02/24/2026
Individuals exploring degrees in government, policy, or global affairs often compare political science and international relations to determine which academic path best fits their interests. While these fields overlap, they focus on different levels of political life and ask different kinds of questions about how power works.
Both political science and international relations belong to the social sciences and share methods such as research, data analysis, and critical thinking. However, political science tends to focus on how governments operate within a country, while international relations looks outward, examining how states and non-state actors interact on the global stage. Understanding these differences can help prospective students choose a degree that aligns with their academic goals and career interests.
Political Science: Focus on Domestic Politics and Governance
Political science programs focus on the internal workings of political systems. By studying political science, students analyze how laws are made, how political institutions function, and how citizens influence public policy. Coursework often emphasizes understanding governance at the local, state, and national levels.
Common areas of study in political science include:
- Political theory and political ideologies
- Comparative politics and political systems
- Public administration and policy analysis
- Political behavior, elections, international politics, and political parties
Political science emphasizes critical thinking, research, and communication. It explores topics such as democracy, governance, and the relationship between government, economy, and civil society, building a strong foundation for understanding domestic politics and public decision-making.
International Relations: Politics on the Global Stage
In contrast, international relations shifts the focus beyond national borders. The field of international relations explores how countries, international institutions, and non-state actors interact in areas such as diplomacy, security, trade, and development. International relations often examines why nations cooperate—or conflict—and how global systems evolve.
Key topics in international relations programs may include:
- International relations theory and global politics
- International law and international organizations
- Global security and conflict resolution
- International political economy and global trade
International relations emphasizes foreign policy analysis, international organizations, and the interconnectedness of global economies and cultures. The field supports critical thinking about global challenges and international cooperation.
Theoretical Foundations and Where the Fields Overlap
One reason political science and international relations are often compared is because the two fields share a theoretical foundation. International relations is commonly considered a subfield of political science, drawing on similar research tools while applying them to international systems.
Political science theories help explain:
- How governments function internally
- How political institutions shape policy
- How public opinion influences decision-making
International relations theory, by contrast, focuses on:
- Power dynamics between states
- Cooperation through international institutions
- The role of realism, liberalism, and other global frameworks
Together, these perspectives help students understand how domestic politics and international affairs influence one another.
Main Differences in Focus and Skill Development
While both fields develop strong analytical skills, their emphasis differs in meaningful ways.
Political science students often build skills in:
- Policy analysis and research
- Understanding domestic political behavior
- Evaluating political institutions and governance
International relations students typically strengthen:
- Cross-cultural communication
- Conflict resolution and negotiation
- Analysis of international systems and global issues
Students interested in how internal political processes work may gravitate toward political science, while those focused on diplomacy, global security, or international development may find international relations more aligned with their interests.
Educational Pathways and Degree Options
Both political science and international relations offer bachelor’s and master’s degree options. Some students pursue interdisciplinary paths through international studies programs that combine elements of both fields.
Educational experiences may include:
- Research projects and academic portfolios
- Coursework in political theory or international relations theory
- Opportunities to study global issues or regional politics
These programs are designed to build a deep understanding of political systems, global dynamics, and the analytical skills needed to navigate them.
Typical Career Paths and Professional Directions
Graduates of these programs have historically pursued a variety of career paths across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. While outcomes depend on individual goals and experience, common directions include:
- Government agencies and public administration
- International organizations and non-governmental organizations
- Policy analysis, research, or consulting
- International development or global affairs roles
Some political science graduates pursue work related to domestic policy or governance, while international relations graduates may seek opportunities in areas such as global security, foreign policy, or international development, depending on their experience and career goals.
Choosing Between Political Science and International Relations
Deciding between political science vs international relations comes down to what questions you want to explore. If you are curious about how political systems operate internally, how laws are shaped, or how citizens influence governance, political science may be the right fit. If you are more interested in global politics, international cooperation, and cross-border challenges, international relations may better match your goals.
Both degrees encourage critical thinking, research, and informed engagement with political issues. For prospective students, the choice is less about which field is “better” and more about which perspective best supports how you want to study politics—locally or globally.