Best AP Classes for International Relations

Plan AP classes by grade level, priority, prerequisites, college-credit caveats, and Fiveable study resources.

For international relations, the best AP^® classes are AP^® Comparative Government, AP^® World History, AP^® European History, AP^® Human Geography, AP^® Macroeconomics, and an AP^® world language if available. This path rewards global context, politics, economics, and language skill.

Use this guide with Fiveable's AP^® Comparative Government, AP^® World History, AP^® European History, AP^® Human Geography, and AP^® Macroeconomics.

Recommended AP^® sequence for international relations

Grade	Best AP focus	Why it matters
9th grade	AP Human Geography	Builds global systems and migration context.
10th grade	AP World History or AP European History	Adds historical context for states and regions.
11th grade	AP Comparative Government, AP English Language, AP Macroeconomics	Supports politics, writing, and global economics.
12th grade	AP world language, AP US Government, AP Research	Adds language, institutions, and research depth.

Priority tiers

Tier	AP classes	Recommendation
Essential	AP Comparative Government, AP World History, AP Human Geography	Best foundation for global politics.
Useful	AP Macroeconomics, AP English Language, AP world language	Supports economic and diplomatic work.
Optional	AP European History, AP US Government, AP Research	Useful for regional and research depth.

Prerequisites and alternatives

Start with the highest available AP® in the essential tier. If your school does not offer one of these AP^® classes, choose the closest honors, dual-enrollment, CTE, studio, or elective course that builds the same skill: lab science, writing, data, policy, design, coding, or research.

Credit caveats

International relations programs vary widely. AP® language, history, economics, and government credit can help, but major requirements may still require college-level regional, theory, or methods courses.

Fiveable resources for international relations AP^® classes

AP subject	Study hub	Practice	FRQs	Score calculator
AP Comparative Government	Study guides	Practice	FRQs	Calculator
AP World History	Study guides	Practice	FRQs	Calculator
AP European History	Study guides	Practice	FRQs	Calculator
AP Human Geography	Study guides	Practice	FRQs	Calculator
AP Macroeconomics	Study guides	Practice	FRQs	Calculator

Official planning notes

College Board's AP Courses and Exams page lists current AP subjects and course categories.
Use College Board's AP Credit Policy Search to check college-specific credit and placement.
For professional or portfolio-based programs, check the program's own prerequisites, portfolio rules, or department requirements before assuming AP credit will satisfy a major requirement.

Related AP^® career guides

Compare this plan with AP® classes for political science, AP® classes for law, AP® classes for economics, and AP® classes by major.

Frequently Asked Questions About AP Classes for International Relations

What AP classes are most important for international relations?

AP Comparative Government, AP World History, AP European History, AP Human Geography, AP Macroeconomics, and an AP world language are the best starting point, but the right schedule depends on your school's course sequence, your math placement, and how many AP classes you can take while doing well.

Do AP classes guarantee college credit?

No. Colleges set their own AP credit and placement policies, and some majors use AP scores differently than the general university policy. Always check the specific colleges and departments on your list.

Should I take every AP class connected to my intended major?

Usually no. Colleges care about rigor, grades, and fit. Prioritize the courses that build the strongest foundation first, then add useful electives if your schedule can handle them.