International Relations

Prepare for careers without borders.

International Relations major

Interested in a career in diplomacy, government, international business, or global affairs? At Simpson, our International Relations program prepares you to understand complex global issues through an interdisciplinary curriculum. With the flexibility to choose courses inside and outside the department, you can tailor your major to your international interests while learning from faculty with diverse expertise.

Learning goes beyond the classroom. You’ll engage in policy debates, role-playing simulations of real-world events, and in-depth research on countries and global issues. You can also represent countries in Model United Nations and gain professional experience through internships, the Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP), the Culver Center, and NGOs in Des Moines.

Whether you plan to work in government, pursue a career with an NGO, enter public policy, or continue to graduate or law school, the International Relations program will help you build the research, communication, critical-thinking, and cross-cultural skills to pursue a career in an increasingly interconnected world.

View major course requirements

Why Simpson College for International Relations?

What Will I Learn?

In Simpson’s International Relations program, you’ll explore global politics, international issues, cultures, and institutions while developing a deeper understanding of how countries and people interact. You’ll strengthen your research, communication, critical thinking, and cross-cultural skills through policy debates, simulations, and in-depth research. With an interdisciplinary curriculum, you’ll have the flexibility to explore topics and regions that interest you while gaining the knowledge and perspective needed to engage thoughtfully in an increasingly interconnected world.

Career Ready

Our graduates are prepared to launch successful careers and make an immediate impact in the workforce. Here are a few examples of where Simpson alumni are building their careers:

American Federation for Children
French Embassy
Iowa Legislature
USAID
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Embassy in Dijbouti

Graduate School Ready

Our faculty will prepare you for every step of applying to and getting accepted into high-quality graduate schools after graduation. Here are a few examples of schools where Simpson alumni have studied:

Arizona State University: Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law
Creighton University School of Law
Drake University
University of Denver
University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law
University of Minnesota Law School
University of Tennessee

Explore Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

Interested in the unique opportunities the department has to offer? See more opportunities and experiences that will shape your future at Simpson.

May Term Travel

May Term courses take learning beyond the classroom through immersive travel experiences. Each course is designed to provide firsthand insight into the industry while helping students build professional connections and explore a variety of career opportunities.

John C. Culver Public Policy Center

The John C. Culver Public Policy Center is dedicated to civic engagement and public service. It was established at Simpson College in 2010 to honor John C. Culver, who served the people of Iowa for 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. His tenure was marked by a tireless pursuit of policies to ensure justice at home and peace abroad, and he is widely respected for his integrity and political courage by both Republicans and Democrats who served with him in Congress.

We strive to honor Culver’s example. The center’s nonpartisan programs educate and inspire active participation in our democracy and encourage young people to consider public service as their life’s work.

Learn More

Model UN

Model UN provides a forum for discussion of major issues facing the international community, from security and human rights issues to economic development and trade, and more. In addition, members of the group spend time preparing for participation in the Midwest Model UN Conference that takes place in February.

Pre-Law Society

Pre-Law Society is open to any student who is thinking about law school. The group invites speakers to the campus and takes field trips related to the legal profession. Pre-Law Society is a link to advice on choosing and applying to a law school, information on areas of legal specialization and practice, and current issues in law. Each year, the group co-hosts an alumni dinner, giving current students the opportunity to connect with alumni working in the legal field and law school. The group has previously attended Dwight Opperman Lectures featuring U.S. Supreme Court Justices and arranged field trips to Drake Law School, University of Iowa Law School, and Nebraska law schools.

Simpson’s Capitol Hill Internship Program

Simpson’s Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP) is a life-changing opportunity for political science, pre-law, and international relations students.

You spend a semester in Washington, D.C., and earn a semester of credit in an internship and two seminar classes. Students live in a 3-story brick brownstone just blocks from the Capitol. An on-site director helps with internship placement, and costs are similar to a semester on campus.

Learn More