The mission of the Department of International Relations at Yalova University is to educate individuals who have a strong command of the theoretical, methodological, and practical dimensions of the discipline of international relations; who possess well-developed analytical thinking skills; and who are capable of evaluating global and regional issues from a multidimensional perspective. The undergraduate and graduate curricula of our department focus on integrating international political theory, history, sociology, economics, and geography in order to better understand the complexity of international relations. With their expertise and dedication in these fields, our academic staff are committed to equipping students with the ability to interpret the political, economic, and cultural relations of states and non-state actors across diverse geographical contexts. Course contents, designed to address contemporary international issues, aim to provide students with the capacity to develop informed perspectives on current policy challenges. Through this holistic approach, which emphasizes the complexity of international relations, students are provided with a solid foundation and expertise to understand national and international structures, actors, and the relationships among them. At the same time, in line with our educational philosophy of balancing knowledge with critical thinking, responsibility, conscience, and a sense of justice, students are encouraged to develop as individuals who are committed to human rights and social moral values and who possess a strong sense of responsibility.
Aiming to become a respected academic center in the field of International Relations both in Türkiye and worldwide, our department seeks to provide students with the theoretical and practical competencies necessary for their career development. Our efforts are directed toward becoming a pioneering department that shapes current debates in the discipline, is strengthened through international collaborations, and educates graduates as globally competent individuals, in accordance with the principles of research and academic excellence. Our continuously developing and updated curriculum is designed to respond to the changing dynamics of the international system and to contribute to the education of students as effective and creative individuals at both national and international levels. The fact that the language of instruction in our department is 100% English, the active utilization of international exchange programs such as Erasmus—thus offering educational opportunities at prestigious universities worldwide—the encouragement of internships at qualified institutions, the wide range of compulsory and elective courses in our curriculum, and the active support of departmental student clubs all ensure access to the resources necessary for students to develop as well-qualified individuals. Combined with the other competencies acquired, all of these features enable our students to grow into individuals with the potential to be effective at both national and global levels.