortega '21

Passionate Leaders Project: Spring 2021 Cohort

The Passionate Leaders Project supports undergraduate students seeking to enrich their academic and professional interests by funding learning opportunities beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Learn what the Spring 2021 cohort is up to!


Main College Building cupola with fall leaves

Passionate Leaders Project: Fall 2020 Cohort

The Passionate Leaders Project supports undergraduate students seeking to enrich their academic and professional interests by funding learning opportunities beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom.


Headshot of Julianna Fernandez

Make Your Voice Count: Julianna Fernandez '21 on the Importance of Voting and Activism

In honor of National Voter Registration Day, we caught up with Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus intern, Julianna Fernandez '21.


Front of Main College Building

Life After Simmons: 5 Key Takeaways from the Career Education Center's Alumnae/i Panel

The webinar "Life After Simmons" discussed the challenges of job searching in the midst of a recession.