Rollins

International Relations

As an international relations major at Rollins, you’ll investigate some of the world’s most pressing challenges through an interdisciplinary approach that encompasses everything from political science and economics to history, anthropology, and modern languages. Along the way, you’ll develop in-demand analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills that will prepare you for an influential career in a range of fields.

Many Rollins alumni secure high-profile roles in government, diplomacy, Foreign Service, and intelligence. Others leverage their multifaceted skills and expertise in careers in business, journalism, law, and countless other sectors. No matter your specific career path, international relations will help you engage the world with big-picture perspective and understanding.


Why Study International Relations at Rollins

  1. Interdisciplinary Approach

    The challenges of the 21st century can’t be solved through a single lens. As a Rollins international relations major, you’ll grapple with these complex problems through an array of disciplines, including political science, history, anthropology, and economics.

  2. Collaborative Research

    Through Rollins’ Student-Faculty Collaborative Scholarship Program, every student has the opportunity to partner with our faculty on the kind of advanced research typically reserved for grad school.

  3. Cross-Cultural Experiences

    Increase your cultural competency and prepare for global impact by becoming fluent in a second language and engaging in an international learning experience.

Interested in Studying International Relations at Rollins?

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Brenna McKee ’15 pictured with her diploma in a desert scene.

“My courses in history, economics, anthropology, and political science gave me multiple lenses through which to view problems and prepared me to join the Fulbright program after graduating from Rollins. As a graduate student, this diverse academic background has also given me an advantage over classmates who are new to one area or another.”

Brenna McKee ’15

Master’s of International Affairs Candidate, University of California San Diego’s School of Global Policy and Strategy


Rollins International Relations Careers

Rollins international relations grads are making tomorrow happen at some of the world’s most innovative organizations.

  • Mo Coffey

    Mo Coffey ’08 ’08

    Founder and Principal, Challenges and Solutions LLC

  • Self portrait of Layna Mosley

    Layna Mosley ’93

    Professor of Political Science, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

  • Self portrait of Brent Woolfork

    Brent Woolfork ’02

    Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for House Affairs, U.S. Department of Defense

  • Self portrait of Elise Letanosky

    Elise Letanosky ’07

    Humanitarian & Protection Consultant, Various Organizations (NGOs, institutes, businesses)

  • Self portrait of Jesenko Tesan

    Jesenko Tesan ’04

    Founder, Association and Institute for Studies of Societies in Transition

  • Ian Wallace

    Ian Wallace ’12

    Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State


Real World Experience

From community engagement courses to internships and research, international relations students hone their skills in the real world.

  • World Bank Group
  • The Royal Institute of International Affairs
  • UK Parliament
  • Hope CommUnity Center
  • Farmworker Association of Florida
Professor and students in a class discussion at a Rollins outdoor classroom

See for Yourself

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Beyond the Classroom

Faculty-Led Field Studies Travel up the Mekong Delta as you explore the history and culture of Vietnam. Traverse the world’s tallest sand dunes while studying conservation management in Namibia. Help build an eco-lodge in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro as you examine community development in Tanzania. You’ll gain global experience under the watchful eye of seasoned faculty through dozens of one-of-a-kind field studies.

Prestigious International Opportunity Our rigorous curriculum prepares international relations majors to compete for elite scholarships and study-abroad opportunities. Just ask Karina Barbesino ’19, who spent three semesters studying Mandarin in China through the competitive Boren and Critical Language scholarships.

Get Involved Whether you’re crafting solutions to social issues at our Social Impact Hub or promoting civic engagement through The Democracy Project, you’ll have multiple opportunities to create change on our campus and in communities around the world.


A student pushes a wheelbarrow on a field study in Tanzania focused on community development.

Keep Exploring

Take a deeper dive into computer science at Rollins by meeting your future professors, seeing our grads in action, and sitting in on a class.

Rollins student Andrew Persaud '24 in Africa

Persaud ’24 Earns Gilman Scholarship

Andrew Persaud ’24 has earned a Gilman Scholarship and is pursuing his passion for studying languages and exploring different cultures in Morocco.

Graphic depicting global challenges.

Solving the World’s Greatest Challenges

Rollins graduates earn more than a degree. They gain the knowledge and skills to address large-scale issues like climate change and human rights.

Ben Mack-Jackson ’24 and Liam King ’24

Two Tars Named Ginsburg Fellows

Ben Mack-Jackson ’24 and Liam King ’24 have been selected among the first cohort of Ginsburg Fellows, a new scholarship and mentoring program.


Expert Faculty

Rollins’ international relations faculty draws from the departments of anthropology, economics, history, political science, and modern languages and literatures. These experts have significant experience living, teaching, and researching abroad, several as Fulbright Scholars.

International Relations Program

Cornell Hall for the Social Sciences
1000 Holt Ave. – 2789
Winter Park, FL 32789

Telephone: 407.646.2158

Fax: 407.646.2363

Visit the International Relations Program Website

Contact International Relations Professors

  • Dexter Boniface

    Dexter Boniface, PhD

    Professor of Political Science

    Research interests: Inter-American relations, democracy promotion efforts in Latin America, and democratization in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia

  • Dan Chong

    Dan Chong, PhD

    Associate Professor of Political Science; Director, Social Innovation Major

    Research interests: Human rights, global poverty, and conflict resolution

  • Joan Davison

    Joan Davison, PhD

    Professor Emeritus of Political Science

    Research interests: Ethnoreligious identity and politics in Bosnia and Herzegovina

  • Mike Gunter

    Mike Gunter, PhD

    Professor of Political Science

    Research interests: Environmental affairs and sustainable development

  • Ashley Kistler

    Ashley Kistler, PhD

    Professor of Anthropology

    Research interests: Cultural, linguistic, and public anthropology

  • Harry Kypraios

    Harry Kypraios, PhD

    Associate Professor of Economics

    Research interests: International and monetary economics

  • Rachel Newcomb

    Rachel Newcomb, PhD

    Professor of Anthropology

    Research interests: Cultural and applied/public anthropology

  • Joshua Savala

    Joshua Savala, PhD

    Assistant Professor of History

    Research interests: Modern Latin America, Peru, Chile, labor and working-class history, oceans in history, and social movements

  • Anca M. Voicu

    Anca M. Voicu, PhD

    Professor of Economics

    Research interests: International trade theory and policy