International relations is a field with a long history and broad outlines. It touches on everything from human rights to multinational commerce, and encompasses delicate high-level diplomacy just as much as the nuts and bolts of international commerce and security. It occupies a place in the daily headlines, while still drawing on treaty language that is hundreds of years old.
You might need expertise in international relations for something as prosaic as handling overseas shipping to Myanmar or as unusual as calculating spacecraft trajectories. In a multicultural, highly interconnected world, almost every profession has occasion to intersect with international affairs.
Those qualities make obtaining an advanced degree vital if you hope to build a career in the field, but they also make it difficult to assess the relative quality and value of a degree program in international relations.
That’s where we come in. We’ve analyzed all of the most esteemed gradate programs from every corner of the country, covering the wide range of offerings from international development to intercultural conflict management to identify what we think are the best options out there. We’re sure anybody making an objective assessment would agree that the international relations departments that made our list are some of the most influential in the world.
Although international relations is a complex, dynamic subject, you’ll find that the most respected schools remain on top year after year. It takes time to build a deep bench of experienced instructors and contacts overseas. This is something that only tends to be reinforced over time through more research and an ever stronger network of scholars and thought leaders from around the world.
As a heavily liberal arts oriented field, all good programs dive deep into history and cultural studies, and almost all require you to become proficient in a foreign language. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that a lot of strong, traditional liberal arts schools have really excellent international studies programs.
It’s also not surprising that not every university has a program that makes the grade. It’s a specialized business, and not every state has a school with a top program, so if you happen to live in Alaska, sorry… you’re going to have to study online or move south for a couple of years.
How We Made Our Selections
Because international studies programs are so heavily influenced by regional and specialty focus, it’s virtually impossible to do a conventional side-by-side comparison to assess the quality of one program over another.
Instead, we looked at the schools themselves, and the diversity of thought and investigation available within the universe of their international studies offerings.
Diversity of Options
Because we were looking at international studies departments rather than specific degree programs within those departments, we had the luxury of assessing both the overall quality of the school and the diversity of the programs it offers.
A school that offers more in the way of specialized concentrations doesn’t just give you more options in trying to find the perfect fit; it also implies a deep bench in terms of faculty and expertise at that school. The cross-pollination of ideas that occurs when you bring together professors with diverse experiences and backgrounds makes every specialization more valuable, creating a network effect. This is something we feel goes to the very essence of global studies, and international relations in practice.
Contributions to Research and Outreach
We feel strongly that outreach efforts and initiatives that connect scholars with people and institutions around the world is one of the strongest distinguishing features of a school of international relations. These efforts often result in overseas studies opportunities for students and can provide a valuable way for you to make connections with current and future experts in the field.
International studies is not a field that sits still for long. Although it’s not science, it is among the most heavily researched and investigated disciplines. We wanted to give schools that demonstrate leadership in research and outreach all the recognition we feel they deserve for making real contributions to the field, and for truly being an influential presence in the world.
Schools that support more research develop deeper and wider-ranging expertise and can offer students a better overall learning experience. Not only do you benefit from working with faculty that bring to the classroom years of experience and focused study in their area of expertise, you’ll also have opportunities to assist in some meaningful research yourself.
Joint or Dual Degree Options
Most people going into the field of international relations come from undergraduate programs in other majors, or otherwise develop expertise in areas like business, law, public health or even environmental science as a way to complement an education in international studies. Schools that recognize this by offering joint or dual degree options that combine international studies with an MBA, JD, MPH or other graduate degree really get our attention.
Although most students aren’t so ambitious as to launch into a full dual degree program, having the option to do so is valuable, and the fact that the international studies department clearly demonstrates coordination with other fields is a good sign for anyone studying there.
Our Favorite Schools of International Relations By State
Here you’ll find full-time, part-time, and accelerated programs; options available online or exclusively on-campus; and just about every focus area in the field you can imagine. What you won’t see here is mediocrity. Every one of these programs is exceptional in its own right and offers a learning experience that is objectively outstanding, while at the same time bringing something vitally important to the broader field of international relations.
This list features programs that our editorial staff hand selected to present as top recommendations. We believe the many aspects of a program that come together to create an exceptional student experience can’t be reduced to numbers alone, so no formula was used to attempt to score or rank these programs. Instead, they represent our top picks based on a thoughtful review of the things we know mean the most to students. Each one of these programs offers something unique, and all come equally highly recommended. We stand behind the principal of editorial integrity and make these recommendations independently and without compensation.
Alabama
Department of Political Science
Troy, Alabama
Website
Master of Science in International Relations
- Campus-based and online
- Full-time
- GRE, GMAT, or MAT required
- International Students: TOEFL required*
- Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Areas of Focus: Global Studies; National Security Affairs; Regional Affairs
Troy’s MS program in International Relations welcomes anyone with a bachelor’s degree in any subject driven to address the world’s most pressing issues. This flexible program is designed to fit into the schedule of even the busiest grad student, with delivery options that include taking the program entirely online, at the main campus in Troy, or at the satellite campus in Tampa, Florida. Military service men and women and their families can even take the program at Fort Benning in Georgia or at a number of other bases overseas in Japan and South Korea. Coming from backgrounds in everything from national intelligence to business, the world class faculty at Troy has been recognized for making important contributions to research and literature in the field, and draw directly from their own experiences living abroad. And with TU’s poli sci Ambassadors in Residence series you’ll get to listen in on enriching lectures from former State Department Officials and other experienced professionals in the field – most recently students heard from a former U.S. ambassador to the Soviet Union.
Arizona
School of Government and Public Policy
Tucson, Arizona
Website
Master of Arts in International Security Studies
- Online
- Full-time and part-time
- GRE not required
- International Students: TOEFL or equivalent required**
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Also Offers: International Security Studies Certificate, MPA, MPP and a PhD in International Relations
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Kanbay Chair in Ethical Governance; National Institute for Civil Discourse; Rombach Institute on Crime, Delinquency and Corrections
University of Arizona’s MA in International Security Studies program leads with a curriculum strong on counterterrorism and intelligence before introducing topics related to natural resources, gender and climate change in the context of global security. You can be sure the high caliber faculty here at the School of Government and Public Policy speak from experience when introducing students to these nuanced topics. The National Institute for Civil Discourse makes a real contribution when it comes to engaging in useful dialogue between nations, and holds the tremendous distinction of being co-chaired by the honorable William Jefferson Clinton and George H.W. Bush. Through the Kanbay Speakers Series, students get a front row seat to leading public servants, legal professionals, business executives, and thought leaders from many other fields. These events create an unparalleled opportunity for students to network with and learn from some of the most influential people in the field of international relations.
