International Relations: How the World Works

Ready to navigate the forces that shape our global landscape? This course examines how power, institutions, and strategic interests drive international outcomes, from cooperation to conflict. Through scenario-based analysis, you will gain insight into the decision-making processes and professional pathways that define careers in diplomacy, security, and policy. Evaluate your future in international relations and build a professional foundation. Discover where your expertise can make a global impact.

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:✔️

Understand How International Decisions Are Made

What International Relations Professionals Actually Do

Examine how professionals analyze complex situations and gather information to frame critical decisions across global institutions. Discover the field through real-world problems occurring in diplomacy, research, and international policy.

How Power, Rules, and Institutions Shape Outcomes

Study how states, international organizations, and non-state actors utilize specific tools to pursue interests and enforce global rules. Apply analytical models to understand why certain actors wield significantly more influence than others.

Human Rights Across Competing Worldviews

Review how human rights norms are defined and prioritized across diverse political and cultural contexts. Evaluate real-world cases that highlight the ongoing tensions between national sovereignty, collective values, and international responsibility.

Conflict, Force, and Strategic Constraints

Interpret the reasons why international cooperation breaks down and leads to various forms of conventional or emerging conflict. Contrast different strategic and legal limits that govern how force is utilized within global settings.

Decision-Making Under Global Pressure

Assess intelligence and weigh competing priorities while acting as a primary decision-maker during a high-stakes crisis simulation. Evaluate diplomatic, economic, and military options to understand the consequences of every strategic choice.

Connecting International Relations to Career Paths

Refine negotiation and analytical skills through a policy-focused capstone project that emphasizes practical application. Recognize how strategic thinking supports careers in political science, law, research, diplomacy, policy analysis, and interdisciplinary fields.

What You Gain From This Experience

  • Insight into how international decisions are shaped by power, institutions, and strategic priorities.
  • A clearer understanding of how policy, diplomacy, and conflict management function in practice.
  • Exposure to the analytical frameworks used across international relations careers.
  • Experience applying concepts through a Final Capstone Project centered on policy analysis and decision-making.
  • A Certificate of Completion from Georgetown University upon successful completion of the course.

Female student taking an online course on her laptop

What Sets This Program Apart

A Capstone Project With Real-World Relevance

  • Apply international relations frameworks to a contemporary policy challenge involving multiple actors.
  • Demonstrate your ability to evaluate options, justify decisions, and communicate outcomes clearly.

Instructional Guidance And Mentorship

  • Receive feedback and support from course mentors 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 predictable 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.