International Relations and Politics Carnegie Mellon University

Overview

The International Relations and Politics programme at Carnegie Mellon University provides students with a rigorous foundation in the systematic study of domestic and global political structures. This interdisciplinary major integrates insights from decision science, economics, and modern languages to prepare graduates for complex roles in the public and private sectors.

Students engage with critical contemporary issues, including the future of democratic institutions, the intersection of technology and governance, and the primary drivers of international conflict. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of how political leaders make decisions and how national policies are formulated within the global system.

The course emphasises both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

Why International Relations and Politics at Carnegie Mellon University?

The programme is hosted within the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy & Technology, a dedicated centre for political science and international affairs. This institutional setting provides students with access to specialised research facilities and a faculty renowned for expertise in security, technology, and grand strategy.

A distinctive feature of the degree is the Washington Semester Program, which offers experiential learning opportunities in the heart of American politics. Students can study public policy while undertaking internships in Washington, DC, gaining practical insights into the workings of government, intelligence, and national defence organisations.

The curriculum also prioritises cultural competency through a mandatory modern language requirement. By reaching intermediate proficiency in a second language, students gain the necessary tools to understand the nuances of regional politics and international diplomacy in an increasingly interconnected global landscape.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 67020 per year
• National fee: USD 67020 per year
• Local fee: USD 67020 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

• Political Science
• Decision Processes in American Political Institutions
• International Relations
• Comparative Politics
• Economics of Politics and Technology
• Writing for Political Science and Policy
• Research Design for Political Science
• Decision Science for International Relations
• Methods for Statistics & Data Science
• US Constitutional Law
• Security War Game Simulation
• Briefing in the Policy World
• Technology and War
• International Human Rights
• Latin American Politics
• Terrorism in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Military Strategy and Doctrine
• Asian Strategies
• Technology, Law, and Democracy
• Digital Diplomacy
• Artificial Intelligence
• Diplomacy and Statecraft
• Cyber Policy as National Policy
• Senior Seminar

Careers with International Relations and Politics

Graduates are prepared for diverse professional paths in government agencies, legal practice, and public policy research. The analytical skills gained during the programme are highly valued in the intelligence community, national defence sectors, and international development organisations.

Many alumni also pursue successful careers in the private sector, particularly in management consulting, international trade, and economic policy analysis. The programme provides a strong foundation for further academic study in law, political science, or international affairs at leading global institutions.