California
Ford Dorsey Program in International Policy Studies
Stanford, California
Website
Master of Arts in International Public Policy Studies (MA-IPP)
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL required*
- Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Areas of Focus: Cyber Policy; Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources; Global Health; Governance and Democracy; International Security
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: JD in International Policy Studies; MBA in International Policy Studies; MPP in International Public Policy Studies
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies: Center for Democracy, Development, and the Rule of Law; Center for International Security and Cooperation; Center on Food Security and the Environment; Center on Health Policy; Program on Energy and Sustainable Development; Europe Center; Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center; Stanford Global Studies Division: African Studies; East Asian Studies; Europe Center; France-Stanford Center Human Rights and International Justice; International Relations; Iranian Studies; Islamic Studies; Jewish Studies; Latin American Studies; Mediterranean Studies; Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies; South Asian studies
While many schools on our list stand out in their state, Stanford’s MA in International Public Policy Studies stands out internationally. You need look no further than the sheer number of US Ambassadors, US consular officials and trade delegate representatives it counts among its alumni. Among that list are the recent US Ambassadors to the European Union, South Korea, Azerbaijan, Russia, Mexico, Jordan, and Austria. We really can’t do justice to the number of centers and institutions that are available as resources to students of this program – there are far too many to mention and they cover every inhabited region on the globe! From the research centers and institutes – incubators of expertise – that students have access to, to centers devoted to specific regional foci and culture. A perfect example is the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies – home to seven nationally renown research centers. It is responsible for defining the boundaries of the national discussion. Most recently scholars have addressed issues ranging from Russia-US relations to surveillance in China to trends in emerging democracies. This is a great place to make connections you can rely on in the future.
Colorado
Josef Korbel School of International Studies
Denver, Colorado
Website
Master of Arts in International Studies
- Campus-based
- Full-time and part-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL required**
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Areas of Focus: Africa; Asia; Europe; Inter-American; Middle East; Global Health; Humanitarian Assistance; Homeland Security; International Security; Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping; Gender Issues and International Law; Create-Your-Own
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: Master of Social Work; MPP; MA in International and Intercultural Communication
Also Offer Master’s in: Conflict Resolution; Global Finance, Trade and Economic Integration; International Administration; International Development; International Human Rights; International Security
Doctorate Degrees Offered: PhD in Comparative Politics; PhD in International Political Economy; PhD in Political Theory
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Center for China-US Cooperation; Center for Middle East Studies; Colorado European Union Center of Excellence; Sie Cheou-Kang Center in International Security and Diplomacy; African Initiatives; Center on Human Rights Education; Collaborative Refugee and Rights Information Center; Conflict Resolution Institute; Crossley Center for Public Opinion Research; Frederick S. Pardee Center for International Futures; Human Trafficking Center; Latin American Center; International Career Advancement Program
University of Denver’s Josef Korbel School of International Studies is home to many research institutes that provide unique opportunities, whether your passion lies in promoting international security or bringing an end to human trafficking. There’s nowhere else in the region that provides the kind of opportunities to connect with representatives of EU member states like the Colorado European Union Center of Excellence, housed in the Josef Korbel School. And in the true spirit of international studies, you can go in-depth with research centers that focus on all other areas of the world; not just the EU. For example, the Latin American Center organizes cultural activities and events that relate to research and policy for our neighbors to the south… and the Center for China-US Cooperation sponsors endeavors like the Jackson/Ho China Forum and the Journal of Contemporary China. You can also focus on global humanitarian issues within organizations like the Center on Human Rights Education. Students of this programs can expect to graduate with a nuanced knowledge of the unique issues taking place in virtually any region of the world.
Connecticut
Jackson Institute for Global Affairs
New Haven, Connecticut
Website
Master of Arts in Global Affairs
- Campus-based
- Full-time and accelerated
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL or IELTS required**
- Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Area of Focus: Global Health option
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: MBA; MF; MEM, MESc, MFS, MA/MPH, MA/JD, MA/Graduate Certificate in Global Health
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program; Kerry Initiative; Johnson Center for the Study of American Diplomacy; Global Health at Yale
Yale alumni don’t just study the relationships between nation states and regions; they forge ties. Graduates include former presidents – both Bushes – Secretaries of State, Secretaries of Defense, nationally-known journalists, and high-ranking CIA officials. The Jackson Institute for Global Affairs is proud to host globally-prominent guests, giving students unparalleled access to thought leaders in the world of international affairs, and recently provided a forum for a counter-terrorism conversation between senior fellows, retired General Stanley McChrystal and former Secretary of State John Kerry. As a student at the Jackson Institute you’ll not only rub elbows with some of today’s most influential thinkers, but also with tomorrow’s thought leaders. 2017 saw the Institute launch its Kerry Initiative, led by the former Secretary of State, whose goal it is to confront leading global challenges through international dialogue. Your research work here will give you unprecedented access to legacy resources, including the papers of Henry Kissinger housed at the affiliated Johnson Center for the Study of American Diplomacy.
Delaware
Department of Political Science and International Relations
Newark, Delaware
Website
Master of Arts in Political Science and International Relations
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL required*
- Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Areas of Focus: International Relations; Comparative Politics; American Politics; Political Theory
Doctorate Degrees Offered: PhD in Political Science and International Relations
Every year around 50 graduate students from across the globe are enrolled at University of Delaware’s Department of Political Science and International Relations. Between its doctoral and master’s students, this makes for small class sizes where faculty and students work closely together. Recent graduates have contributed research into pressing issues ranging from how the internet has changed transnational relations to human rights in Africa and the concept of a just war. At UD you are in the driver’s seat when it comes to exploring your interests. University of Delaware works hard to attract diverse students and to make the program accessible and affordable with private grants and fellowships, which have included the James R. Soles Graduate Fellowship in Political Science. This fellowship is explicitly reserved for those who plan on making a career in public service in the non-profit or public sectors, covering the costs of internships, specialized courses, and field research. With a focus on accessibility and student experience, the Department of Political Science and International Relations at UD really puts students first.
District of Columbia
Walsh School of Foreign Service
District of Columbia – Washington D.C.
Website
Master of Science in Foreign Service
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE or GMAT required for non-TOEFL students
- International Students: TOEFL or IELTS required**
- Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Areas of Focus: Global Politics and Security; International Development; Global Business and Finance
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: MBA; MPP; JD
Other Master’s Degrees Offered: MA in Arab Studies; MA in Asian Studies; MA in Eurasian, Russian and East European Studies; MA in German and European Studies; MA in Latin America Studies; MA in Global Human Development; MA in Security Studies
Doctorate Degrees Offered: PhD in History/MA in Arab Studies; JD/MA in Security Studies
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Center for Constitutional Studies and Democratic Development; Center for International Business and Public Policy; China Africa Research Initiative; Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies; SAIS Women Lead; Leadership Academy for Development; Henry A. Kissinger Center for Global Affairs; Bologna Institute for Policy Research; Center for Canadian Studies; Center for Transatlantic Relations; Foreign Policy Institute; Grassroots China Initiative; Initiative for Sustainable Energy Policy; Merrill Center for Strategic Studies; US-Korea Institute
At Georgetown you’re in the heart of the nation’s hub of international outreach and diplomacy. The location alone gives you a unique advantage, but that’s not what actually makes Georgetown’s Walsh School of Foreign Service stand out from the pack. In 2018 Foreign Policy magazine surveyed international relations scholars throughout the country and found Georgetown to be first in the nation when it comes to producing master’s graduates ready for careers in international policy and outreach, coming in at more than 11 percentage points aheadof its closest competitor – Harvard. Georgetown has a long history of preparing its students for successful careers. Its list of distinguished alumni include President Lyndon Johnson, former Secretaries of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Robert Gates, former Secretary of State Alexander Haig, former Counselor to the President and White House Chief of Staff John Podesta, and the current Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly, to name just a few. Just imagine where you and your classmates will be a generation from now.
