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Adelphi Introduces BA in International Relations

Adelphi University will now offer a bachelor of arts in International Relations degree for students interested in taking a deep dive into world politics and issues.

Garden City, NY (10/23/2020) — Adelphi University will now offer a bachelor of arts in International Relations degree for students interested in taking a deep dive into world politics and issues. The new undergraduate program is designed to equip students with analytical tools and interdisciplinary perspectives to make sense of the rapidly changing world and prepare them for a career in diplomacy, international business, law and advocacy, and global public policy.

"With the uncertainties of a global pandemic and the attendant economic contractions in trade, the emerging new faultlines in geopolitics, and the social protests on every continent over racial, social and political injustice, there has never been a more important time to study international relations," said Katie Laatikainen, PhD, professor of political science and director of Adelphi's International Relations programs.

Experiential learning is a major part of an international relations education at Adelphi. Interdisciplinary in approach but anchored in political science, the program provides strong analytical skills to prepare for success in almost any global career, Laatikainen notes. Students will broaden their horizons through exciting opportunities beyond the classroom, including study abroad, on-campus guest lectures by experts in the field, and participation in conferences and briefings at the United Nations.

International relations majors can choose from one of three thematic tracks, each culminating in a senior capstone seminar. Tracks include:

Global Economy: Focusing on the global nature of economic interactions and interplay of the public and private sectors across borders and prepares students for careers in international business or government affairs.

Global Politics: Focusing on conflict and cooperation and prepares students for a career in diplomacy, international law, foreign service or international organizations.

Global Development: Focusing on the challenges of development and social justice on the global level, this track prepares students to pursue careers in global advocacy and nongovernmental organizations.

"Our program takes advantage of our location just outside New York City-a crossroad of the global economy and a hub of multilateral diplomacy-to broaden students' participation in global public policy making," says Laatikainen.

Students can land life-changing internships at advocacy organizations, social justice groups, NGOS, businesses and media companies. Recent student placements have included Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations, NYC Mayor's Office for International Affairs, United Nations Department of Global Communications, Office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and JPMorgan Chase.

To learn more about Adelphi's BA in International Relations, visit adelphi.edu/program/undergraduate/international-relations.

Photo Credit: Adelphi University

Photo Caption: Adelphi students at a National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference.

About Adelphi: A modern metropolitan university with a personalized approach to higher learning.

Adelphi University is a highly awarded, nationally ranked, powerfully connected doctoral research university offering exceptional liberal arts and sciences programs and professional training with particular strength in its Core Four-Arts and Humanities, STEM and Social Sciences, the Business and Education Professions, and Health and Wellness. Adelphi is dedicated to transforming students' lives through small classes, hands-on learning and innovative ways to support student success.

Founded in Brooklyn in 1896, Adelphi is Long Island's oldest private coeducational university. Today Adelphi serves nearly 8,000 students at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, New York-just 23 miles from New York City's cultural and internship opportunities-and at dynamic learning hubs in Manhattan, the Hudson Valley and Suffolk County, and online.

More than 116,000 Adelphi graduates have gained the skills to thrive professionally as active, caring citizens, making their mark on the University, their communities and the world.

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Media Attachments

Adelphi students at a National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference.

Adelphi University / New York

Taylor Damian, 516-993-5677, tdamian@adelphi.edu

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