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Preparing for a Master’s in International Relations with a Computer Science background
Hi, I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science but I want to shift to International Relations (IR) for my Master’s.
Since I am from a CS background, what skills or subjects should I start learning now to prepare for IR (languages, politics, history, economics, writing, etc.)?
How can I gain relevant exposure while still in college (like volunteering, internships, Model UN, research, etc.) to strengthen my profile?
Is it possible to combine tech + IR in any way (like cybersecurity in international security, data analysis in diplomacy, etc.)?
I’d love to hear from anyone who has studied IR or works in this field. Your guidance would really help 🙌🏻
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4 answers
Updated
Adrian’s Answer
Hi Myrah,
I think this is a great combination of skills to create a dynamic career. Your computer science degree will have applications in any role you choose as the work world becomes increasingly dependent on all things digital, from programming to AI applications. Balancing that science background with a more qualitative study like International Relations will open doors to many different aspects across your career.
Some thoughts related to your questions:
- Skills or subjects to start learning now to prepare for IR (languages, politics, history, economics, writing, etc.)?
Yes - all of the above. Lean into what interests you the most. Languages are a differentiator if you have a background or interest in a particular location. Looking at broad international and global concepts like immigration, policy, globalization, etc, and how they impact an increasingly connected world.
- Relevant exposure while still in college (like volunteering, internships, Model UN, research, etc.) to strengthen my profile?
Again, lean in to what you find interesting and compelling, whether geographical or topical and start there. A big one that wish I had done in college or grad school is to study abroad, even in your undergraduate studies, and especially if you think you want to pursue a Master's outside the US (which you should).
- Is it possible to combine tech + IR in any way (like cybersecurity in international security, data analysis in diplomacy, etc.)?
Absolutely! In fact, I have found that it is better to align with an interest and skill development to start with an expertise. This will also differentiate your skills and capability from a general IR background to a specialty.
Keep in mind you can always change and pivot. My career has taken a circutious path I had not planned but I love it because I followed the combination of what I was interested in, curiosity/growth mindset for new things, and openness to opportunity as it arose.
Best wishes to you in this journey. Be well and keep rising!
I think this is a great combination of skills to create a dynamic career. Your computer science degree will have applications in any role you choose as the work world becomes increasingly dependent on all things digital, from programming to AI applications. Balancing that science background with a more qualitative study like International Relations will open doors to many different aspects across your career.
Some thoughts related to your questions:
- Skills or subjects to start learning now to prepare for IR (languages, politics, history, economics, writing, etc.)?
Yes - all of the above. Lean into what interests you the most. Languages are a differentiator if you have a background or interest in a particular location. Looking at broad international and global concepts like immigration, policy, globalization, etc, and how they impact an increasingly connected world.
- Relevant exposure while still in college (like volunteering, internships, Model UN, research, etc.) to strengthen my profile?
Again, lean in to what you find interesting and compelling, whether geographical or topical and start there. A big one that wish I had done in college or grad school is to study abroad, even in your undergraduate studies, and especially if you think you want to pursue a Master's outside the US (which you should).
- Is it possible to combine tech + IR in any way (like cybersecurity in international security, data analysis in diplomacy, etc.)?
Absolutely! In fact, I have found that it is better to align with an interest and skill development to start with an expertise. This will also differentiate your skills and capability from a general IR background to a specialty.
Keep in mind you can always change and pivot. My career has taken a circutious path I had not planned but I love it because I followed the combination of what I was interested in, curiosity/growth mindset for new things, and openness to opportunity as it arose.
Best wishes to you in this journey. Be well and keep rising!
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
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Answers
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Myrah!
Start by volunteering then move into internship in a college IR scenario.
The subjects typically covered in an International Relations (IR) Master's program include:-
● International Governance: Understanding the role of international organizations and bodies in global affairs.
● International Security: Analyzing global security threats and the role of international law in addressing them.
● International Political Economy: Exploring the economic aspects of international relations and global trade.
● International History: Studying the historical context of international relations and its impact on contemporary issues.
● Climate Change: Examining the role of international politics in addressing global environmental challenges.
● Human Rights: Analyzing the international legal framework and implementation of human rights.
● Globalization: Understanding the impact of globalization on international relations and global politics.
● Corruption: Investigating the role of international law and cooperation in combating corruption.
● International Trade: Studying the dynamics of international trade and its implications for global economic relations.
● Women in Global Politics: Examining the representation and influence of women in international politics and governance.
These subjects provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of international relations and prepare students for various career paths in government, NGOs, academia, and the private sector.
GOD BLESS!
Start by volunteering then move into internship in a college IR scenario.
The subjects typically covered in an International Relations (IR) Master's program include:-
● International Governance: Understanding the role of international organizations and bodies in global affairs.
● International Security: Analyzing global security threats and the role of international law in addressing them.
● International Political Economy: Exploring the economic aspects of international relations and global trade.
● International History: Studying the historical context of international relations and its impact on contemporary issues.
● Climate Change: Examining the role of international politics in addressing global environmental challenges.
● Human Rights: Analyzing the international legal framework and implementation of human rights.
● Globalization: Understanding the impact of globalization on international relations and global politics.
● Corruption: Investigating the role of international law and cooperation in combating corruption.
● International Trade: Studying the dynamics of international trade and its implications for global economic relations.
● Women in Global Politics: Examining the representation and influence of women in international politics and governance.
These subjects provide a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of international relations and prepare students for various career paths in government, NGOs, academia, and the private sector.
GOD BLESS!
Updated
Kirthi’s Answer
Transitioning from Computer Science to International Relations is an excellent move that can give you a unique and powerful advantage in the field.
