International Relations College Credit

How do nations cooperate, compete, and respond to global challenges? Dive into these questions while earning college credit and preparing for careers in diplomacy, policy analysis, and international organizations. This course examines the actors and decisions shaping international relations — from human rights to power dynamics and global governance. You'll apply theoretical frameworks and participate in simulations mirroring real-world decision-making. This applied learning will help you assess whether a future in international relations aligns with your skills and interests.

Program Dates

Multi-length courses available throughout the year

Eligibility

For students ages 18 and up

College Credit Course Fees

$3,995

Enrichment Course Fees

$1,895

What's the Difference Between Our College Credit and Enrichment Courses?

Both enrichment and college credit–bearing options feature engaging online lessons and instructional support. College credit–bearing courses include additional coursework and offer the opportunity to earn academic credit upon successful completion. Some course content overlaps across both options, so students are encouraged to choose the format that best aligns with their academic or professional goals.

College Credit Courses
$3,995

Length of Course: Multi-length course options

Instruction & Activities: 128 hours

Grading: Letter grade

On Your Own Schedule: ✔️

Academic Support: ✔️

Final Project: ✔️

College Credit Hours: ✔️

Certificate of Completion: Georgetown Transcript

Enrichment Courses
$1,895

Length of Course: 1-, 2-, or 4-weeks

Instruction & Activities: 20-30 hours

Grading: Pass/Fail

On Your Own Schedule: ✔️

Academic Support: ✔️

Final Project: ✔️

College Credit Hours:

Certificate of Completion:✔️

How International Relations Shape the World We Live In

The Players and Rules of Global Politics

Explore the development of international relations and the skills used to navigate global challenges. Apply theoretical frameworks to analyze historical systems, evaluating how structures and rules shaped real crises.

Power, Justice, and How Nations Pursue Their Goals

Define theoretical lenses used for understanding global politics while exploring the balance between order and justice. Evaluate how nations exercised power in the Falklands War and assess diplomacy's overall effectiveness.

Defining Human Rights Across Cultures

Differentiate between Western, socialist, and developing world perspectives on human rights and trace the law's evolution. Examine press freedom data to appraise its role in protecting human rights globally.

When Nations Go to War

Identify conflict types and legal rules governing the use of force. Assess covert operations like the bin Laden raid and examine emerging threats currently reshaping international security.

Making High-Stakes Decisions Under Pressure

Analyze crisis situations by weighing actors, power dynamics, and policy alternatives. Explore how leaders communicate decisions to the public and navigate the ethical challenges of strategic messaging.

Forecasting the Future of Global Politics

Utilize a theoretical lens to forecast how the global system will evolve and which actors will dominate. These analytical skills prepare you for possible careers in diplomacy, policy analysis, international organizations, global development, and beyond.

What You Gain From This Experience

  • Perspective on career pathways in diplomacy, policy analysis, international organizations, intelligence, and global affairs.
  • Experience applying theoretical frameworks through a Final Capstone Project that forecasts how the global system will evolve.
  • Understanding of theoretical frameworks that shape how nations interact, compete, and cooperate within the global system.
  • Insight into how power, justice, and order influence international decision-making from diplomatic negotiations to military interventions.
  • Experience analyzing real conflicts and crises to evaluate how actors navigate legal constraints, strategic communication, and ethical dilemmas.
  • The opportunity to earn official college credit from Georgetown University through graded coursework and a capstone project.

Female student taking an online course on her laptop

What Sets This Program Apart

A Capstone Project With Real-World Relevance

  • Choose a theoretical lens to forecast how the international system will evolve and which actors will shape its future.
  • Analyze whether the current state system faces decline, obsolescence, or reform using academic texts and course materials.

Instructional Guidance And Mentorship

  • Receive feedback and support from course TAs as you apply concepts to complex scenarios.
  • Strengthen analytical and critical thinking skills through guided discussion and review.

Flexible Learning With Clear Expectations

  • Progress through coursework on a structured timeline that supports steady engagement.
  • Balance learning alongside academic, professional, or personal commitments without sacrificing depth.

Apply Now for the Next Available Course

Course Designed by Georgetown University Faculty

Anthony Clark Arend, Ph.D. | Professor and Chair of the Department of Government at Georgetown University

Anthony Clark Arend, Ph.D.

Professor and Chair of the Department of Government at Georgetown University

Dr. Arend, a renowned and popular professor at Georgetown University, designed and leads both the international relations and the international law pre-college courses. He earned a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Foreign Affairs from the Department of Government and Foreign Affairs at the University of Virginia, and he received his B.S.F.S from Georgetown University. He is also the author of Legal Rules and International Society.

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Admissions

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Frequently Asked Questions

How will you be graded? What are assignments like? How much time do you have to turn around a project? When do you find out if you’re admitted? Find answers to your questions here.

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Scholarships

We offer need-based scholarships for participating students who exhibit high potential and an inability to pay the full tuition. 

  • If you haven’t applied to the program, apply here. After submitting your application, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” on the confirmation page to request a scholarship.  
  • If you’ve already applied to the program, sign in to your profile to check your scholarship status. If we don’t have a scholarship request on file, click “Apply for a need-based scholarship” to request a scholarship.