Florida
Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs
Miami, Florida
Website
Master of Arts in International Studies
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- Science; Public Affairs; Spanish
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL or IELTS required**
- Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Areas of Focus: Global Institutions and Issues; Foreign Policy and Securities Studies
Also Offers Master’s Degrees in: African and African Diaspora Studies; Asian Studies; Criminal Justice; Disaster Management; Economics; Global Affairs; Global and Sociocultural Studies; History; Latin American and Caribbean Studies; Political Science; Public Administration; Religious Studies; Spanish
Doctorate Degrees Offered: Criminal Justice; International Crime and Justice; Economics; Global and Sociocultural Studies; Atlantic History; International Relations; Political
Contribution to Research and Outreach: African and African Diaspora Studies Program; Asian Studies Program; Center for Labor Research and Studies; Center for the Administration of Justice; Cuban Research Institute; European and Eurasian Studies Program; Global Indigenous Forum; Global Jewish Studies Program; Initiative for Muslim World Studies; Institute for Public Management and Community Service; Jack D. Gordon Institute for Public Policy; Jain Studies Program; Kimberly Green Latin American and Caribbean Center; The Metropolitan Center; Miami-Florida Jean Monnet Center of Excellence; Spanish and Mediterranean Studies Program; Program in the Study of Spirituality; Václav Havel Program for Human Rights and Diplomacy
The Green School just lost its advisory board chair… when he was nominated by President Trump to fill a key position with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which supports development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean through financial and technical support. The transition shouldn’t surprise anyone from the Green School though – graduates and faculty are regularly transitioning into positions of prominence in the field of international relations. Where else in the nation can you specialize in Jain Studies? And that’s not the only religious field you can delve into at FIU – Miami’s first and only public research university. Whether you want to focus on the cultural and religious aspects of international studies or foreign policy and security, at Green you’ll find a world-class faculty and guest speakers that will help get you there. Most recently, former UN Ambassador and Obama Administration National Security Advisor Susan Rice treated graduates of the Green School to an unforgettable commencement address.
Georgia
School of Public and International Affairs
Athens, Georgia
Website
Master of Arts in Political Science and International Affairs
- Campus-based
- Full-time recommended
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL or IELTS required
- Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Areas of Focus: American Politics; Comparative Politics; International Relations; Political Theory
Additional Master’s Degrees Offered: Master of International Policy; Master of Public Administration
Doctorate Degrees Offered: PhD in Public Administration and Policy; PhD in Political Science and International Affairs
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Center for the Study of Global Issues; SPIA Survey Research Center; Center for International Trade and Security
You’ve heard about the accomplishments of U of Georgia faculty, but even among some very distinguished company, the School of Public and International Affairs has a particularly noteworthy reputation. Of its 52 full-time faculty, 40 are tenure or tenured-track, 15 have been awarded with distinguished teaching recognitions, and eight have received teaching fellowships. The faculty here at the School of Public and International Affairs is a major contributor of research and literature in the field. Recent graduates have gone on to work at the National Nuclear Security Administration, major media outlets, and the Export Control and Related Border Security in Panama. One student recently had an Op-Ed published in The Washington Post… another received a State Department grant and worked on a research project for NBC news during the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang… and another was appointed by President Trump to serve on an important federal commission. You can be sure you’ll be in good company here, as your classmates become trusted colleagues when you go on to make important contributions of your own.
Hawaii
Department of History and International Studies
Honolulu, Hawaii
Website
Master of Arts in Diplomacy and Military Studies
- Campus-based and online
- Full-time and part-time
- GRE not required
- International Students: TOEFL, IELTS, or Eiken required**
- Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: Certificate in National Security and Strategic Studies; Certificate in Global Leadership and Sustainable Development; Certificate in Environment, Policy, and Leadership
Also Offers: MA in Global Leadership and Sustainable Development
The Department of History and International Studies at Hawaii Pacific University is highly involved in the model United Nations, giving you an opportunity to participate in one of the most respected events in international relations training and networking. Most recently students have gone to Japan, New York City, and Canada to serve as delegates representing diverse nations including Fiji, the United Kingdom, Samoa, and Malaysia in international model UN events. And just like those who work with the actual United Nations, you’ll come to know and respect the people you meet at these events throughout your career. The MA program in Diplomacy and Military Studies at HPU was the first civilian program in the nation to develop an accreditation agreement with the well-respected US Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. You can be sure HPU’s flagship international relations program has a highly respected in the international community.
Illinois
College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
Chicago, Illinois
Website
Master of Arts in International Studies
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE required for applicants whose GPA is less than 3.5
- International Students: TOEFL required**
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Areas of Focus: Women and Gender Studies; TESOL; Global Health; Social Research; Social and Cultural Foundations in Education; Community Development; Metropolitan Planning and Development
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: JD; Certificate in Women and Gender Studies; Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL); Certificate in Global Health; Certificate in Social Research; Certificate in Social and Cultural Foundations in Education; Certificate in Community Development; Certificate in Metropolitan Planning and Development
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Center for Black Diaspora; Center for Latino Research; Center for Religion, Culture, and Community; Center for World Catholicism and Intercultural Theology
From the moment of your first class at DePaul you’ll recognize your MA program is special. Its three overarching themes – political critique, power, and inequality – provide a critical lens through which to view the most pressing global issues. The curriculum comes together to reinforce the value of social justice within the larger context of international affairs. Unlike other programs, this one ingrains values along with rigorous academics. The professors here are experts in a wide range of fields, making contributions that have included serving on the editorial board of a Tehran-based academic journal, extensive research into refugee crises, and the publishing of literature on topic covering everything from neoliberal globalization to African philosophy, to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, to sexuality and gender issues in the context of international affairs.
