<p>^that is a different animal, but the confusion is understandable. Technically, international relations is one of the four subfields of political science at American universities (the others being comparative politics, political theory and American politics). I believe what the OP was inquiring about is quite different–that is the interdisciplinary study of international relations, international economics, language and area studies. These programs are designed to prepare students for graduate studies or for careers in government, international businesses, ngo’s, and the like and go by various names–including international studies, foreign affairs, foreign service, international service, global studies, etc. For some reason, some of these programs are also called international relations (and often referred to by students as “IR” programs) although it is a misnomer since IR is just one of the subjects included.</p>
<p>Technically, only graduate students in political science “major” in international relations if they chose it as their major subfield.</p>