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IR Distinction Program

Our Distinction Program enables students majoring in International Relations to engage in an enhanced research and mentoring experience. Distinction candidates are required to produce a research project of substantially superior quality and longer length than the capstone research project required of all International Relations majors.

In addition, the Distinction Program aims to provide young scholars with the skills and support needed to produce an original analysis based on primary sources or fieldwork, as appropriate, suitable for presentation at an academic conference or for publication in an undergraduate social science academic journal.

Membership

Membership in the Distinction Program is by the invitation of the International Relations Program staff. Decisions are based on the minimum eligibility criteria provided below.

To graduate with Distinction in International Relations, students must:

  • Complete all requirements for the International Relations major
  • Complete an enhanced Senior Capstone project
  • Earn a grade of B or higher in the Distinction research seminar
  • Present the results of the research project in a public forum or conference
  • Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4 and IR GPA of 3.5 at time of degree certification

Eligibility Requirements

Membership in the Distinction Program is by invitation of the IR Program staff, which carefully reviews the academic record of all declared IR majors. Minimum requirements for an invitation to the program include:

  • Junior standing (minimum 54 credits accrued), but with preference given to seniors
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.4
  • Major GPA within the top 10% of the rising senior class, which is typically 3.7 or higher
  • Completion of the research methods course requirement (with a grade of C or better)
  • Significant progress toward completion of major requirements, including topic and region concentration coursework
  • A demonstrated commitment to academic integrity

Frequently Asked Questions Distinction Program.pdf

Sigma Iota Rho Honor Society

Sigma Iota Rho is the national honor society for students of international affairs, founded in 1989 by the International Studies Association. Student eligibility is reviewed by the International Relations Program staff during the spring semester and students meeting the minimum requirements are invited to join the chapter. Election to undergraduate membership in our local chapter requires:  

  • Junior standing with the university
  • Completion of at least 7 courses in the International Relations major, including all required introductory courses
  • Demonstrated proficiency in a foreign language through the intermediate level, documented through completion of the 201 level course or a proficiency test
  • Cumulative grade point average of 3.400 or higher in all courses
  • Grade point average of at least 3.500 in courses applied to the International Relations major
  • Demonstrated commitment to academic integrity

Led by elected officers, students in Sigma Iota Rho take part in activities throughout the year including peer mentoring of students in the International Relations Learning Community, meeting with distinguished guest lecturers, and participating in the induction of new Sigma Iota Rho students at an annual awards dinner. 

The Alpha Chi chapter at the Maxwell School was established in 1995 by Ambassador and Professor-of-Practice Goodwin Cooke, who served as Director of Undergraduate Studies in International Relations from 1991 to 2004. 

Model UN Program

Syracuse University has a proud history of involvement with the Model United Nations (MUN) program, dating back to 1927 when the Maxwell School established and hosted the first Model League of Nations Assembly. This legacy of providing students with practical experience in the “art of diplomacy” continues today with opportunities for International Relations majors to participate in annual MUN Conferences held in Washington, DC (fall semester) and New York City (spring semester).

MUN offers students a unique opportunity to engage with current international problems and to work collaboratively towards solutions. Through this program, students participate in team-building exercises, practice public speaking, strengthen negotiation skills, and develop leadership capabilities as they represent their country's interests in various committees and on a wide array of issues in this simulation of global diplomacy.

Model United Nations Team

The Syracuse University MUN Teams are open to any undergraduate student who has formally declared a major in International Relations and has a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students earn 1 experience credit for participation in the fall conference and 3 academic credits in the spring for their participation in the conference and accompanying coursework in IRP 413.

Model United Nations Club

The MUN Club is an opportunity to learn more about the United Nations as well as debate techniques, conference procedures, resolution writing and negotiation.  Students participate in a simulations, representing a country and learn about its history, politics, culture, and foreign policy.

Awards

Each year the International Relations Program faculty and staff identify several undergraduate students to receive our special named awards for outstanding academic performance and special contributions to the undergraduate program. The recipients’ names are entered on the award plaques hanging in the International Relations Program office, and each recipient receives a plaque to keep. The recipients of these awards are also listed in the program for the College of Arts & Sciences Convocation every year. 

Senior Awards

The Goodwin Cooke Leadership Award is given annually to a graduating senior who has exhibited leadership in the activities of the International Relations Program.  This award honors Ambassador and Professor-of-Practice Goodwin Cooke, who served for nearly two decades as Director of Undergraduate Studies in International Relations at Syracuse University, following a distinguished career as a US Foreign Service Officer. 