Indiana
School of Global and International Studies
Bloomington, Indiana
Website
Master of Arts or Master of Science in International Studies
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL required
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: MPA, MPH, MBA, MIS, or MLS
Doctorate Degree Offered: PhD in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures
Other Master’s Degrees Offered: MA in European Studies; MA in Russian and East European Studies; MA in African Studies; MA in Central Eurasian Studies; MA in Chinese; MA in Chinese Language Pedagogy; MA in East Asian Studies; MA in Japanese; MA in Japanese Language Pedagogy; MA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies; MA in Near Eastern Languages and Culture
Doctorate Degrees Offered: PhD in Central Eurasian Studies; PhD in Japanese; PhD in
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Integration Lab; Kellogg Institute for International Studies; Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies; Notre Dame Initiative for Global Development; Global Adaptation Initiative; Environmental Change Initiative; Nanovic Institute for European Studies; Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies; Center for Civil and Human Rights; Arabic Flagship Center; Chinese Flagship Center; Turkish Flagship Center; Center for Languages of the Central Asian Region; National African Languages Resource Center
A program is only as good as its professors, and the School of Global and International Studies (SCIS) at the University of Iowa-Bloomington has the best in the region. The ranks of SGIS faculty include the venerable Lee Hamilton, former House member and chair of the 9/11 Commission, who shares company with other experienced faculty with a lot of literature on pressing international issues to their credit. And great professors help produce great graduates, with U.S. senators, foreign prime ministers and presidents, and Supreme Court justices all counted among the alumni of IU Bloomington. The School of Global and International Studies further distinguishes itself by offering 68 different foreign languages, more than any other university in the nation! IU Bloomington has a long history of teaching foreign languages important to national interests, dating back to the beginning of the Cold War when it was one of the few universities in the country to teach Russian. Today it continues in this tradition, offering language studies programs relevant to regions prone to conflict or otherwise relevant to U.S. security and trade interests.
Iowa
Department of Political Science
Iowa City, Iowa
Website
Master of Arts in Political Science with an emphasis in International Politics
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL required**
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Also Offers: PhD in Political Science
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Benjamin F. Shambaugh Conference
University of Iowa’s poli sci graduate program has a long track record of preparing graduates to go on to become distinguished leaders in the field of international relations. Recent graduates have gone on to careers at colleges and universities throughout the world, and to serve in government, working in the U.S. State Department and for military intelligence agencies. One of the unique ways UIowa’s Department of Political Science leads the region in international outreach is through its Shambaugh lectures and conferences series, which brings scholars and regional experts together from around the world to discuss the most pressing international issues of our time. Past conferences have explored topics like the comparative politics within Russia’s different regions, formal models of bargaining in international relations, and rural development in emerging nations.
Kansas
Center for Global and International Studies
Lawrence, Kansas
Website
Master of Arts in Global and International Studies
- Campus-based and some online
- Full-time and part-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL required
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Areas of Focus: Option for Interagency Studies Concentration; African Studies; East Asian Studies; European Studies; Latin American Studies; Russian and Eastern European Studies
The U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program only accepts about three percent of applicants… and recently, one of them was a student from Kansas University’s Center for Global and International Studies who had the once in a lifetime opportunity to serve at the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, and the US Embassy in Warsaw, Poland. It says a lot about the prestigious Center for Global and International Studies that it produced a graduate prepared to rise to the challenge of such a competitive and demanding international assignment. The Center provides a range of unique experiences, including the Diplomacy Lab, a great opportunity for you to get a front-row seat to the kind of international negotiations that take place between nation states. The Center also hosts an annual security conference that brings experts from around the world together to focus on select topics of particular gravity in the field of international affairs, while providing you with opportunities to network with experts and thought leaders from throughout the world.
Kentucky
Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce
Lexington, Kentucky
Website
Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Commerce
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL required**
- Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Areas of Focus: Diplomacy; Development/International organizations; Security/Intelligence; International Commerce
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: JD; MBA; MS in Economics; MS in Modern Languages
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Patterson Journal of International Affairs
The Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce at University of Kentucky is the clear winner in the region, and also a stand-out school among the best in the nation for anyone looking for a fine-tuned graduate program that deals with the relationship between diplomacy and commerce in the developing world. At the Patterson School, you’ll find dedicated faculty members that hail from unique backgrounds, and a curriculum that has been honed over decades – the school is in its 57thyear of offering this master’s program. Events like the annual Kentucky Intelligence Forum, which brings together experts from around the world, help crystallize the concepts your professors introduce in the classroom. And if you dream of having a CV that reflects some published work, the Patterson Journal of International Affairs, the school’s student-run magazine, provides an accessible forum for making that happen. Graduating from UK means counting Nobel Prize winners and high-profile public servants – including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell – as your fellow alumni.
Louisiana
Department of Political Science
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Website
Master of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE required
- Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Eric Voegelin Institute for American Renaissance Studies
Also Offers: PhD in Political Science
The Department of Political Science at LSU is renowned for contributing theoretical and quantitative research to the field of political science and international affairs. With a dedicated faculty that brings many decades of combined experience to the classroom, you can be sure your professors have earned their stripes with major contributions to research and literature, and in fellowships that have taken them around the world to nations that include South Africa, France, Romania, Finland, Taiwan, Australia, Belgium, Germany, Israel, England, India, and the Philippines. Together, the18 world-class faculty members here have published 32 books and 83 peer-reviewed articles, and counting. The famous political theorist Eric Voegelin, who was born in Cologne but spent his formative youth and university years in Vienna before teaching at LSU for 18 years, has cemented his legacy in the Eric Voegelin Institute for American Renaissance Studies. Every year the institute sponsors invitational seminars, research, and conferences devoted to exploring pressing issues in international development and political thought. As student here you’ll have a front-row seat to these events, which also make for great opportunities to network and begin establishing relationships with future colleagues.
Maine
School of Policy and International Affairs
Orono, Maine
Website
Master of Arts in Global Policy
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE required
- Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Areas of Focus: Environmental Policy; Trade and Commerce; Security and Foreign Policy
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: MBA
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Canadian-American Center; Climate Change Institute; Margaret Chase Smith Policy Center
UMaine’s School of Policy and International Affairs (SPIA) has made a name for itself on the national and international stage. It’s world-class faculty are from all parts of the globe, and it’s the only policy-oriented international affairs graduate program available in northern New England. Experience is always the best teacher, and nowhere is this more true than in the world of international affairs. As a graduate student here, you’ll not only be encouraged to participate in an internship, you could even qualify for generous financial support courtesy of SPIA. This could provide you with an unparalleled opportunity to begin working with the global community while simultaneously earning credit. UMaine’s location makes it the perfect place for the Canadian-American Center, one of the leading institutes and research libraries in the US for the study of French Canadian issues, the North American Free Trade Agreement, minority cultures, and multilateral cooperation. Naturally SPIA also offers plenty of opportunities to study around the world too. UMaine has an enviable alumni roster that includes multiple members of state legislature, governors, state supreme court justices, and U.S. Senators.
