Duke International Relations: How strong is the program?

Hey guys, I'm considering majoring in International Relations at Duke. Can anyone share some insights on the strength of the program and the types of courses it offers?

Duke University has a strong International Relations program, known as the International Comparative Studies (ICS) major. Instead of focusing solely on politics and diplomacy, this interdisciplinary major allows students to explore global issues from various angles, through the lens of culture, economics, history, and social dimensions. This multifaceted approach helps students gain a deeper understanding of the complex, interconnected factors that drive international relations.

This program requires you to take two full years of a foreign language, spoken in the area of the world you are choosing to focus your studies on. The regions you can choose from are: Africa; China and East Asia; Europe; Latin America and the Caribbean; Middle East; Russia and Central Asia; South Asia. You can also choose a transregional focus, although you must have a thoughtful proposal to justify your choice.

Another excellent aspect of Duke's International Relations program is the opportunity to study abroad and immerse yourself in the culture of the region you’re studying. Duke's numerous study abroad programs-semester-long, summer, or short-term global education programs-will enable you to gain valuable experience and firsthand knowledge of the global issues you're passionate about. Over 75% of ICS majors complete at least some of their coursework away from Duke's campus.

Additionally, students majoring in ICS often have access to internships and research opportunities, both on campus and abroad. These experiences can help you develop practical skills, such as language proficiency, policy analysis, or program evaluation, which will be valuable in your future career.

Overall, Duke's International Relations program is strong and offers a well-rounded education for students looking to pursue a career in international affairs. If you choose to apply, and are looking for tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle Duke's school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-duke-university-essays. After all, Duke is a highly selective institution, and the essays are often just the thing that distinguishes one talented applicant from another. Best of luck with your future endeavors!