New I.R. Major Curriculum

The Department of International Relations has approved a new major curriculum that will apply to students who matriculate at Lehigh in AY 2007-2008 or later (class of 2011 and later).

I.R. majors who have already matriculated at Lehigh (class of 2010 and earlier)—even if you have not yet declared your major—are still covered by the current curriculum. 

Students who have already matriculated have the option to complete the new major curriculum instead.  Consult your advisor for help with this.  The main differences are:

• The new curriculum does not require European International Relations (IR 56); this course may still be counted toward the major as an elective course.
• The new curriculum requires one intermediate-level course in International Organization or International Law, and one in International Security.  As a result, the total number of credits required for the major has increased from 40 to 44.
• The new curriculum requires 12 credits of free electives, compared to 8 credits of area studies and 4 credits of free electives under the current curriculum.  Lists of eligible courses, which include some courses outside the I.R. department, are updated each semester to reflect changes in offerings.  The lists are posted on the IR web site and are also available from your advisor or from Jo Engel, the Department Co-ordinator.

Requirements for IR major (new curriculum)

Elective courses for IR major (new curriculum)

If you do choose the new curriculum, you can change your mind later and change back; your advisor can explain your options fully.

Requirements for IR major (for class of 2010 and earlier)

Area studies courses for IR major (for class of 2010 and earlier)

Completing the IR major also requires a grade-point average of 2.0 or better in the courses that make up the major.  How IR major GPA is calculated.