Maryland
College of Public Affairs
Baltimore, Maryland
Website
Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Human Security
Other Master’s Degrees Offered: MS Criminal Justice; MS Forensic Science; MS Health Systems Management; MS Human Services Administration; MS Negotiations and Conflict Management; MS Nonprofit Management and Social Entrepreneurship
- Campus-based and some online
- Full-time
- Doctorate Degrees Offered: JD, DPA
- GRE not required
- International Students: TOEFL or IELTS required**
- Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
At the University of Baltimore you’ll be mere minutes from the heart of the nation’s center of global policy. It should come as no surprise that UB counts some well known public servants among its alumni, including Vice President Spiro Agnew who served alongside President Nixon. Your classmates today will be of a similar caliber, and in similar positions of prominence as they become your colleagues in the years ahead – not a bad network to have as you branch out and begin your career. Collectively, the program’s 18 faculty members have an amazing range of expertise. Several were born and raised in other countries, others completed their education abroad, and all bring their unique experiences with them to the classroom with backgrounds and previous employers that include the World Bank, the Montreal Institute for Genocide and Human Rights Studies, and Maryland’s Special Committee on Voting Systems and Election Procedures. A graduate program is only as good as the professors who teach it, and you can be sure at UB you’ll be learning from the very best.
Massachusetts
The Fletcher School
Medford, Massachusetts
Website
Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD)
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE or GMAT required
- International Students: TOEFL or IELTS required
- Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Areas of Focus: Development Economics; Gender Analysis in International Studies; Human Security; Humanitarian Studies; International Business and Economic Law; International Business Relations; International Environment and Resource Policy; International Information and Communication; International Monetary Theory and Policy; International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution; International Organizations; International Political Economy; International Security Studies; International Trade and Commercial Policies; Law and Development; Pacific Asia; Political Systems and Theories; Public International Law; Southwest Asia and Islamic Civilization; United States; Self-Designed Fields of Study
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: JD; MBA; MIA; MA; MS
Other Master’s Degrees Offered: Master of International Business; Master of Laws in International Law; MA; Global MA; MA in Humanitarian Assistance; MA in Transatlantic Affairs
Doctorate Degrees Offered: PhD, PhD in Economics and Public Policy
Contribution to Research and Outreach: The Council on Emerging Market Enterprises (CEME); The Center for International Environment and Resource Policy; The Center for South Asian and Indian Ocean Studies; Center for Strategic Studies; The Constantine G. Karamanlis Chair in Hellenic & European Studies; The Edward R. Murrow Center; The Fares Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies; Gender Analysis and Women’s Leadership at The Fletcher School; The Global Development and Environmental Institute; Global Issues Seminar Series; The Hitachi Center for Technology and International Affairs; The Institute for Human Security; Institute for Business in the Global Context; International Security Studies Program; Lee E. Dirks Professorship in Diplomatic History; Maritime Studies Program; The Sovereign Wealth Fund Initiative; The Water Diplomacy Program; World Peace Foundation
Tuft’s is already a world-renown university, and within the field of international relations The Fletcher School receives similar acclaim. With alumni that include state governors, congressional representatives, foreign prime ministers, and most importantly for the international relations field: no less than 30 diplomats (and counting), today’s students of the MALD program are tomorrow’s leaders in the field of international relations. The faculty here are more than educators, they have also played a role in shaping policy and political discussion with regular contributions to The Washington Postand with Dean James Stavridis previously serving in NATA as Supreme Allied Commander from 2009 to 2013. Tufts is home to over a dozen research centers and institutes. Doing all of them justice here is impossible but we can single out one: the Center for Strategic Studies. The school’s newest addition, the center is focused on producing actionable research on strategy, foreign policy, and international politics. It has gotten off to a running start, with its research featured in news media outlets throughout the world. We particularly like this center because of the running start it gives students too – by the time you graduate you can already have media credits on your CV.
Michigan
College of Graduate Studies
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Website
Graduate Certificate in International Health
- Fully online program, with travel requirements
- Full-time, accelerated (condensed 8-week course)
- GRE not required
- International Students: TOEFL required
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Area of Focus: International Health
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: MS in Administration
Contribution to Research and Outreach: ACE Center for Internationalization and Global Engagement
Ok – this isn’t a mater’s degree and it isn’t in international diplomacy specifically, but it’s such a stand out program and so relevant to anybody interested in international outreach work we just had to include it on our list of favorite grad programs. An immersive learning experience is at the heart of CMU’s Graduate Certificate in International Health. This grad program is delivered entirely online, and involves traveling to international locations (2-3 travel courses!), where you’ll gain a deeper understanding of health systems in other countries and the resulting global health impact. Through in-depth study in international health systems and services, you’ll develop an advanced awareness and appreciation of the health concerns affecting the global community…how cultural differences influence global health….and how these disparitiescan be addressed through cooperative action and creative solutions.
Minnesota
Humphrey School of Public Affairs
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Website
Master of Human Rights
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL or IELTS required**
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Areas of Focus: Race and Ethnicity; Gender and Sexuality; Arts and Humanities; NGO Leadership and Management; Project/Policy Evaluation; Development; Conflict and International Security; Migration; Crime, Law and Justice; Research Methods; Area Studies; Public Health; Environment
Other Master’s Degrees Offered: Master of Development Practice (MDP); Master of Public Affairs (MPA); Master of Public Policy (MPP); MS in Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy (MS–STEP); Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP), PhD in Public Affairs
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Center for Science, Technology, and Environmental Policy; Center for the Study of Politics and Governance; Center on Women, Gender, and Public Policy; Freeman Center for International Economic Policy; Public and Nonprofit Leadership Center; Roy Wilkins Center for Human Relations and Social Justice; Center for Integrative Leadership
University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs, named for the esteemed alumnus Hubert Humphrey, the 38thVice President of the United State who served during the Johnson Administration, is consistently ranked among the top public policy and planning schools in the nation. You can be sure you’ll be in good company at a school that counts former US Vice President Walter Mondale among its esteemed alumni, and where Deputy UK Prime Minister Nick Clegg once served as a fellow. The Humphrey School of Public Affairs is home to no less than eight policy research centers, making it one of the world’s leading research institutes. Committees like the Freeman Center for International Economic Policy offer great opportunities to delve into meaningful research, while regular workshops on global policy issues allow you to network with visiting scholars and even participate in projects that relate to your own research.
Mississippi
Department of Political Science and Public Administration
Mississippi State, Mississippi
Website
Master of Arts in Political Science with a specialization in International Relations
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE recommended
- International Students: TOEFL or IELTS required**
- Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Other Master’s Degrees Offered: Master of Public Policy and Administration
Doctorate Degrees Offered: PhD in Public Policy and Administration
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Stennis Institute of Government, Social Science Research Center
The Department of Political Science and Public Administration at MSU was the clear choice for the top master’s program in the area of international affairs in Mississippi. It has distinguished itself both in terms of the accomplishments of its faculty, and the depth and breadth of the curriculum you’ll find in the MA in Political Science program with a specialty focus in International Relations. The 16 standing faculty members all hold doctorates, and all bring a unique perspective and diverse range of experiences to the classroom. Graduates have gone on to become professors, US congressional representatives, and representatives of international trade delegations. The Stennis Institute of Government – often referred to as “Mississippi’s Think Tank” – is the go-to source of research and professional assessments for the news media, state government, and local companies. Its proud namesake is former U.S. Senator John Stennis, whose legacy lives on in the work taking place here.