The Julian R. Friedman Internationalism Award is given annually to a graduating senior for outstanding academic achievement, community involvement, and a commitment to the spirit of internationalism which Professor Friedman’s life represented.  Dr. Friedman taught in the Political Science Department at the Maxwell School and was active with human rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

The Harlan Cleveland Policy Award for excellence in international policy issues is given annually to a graduating senior for academic achievement and enthusiastic involvement in international policy issues which Harlan Cleveland’s career represented.  Dr. Cleveland was Dean of the Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs and formerly US Assistant Secretary of State and US Ambassador to NATO.

The G. Matthew Bonham International Relations “Scholar of the Year” Award is given annually to a graduating senior for academic excellence in International Relations and for the difficulty of the curriculum chosen. The award is named in honor of Professor G. Matthew Bonham who joined the faculty of the Maxwell School in 1992 and served as Chair of the International Relations Program from 1992-2008. 

Junior Award

The Matthew Ross Wanetik Memorial Scholarship honors the life of Matthew Wanetik, an undergraduate student at Syracuse University from August 2006 until his death from an undetected heart ailment on 3 October 2008 while studying abroad. This award has been created for perpetuity and will annually go to an undergraduate student in the junior year majoring in International Relations and/or Political Science, who is actively engaged in the campus community, and exemplifies Matt's kindness, curiosity, and charm.  This engagement might include membership in a learning community, fraternity/sorority, or recognized student organization, and/or participation in community service/volunteer work or off-campus study.

More information about Matt and the memorial scholarship, including application, award amount, and the list of recent recipients, is available on the Wanetik Memorial Scholarship page.

Conference Opportunities

SCUSA - Student Conference on United States Affairs

Each year the International Relations Program selects up to two outstanding seniors International Relations major to represent Syracuse University at the United States Military Academy's annual Student Conference on US Affairs (SCUSA) at West Point, New York. The conference is designed to facilitate discussion between civilian delegates and West Point cadets to better understand challenges faced by the United States. Eligible students will receive email from the Director of Undergraduate Studies Students with application instructions during the beginning of the fall semester.

NAFAC - Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference

The U.S. Naval Academy has hosted the undergraduate Naval Academy Foreign Affairs Conference each year since 1960. This conference provides a platform for midshipmen to partner with civilian counterparts, young officers, and civilian delegates from two dozen countries for discussion of current global affairs. Students eligible to serve as a conference delegate are invited to apply by the Director of Undergraduate Studies in January, with the conference taking place in April.

Student Clubs

Syracuse University offers a wide variety of opportunities for student involvement, many of which include are internationally focused. The Office of Student Activities offers many resources on ways to get involved. For a comprehensive list of student groups and contact information, please browse the list of recognized student organizations. 

The following independent groups grew out of the interests of International Relations students and may be of special interest.

International Relations Club

The mission of the IR Club is to provide its members and the Syracuse University community opportunities for education and reflection about international relations through engagement with international relations scholars and practitioners, student associations on campus and community service organizations.

Model United Nations Club

The MUN Club is an opportunity to learn more about the United Nations as well as debate techniques, conference procedures, resolution writing and negotiation. Students participate in a simulations, representing a country and learn about its history, politics, culture, and foreign policy.

Oxfam at Syracuse University

Oxfam is an international relief and development organization that operates in over 90 countries to create lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and all forms of injustice. The group at SU works in alignment with Oxfam America. 

International Relations Learning Community

First-year students intending to pursue international relations as a significant component of their academic program at Syracuse University are invited to participate in the International Relations Learning Community. The community is designed to develop an awareness of international issues through focused discussion and activities, and to expose students to relevant opportunities and resources. Students enroll together in the introductory international relations course (PSC 124), and course activities are linked with co-curricular and residence hall experiences. Students are encouraged to attend lectures, cross-cultural workshops, and other special activities in conjunction with the International Relations Program.  Each year the IRLC offers opportunities to engage with local organizations such as the International Center of Syracuse, the Center for New Americans, the Great Law of Peace Center.

  • Open to first-year undergraduate SU students.
  • Open to selected upper-class students serving as peer mentors.
  • Students register in the fall semester for PSC 124: International Relations (3 credits), taught by the Undergraduate Director for International Relations. In the spring semester, students have the option to register for MAX 132: Global Community (3 credits).

The International Relations Learning Community also provides a leadership opportunity for IRLC alumni to serve as peer mentors.  IRLC peer mentor duties include working with the instructor of PSC 124 International Relations to provide academic support for students on assignments and in preparation for quizzes/exams, to help develop an engaging lesson plan for weekly class discussion sessions, and to support and participate in field seminars and related events. The IRLC peer mentor coordinates with resident advisors assigned to the IRLC by the Office of Residence Life and earns a stipend as well as 1-academic experience credit for the teaching practicum.

More information about learning communities at Syracuse University, including application information, is available on Syracuse University's Learning Communities website.


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