Your background isn't a weakness; it's a strength. Here is a precise guide to help you prepare.
Core Subjects and Skills to Master
Your primary goal is to build the foundational knowledge that is assumed in most IR Master's programs.
World History: Focus on 20th-century history, specifically World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and the post-Cold War era. Understanding these events is non-negotiable for IR.
Political Theory: You don't need to be an expert, but you must understand the basic IR theories: Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism. These are the analytical lenses through which events are studied.
Economics: Grasp the fundamentals of macroeconomics and International Political Economy (IPE). Key topics include international trade, globalization, sanctions, and development economics.
Academic Writing: This is your most critical skill to develop. Unlike technical reports, IR requires you to build arguments, synthesize diverse sources, and write persuasive analytical essays. Take a political science or history elective that is heavy on writing.
Gaining Relevant Exposure
You need to demonstrate a genuine and informed interest in the subject to admissions committees.
Model UN (MUN): This is the single best activity to join. It teaches you about diplomacy, public speaking, policy research, and the workings of international bodies.
Internships and Volunteering: Seek out opportunities, even remote ones, with NGOs (like Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch), think tanks, or local political campaigns. This shows practical engagement.
Research: Offer to assist a professor in your university's political science or history department. A letter of recommendation from them will be invaluable.
Languages: A second language is a major asset. Choose one based on your region of interest (e.g., Spanish for the Americas, French for international diplomacy, Mandarin for East Asia, Arabic for the Middle East).
Stay Informed: Make a daily habit of reading publications like The Economist, Foreign Affairs, and Reuters. This will help you understand current global issues and speak about them intelligently.
Combining Your CS Background with IR
This is your unique selling proposition. Highlighting this intersection will make your profile stand out. The demand for tech-savvy professionals in IR is exploding.
Cybersecurity and International Security: This is the most direct link. You can focus on how states use cyber-attacks as a tool of warfare and espionage, the challenges of cyber deterrence, and the creation of international laws for cyberspace.
Getty Images
Data Analysis in Diplomacy: Your CS skills are perfect for quantitative analysis. You can use data to model conflict prediction, analyze the effectiveness of foreign aid, track disinformation campaigns using Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), or gauge public sentiment from social media.
Tech Policy and Governance: Focus on the international regulation of technology. This includes global debates on AI ethics, data privacy laws (like Europe's GDPR), internet governance, and managing the influence of major tech corporations on sovereign states.
Your background gives you the tools to analyze international relations in ways that traditionally trained students cannot. Frame your application around this unique ability to bridge the worlds of technology and global policy.
Your background isn't a weakness; it's a strength. Here is a precise guide to help you prepare.
Core Subjects and Skills to Master
Your primary goal is to build the foundational knowledge that is assumed in most IR Master's programs.
World History: Focus on 20th-century history, specifically World War I, World War II, the Cold War, and the post-Cold War era. Understanding these events is non-negotiable for IR.
Political Theory: You don't need to be an expert, but you must understand the basic IR theories: Realism, Liberalism, and Constructivism. These are the analytical lenses through which events are studied.
Economics: Grasp the fundamentals of macroeconomics and International Political Economy (IPE). Key topics include international trade, globalization, sanctions, and development economics.
Academic Writing: This is your most critical skill to develop. Unlike technical reports, IR requires you to build arguments, synthesize diverse sources, and write persuasive analytical essays. Take a political science or history elective that is heavy on writing.
Gaining Relevant Exposure
You need to demonstrate a genuine and informed interest in the subject to admissions committees.
Model UN (MUN): This is the single best activity to join. It teaches you about diplomacy, public speaking, policy research, and the workings of international bodies.
Internships and Volunteering: Seek out opportunities, even remote ones, with NGOs (like Amnesty International or Human Rights Watch), think tanks, or local political campaigns. This shows practical engagement.
Research: Offer to assist a professor in your university's political science or history department. A letter of recommendation from them will be invaluable.
Languages: A second language is a major asset. Choose one based on your region of interest (e.g., Spanish for the Americas, French for international diplomacy, Mandarin for East Asia, Arabic for the Middle East).
Stay Informed: Make a daily habit of reading publications like The Economist, Foreign Affairs, and Reuters. This will help you understand current global issues and speak about them intelligently.
Combining Your CS Background with IR
This is your unique selling proposition. Highlighting this intersection will make your profile stand out. The demand for tech-savvy professionals in IR is exploding.
Cybersecurity and International Security: This is the most direct link. You can focus on how states use cyber-attacks as a tool of warfare and espionage, the challenges of cyber deterrence, and the creation of international laws for cyberspace.
Getty Images
Data Analysis in Diplomacy: Your CS skills are perfect for quantitative analysis. You can use data to model conflict prediction, analyze the effectiveness of foreign aid, track disinformation campaigns using Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), or gauge public sentiment from social media.
Tech Policy and Governance: Focus on the international regulation of technology. This includes global debates on AI ethics, data privacy laws (like Europe's GDPR), internet governance, and managing the influence of major tech corporations on sovereign states.
Your background gives you the tools to analyze international relations in ways that traditionally trained students cannot. Frame your application around this unique ability to bridge the worlds of technology and global policy.
Updated
Eric’s Answer
First, consider what career you want to pursue. To help with this, talk to people who are already in that field to understand why they chose it and what the pros and cons are. Follow these steps to make your decision:
1. Talk to as many people as you can.
2. List the pros and cons.
3. Identify your deal breakers.
4. Make a decision and stick to it.
1. Talk to as many people as you can.
2. List the pros and cons.
3. Identify your deal breakers.
4. Make a decision and stick to it.
Thanks for your encouragement!
Myrah