Missouri
Department of Political Science
Springfield, Missouri
Website
Master of Global Studies
- Campus-based
- Full-time, part-time, and accelerated
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL required**
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Areas of Focus/Concentrations: International Relations/Comparative Politics; Public Administration; International Economics and Business; National Security
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Journal of International Perspectives in Psychology, John Cook School of Business Multinational Business Review
As Dr. George Connor, professor and department head puts it: the world-class faculty in the Department of Political Science at Missouri State University will take you around the globe and inside global politics, exploring everything from policy to religion – from the gates of the Forbidden City to the Iron Curtain….from the Middle East to Latin America… into Africa’s past and its present… from the United Nations to the International Court of Justice. This master’s program stands out as being one of only two international relations programs available at the graduate-level in the entire state, and the only one that is packed with opportunities to conduct research at university-sponsored institutes. At MSU, you will learn from faculty well connected with leaders in government and industry, ensuring the connections you make here are of the same caliber as the high-quality education you’ll receive.
Nebraska
Department of Political Science
Omaha, Nebraska
Website
MS in Political Science with International Affairs Option
- Offered as both a campus-based and fully online program
- Full-time
- GRE not required
- International Students: TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE required
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Area of Focus: International Affairs
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: MS/Graduate Certificate in Government, MS/Intelligence and National Security
Contribution to Research and Outreach: National Strategic Research Institute
With a strong reputation for research excellence backed up by recognition from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the University of Nebraska Omaha’s track record for student success is matched only by its long history of making important contributions to research. The University’s MS in Political Science – International Affairs comes with the same impressive track record, turning out graduates that have gone on to careers in business, policy analysis, NGO management, security, politics, and more. With opportunities to incorporate internships, study abroad opportunities, Mock Trial, and more, and with a capstone project built into the curriculum, you’ll get a chance to get involved and apply yourself to current issues unfolding on the international stage. You’ll also have the opportunity to round out your program by incorporating your interests in other disciplines, like economics, geography, history, social work, psychology, and more.
Nevada
Department of Political Science
Las Vegas, Nevada
Website
Master of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL, IELTS, MTELP, or PTE required
- Accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission
Also Offers: PhD in Political Science
Contribution to Research and Outreach: University of Nevada Press; Beverly Rogers, Carol C. Harter Black Mountain Institute; Center for Democratic Culture; Center for Migration, Demography, and Population Studies
Every year, graduate students in UNLV’s Department of Political Science work on externally-funded grant projects and have their research published in peer-reviewed journals, making meaningful contributions long before they even graduate. Enrolling in the master’s in Poli Sci with a concentration in International Relations here not only allows you to start putting your ideas to work early, it provides the perfect forum for working with colleagues and classmates destined to become tomorrow’s leaders. Past graduates have gone on to careers in journalism, the US Senate, and the US House of Representatives. The professors you work with and learn from will also be of the highest caliber. The Center for Migration, Demography, and Population Studies alone has 17 affiliated doctorate-prepared professors, each of whom specialize in a different aspect of migration, providing as many different vantage points from which to develop your own research.
New Hampshire
Department of Political Science
Durham, New Hampshire
Website
Master of Arts in Political Science with a focus in International Law
- Campus-based
- Full-time and part-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, or PTE required
- Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: Graduate Certificate in Sustainability Politics and Policy
Also Offers: Master of Public Administration
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Student Conference on International Affairs; Confucius Institute at UNH
How would you like to spend your summer semester as an intern at a US embassy? That’s what one student in the Political Science Department at University of New Hampshire did recently. This is the type of experience that is worth bragging about, but it’s far from the only reason we picked the MA in Poli Sci with a focus in International Law at UNH as our favorite in the state. Students here find unique opportunities to learn, make valuable contributions and connections. The Confucius Institute sponsors Chinese language training, cultural courses, and exchange opportunities to experience Chinese business and industry while simultaneously developing valuable connections with future colleagues… in 2017, poli sci students were invited to the Naval Academy’s Foreign Affairs Conference in Annapolis to hear former Defense Secretary Robert Gates and President George W. Bush speak. These are the kinds of opportunities you’ll only find at a nationally acclaimed, world-class institution.
New Jersey
School of Diplomacy and International Relations
South Orange, New Jersey
Website
Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE, GMAT, or LSAT required for native English speakers
- International Students: TOEFL or IELTS required**
- Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Areas of Focus/Concentrations: Foreign Policy Analysis; Global Health and Human Security; Global Negotiation and Conflict Management; International Economics and Development; International Law and Human Rights; International Organizations; International Security; Post-Conflict State Reconstruction and Sustainability; Africa; Asia; Europe and Eurasia; Latin America and the Caribbean; Middle East
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: JD; MA Asian Studies; MA Strategic Communication; MBA; MPA; Certificate in Post-Conflict State Reconstruction and Sustainability; Certificate in United Nations Studies; Certificate in Global Health Management
Other Master’s Degree Offered: Executive MS in International Affairs
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Center for Emerging Powers and Transnational Trends; Center for Global Health Studies; Center for Peace and Conflict Studies; Center for UN and Global Governance Studies; Love and Forgiveness in Government; Basque Research Team
Seton Hall is an exceptional university. Still, its School of Diplomacy and International Relations (SDIR) has made a name for itself in the field of international affairs independent of the big name university it’s part of – in no small part thanks to the fact that it was originally established in conjunction with the United Nations Association of the USA. The School of Diplomacy and International Relations is the go-to place for students from throughout the nation, and the world. Last year the student body here included people from 31 US states and 25 foreign countries. Not only do you have the opportunity to make great connections here, you’ll also have opportunities to make connections outside the school thanks to the fact that the SDIR has secured more than 600 internship partners to-date. Every year the department hosts workshops and invites around 20 major policymakers to give speeches. Recently this has included Tom Pickering, President Bill Clinton’s Ambassador to the UN, and Teuta Sahatqija, the Ambassador and Consul General of Kosovo. The many research centers here only help the SDIR in being able to host so many events central to the field of international relations.
New Mexico
Department of Political Science
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Website
Master of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations
- Campus-based with some online options
- Full-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE required**
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Also Offers: PhD in Political Science
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Center for the Study of Voting, Elections, and Democracy
University of New Mexico’s Department of Political Science is proud of its faculty, nationally recognized as experts in fields like global health politics, international human rights, and international restorative justice. Its world-class faculty pass their passion on to graduates who have gone on to influential roles in government, journalism and intergovernmental organizations, serving in the UN, CIA, and in the presidential cabinet, among many other high profile positions. Every year internships are made available to eligible students, including the Fred Harris Congressional Internship which takes students to Washington DC to work with elected representatives. Not only do these kinds of opportunities allow students to get plugged in to visiting speaker events and conferences, there is simply no better networking opportunity available to a student of international relations than being able to rub elbows with members of Congress.
New York
School of International and Public Affairs
New York, New York
Website
Master of International Affairs (MIA)
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE or GMAT required
- International Students: TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE required
- Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Areas of Focus: International Security Policy; International Finance and Economic Policy; Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy; Energy and Environment; Economic and Political Development; Urban and Social Policy; Regional Specializations; Management; Gender and Public Policy; International Organization and UN Studies; Technology, Media, and Communications; International Conflict Resolution; Advanced Policy and Economic Analysis
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: MS in Journalism; MS in Urban Planning; MBA; JD; MPH; MA in Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences; MSW; MPA (London); MPP (Singapore); MPP (Berlin); Master in Management (Sao Paulo); MPP (Tokyo)
Other Master’s Degrees Offered: MPA; MPA in Economic Policy Management; MPA in Environmental Science and Policy; Executive MPA; MPA in Development Practice
Doctorate Degrees Offered: PhD in Sustainable Development
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Center for Development Economics and Policy (CDEP); Center on Global Economic Governance (CGEG); Center on Global Energy Policy (CGEP); Deepak and Neera Raj Center on Indian Economic Policies; Saltzman Institute of War and Peace Studies (SIWPS)
Located in the heart of the world’s international political and business capital, the School of International and Public Policy Affairs at Columbia prepares students to become influential leaders on the global stage. You can literally walk to the United Nations Headquarters from the Columbia’ campus. But when it comes to the content and quality of the MIA program at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), location becomes a foot note. The school offers an invaluable academic experience supported by world-class faculty and research institutes, providing access to thought leaders in every area of international affairs. When it comes to peer networking, SIPA is also first choice, with more than a hundred nations represented in the student body. As a student here, you’ll be attending the same school as past, present, and future leaders, with a legacy that includes founding fathers Alexander Hamilton and John Jay, and US presidents including both Roosevelts, Eisenhower, and Barack Obama. As a graduate, you’ll be joining the exclusive ranks of 20,000 other alumni working in 156 countries in all areas of international relations. We also celebrate the fact that the school offers the option to earn an attractive range of master’s degrees concurrently with the MIA, and allows you to attend class at Columbia’s partner institutions throughout the world in London, Singapore, Berlin, Sao Paulo, and Tokyo.
North Carolina
School of Public and International Affairs
Raleigh, North Carolina
Website
Master of International Studies
- Campus-based
- Full-time and part-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL or IELTS required
- Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Areas of Focus: Comparative Politics; Europe/Russia; Latin America; Middle East; Africa; American Politics and Institutions (for International Students); International Law/International Organizations/Global Governance; International Program Administration – International Student Services and Study Abroad; Nonprofit Management; Public Administration; Security Studies/U.S. Foreign Policy; Sustainable Development
Other Master’s Degrees Offered: Master of Public Administration
Doctorate Degrees Offered: PhD in Public Administration
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Graduate Research Symposium, Institute for Nonprofits
The School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) at North Carolina State University allows students to explore how international relations influences life, law and commerce at the local, state, national, and international levels – from Raleigh to global decision-making forums in Washington DC to the halls of the United Nations in the Hague. NCSU is a place where ideas, support, and research come together, giving students an opportunity to publish original research, consult with experts in diverse fields, and network with visiting scholars at workshops and lecture events. This is a place to get involved. Currently, students here are filming a documentary about the Maidan protests in Ukraine, exploring unemployment in Morocco, and studying abroad at the University of Seoul. A 2012 graduate has made her way to Bolivia where she’s advocating for justice… another was featured in an autobiographical series about her work in nuclear security. We think SPIA offers great options when it comes to pursuing your interests on the global stage, and gives you the tools you need to turn your learning experiences into an exciting career.
Ohio
Global Affairs and International Studies
Athens, Ohio
Website
Master of Arts in International Development
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE not required
- International Students: TOEFL or IELTS required
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Areas of Focus: Environment; Gender; Health; Social Sciences; Conflict
Other Master’s Degrees Offered: MA in African Studies; MA in Asian Studies; MA in Latin American Studies; MA in Communication and Development
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Center for International Studies; Global Leadership Center; Office of Global Affairs; Office of Global Opportunities; The OHIO Group
The MA in International Development from Ohio University’s Global Affairs and International Studies department provides a truly global experience. No international relations program is complete without studying a foreign language, and here you can pick from among 20. Ohio U has partnerships in place with 68 institutions in 43 countries. As a graduate of this program you can count yourself among alumni that include business leaders, NGO specialists, US senators, and some 7,000 + former students from outside the U.S. Ohio U works in partnership with influential multi-national organizations, including the Center for International Studies, which works to promote education and an understanding of issues with global impact by supporting hundreds of students studying aboard and hosting hundreds more international students visiting Ohio each year. The OHIO Group also has a home here where it works to further the goal to advance the higher education structure of countries in the Middle East.
Oklahoma
College of International Studies
Edmond, Oklahoma
Website
Master of Arts in International Studies
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL required
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Areas of Focus/Concentrations: Global Studies; Global Economics and Development; Global Security Studies; Asian Studies; European Studies; Latin American Studies; Middle Eastern Studies
Other Master’s Degree Offered: MA in Global Affairs
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Center for Middle East Studies; Arabic Language Flagship Program; Farzaneh Family Center for Iranian and Persian Gulf Studies; Institute for US-China Issues; European Union Center; The Center for the Americas; African Studies Institute; Center for the Study of Nationalism; Fellowship for Global Engagement; CIS International LEAdership Fellows (LEAF) Program; The Fullbright US Student Program; The Cyber Governance and Policy Center; The Center for Peace and Development
The College of International Studies at Oklahoma University is home to internationally renown master’s programs. The faculty here have built a weighty reputation as experts and influential thought leaders in the field. Associate Professor Joshua Landis has made a name for himself as the preeminent expert on the Syrian Civil War for the past five years, making regular appearances on all the major national news networks. He’s the director of the Center for Middle East Studies, and also a regular guest on the World Views radio program, which brings together a roundtable of policy specialists to discuss the biggest issues of the day. The Center for Middle East Studies, among the many other regional and issue-specific centers housed here, attract visiting scholars from all over the world who come here for annual conferences and lectures.
Oregon
Department of International Studies
Eugene, Oregon
Website
Master of Arts in International Studies
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL or IELTS required
- Accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission
Areas of Focus/Concentrations: African Studies; Food Studies; Regional and International Conflict; International Education; Diplomacy and International Relations; International Development
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: JD
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Center for Asian and Pacific Studies (CAPS), Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies, World Languages Academy, Yamada Language Center, Confucius Institute at the UO
Right now graduates from U of O’s Department of International Studies are working at places like the United Nations, international NGOs, and international law firms. Current students are doing things like presenting research at international development conferences and studying abroad in places like Sweden and Ghana. As a student you’ll have access to the resident experts and visiting scholars from all the school’s respected research centers, which host conferences and events throughout the year. We especially like the fact that U of O’s MA in International Studies encourages you to venture into unfamiliar territory and expand your horizons through a supervised field research requirement that involves a 12-credit internship outside your native culture and where your native language isn’t spoken. As a graduate of University of Oregon’s Master of Arts in International Studies program you’ll find your place among distinguished alumni that include numerous journalists, an acting director of the CIA, and US ambassadors.
Pennsylvania
School of International Affairs
University Park, Pennsylvania
Website
Master of International Affairs (MIA)
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL or IELTS required
- Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Areas of Focus/Concentrations: Development Policy; Dispute Resolution; Environment and Resources; Humanitarian Response and Human Rights; International Business and Economics; International Cybersecurity; International Energy Policy; International Public Policy; International Security Studies; Middle East Studies; Create Your Own Concentration
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: JD; International Affairs Certificate; International Development Policy Certificate; International Security Studies Certificate; International Public Policy Certificate
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Correlates of War Project; Natural Resources and Armed Conflict Project; Program in Comparative Politics; The Program on Empirical International Relations; Peace Science Society; The Penn State Journal of Law and International Affairs; The Penn State International Affairs Review
If learning from influential thought leaders and active participants in the world of international diplomacy and development is what you’re looking for in your graduate program, the Master of International affairs at Penn State should be at the top of your list. Penn State needs no introduction as one of the foremost universities in the world. The School of International Affairs at Penn State is home to world class faculty that includes Navy admirals, former U.S. ambassadors, a legal advisor to the UN and African Union, a World Bank consultant, and even a former National Security Council member and CIA analyst. Your international affairs graduate program at Penn State comes complete with a career exposure trip to New York City where you’ll network with prospective employers looking to recruit new talent – from the UN and other intergovernmental organizations to the U.S. State Department, NGOs and media outlets. The immersive education experience you get here includes a strategic exercise in crisis negotiation conducted jointly with the U.S. Army War College where you’ll get to participate in negotiations led by distinguished diplomats and regional experts.
Rhode Island
Department of Political Science
Kingston, Rhode Island
Website
Master of Arts in International Relations
- Campus-based
- Full-time and part-time
- GRE required for applicants with a GPA lower than 3.0
- International Students: TOEFL not required
- Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Areas of Focus/Concentrations: Diplomacy; International Development; Global Peace Studies
Other Master’s Degree Offered: Master of Public Administration
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Center for Nonviolence and Peace Studies
The Department of Political Science at University of Rhode Island offers a world class master’s program in international relations where you’ll get the kind of individualized instruction and opportunities to work closely with faculty that can only come from a program with a small cohort. With just 20 or so students enrolled in this program each year and 12 dedicated full-time faculty members, it should come as no surprise that graduates are well prepared to start making a difference in the world. About a third of the program’s graduates go on to earn a PhD in preparation for careers in academia and research. Graduates have also gone on to careers with the United Nations, and some have even been lucky enough to land Fullbright scholarships and Presidential Management Fellowships. We like the fact that the Department of Political Science maintains a relationship with the Naval War College in Newport, giving you the option of completing an internship there during your graduate studies. Coming on the heels of the normalization of relations with Cuba, URI has partnered with Cuban organizations to create a three-month long study abroad program that will take you to Havana to meet with Cuban scholars, diplomats, and journalists. This is a great opportunity for a shared experience with your classmates, and represents one of the best opportunities available anywhere for students interested in establishing ties with our newest diplomatic partner.
South Carolina
Department of Political Science
Columbia, South Carolina
Website
Master of Arts in International Studies
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE required
- Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Areas of Focus/Concentrations :International Relations and Practice; Foreign Policy Analysis; Comparative Politics
Other Master’s Degrees Offered: Master of Public Administration
Doctorate Degrees Offered: PhD in Political Science
Contribution to Research and Outreach: The Walker Institute of International and Area Studies, Confucius Institute, Centers for International Business Education and Research
Enrolling in the master’s in International Studies program through the Department of Political Science at North Carolina’s flagship university comes with some advantages: great research opportunities, expert faculty, and the most talented students in the region. As a graduate of this world class program you’ll be joining a list of alumni that includes a number of governors, congressional representatives, ambassadors, and many other public servants. The Walker Institute of International and Area Studies, just one of several institutes her that provides students with unique opportunities, provides funding to students interested in contributing research in the area of world affairs and cross cultural understanding. USC is also the first research university in the state to establish a Confucius Institute chapter in collaboration with the Chinese Ministry of Education with the goal of fostering understanding of Chinese society, culture, and language.
South Dakota
Department of Political Science
Vermillion, South Dakota
Website
Master of Arts in Political Science with a specialization in International Relations
- Campus-based and hybrid
- Full-time and part-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL required
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Doctorate Degree Offered: PhD in Political Science
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Farber Center for Civic Leadership, Model UN
The MA in Political Science with a specialization in International Relations offered through the Department of Political Science at University of South Dakota puts a world class education well within reach for globally minded graduate students in the region. The department has made a strong point of developing relationships with overseas universities to give students access to study abroad opportunities in places like Ireland, Italy, Moscow, Turkey, UAE, and New Zealand, to name just a few. Every year, the Farber Fund awards around $170,000 to cover the cost of facilitating study abroad and international research opportunities, conferences, and more. The Model UN conference is among students’ favorite annual events and is widely viewed as the best preparation possible for anybody going into international diplomacy. These events take place throughout the U.S. and the world, and are great opportunities to connect with future diplomatic colleagues.
Tennessee
Department of Political Science and International Relations
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Website
Master of Arts in International Affairs
Areas of Focus/Concentrations: International Security and Peace Studies; International Development and Globalization
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL, IELTS, UMELI, or ELS required
- Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Center for Chinese Music and Culture, Confucius Institute, Middle East Center
The Department of Political Science and International Relations at Middle Tennessee University offers a master’s in International Affairs program that attracts an extraordinarily diverse student body. We know you’ll benefit from the networking opportunities and world class faculty you’ll find here at MTSU. We also know you’ll get some unique opportunities to meet preeminent thought leaders in the field thanks to the fact that the Department of Political Science and International Relations at MTSU serves as a regional hub for international outreach and diplomacy. As home to several regionally specific research centers, MTSU is on the map for visiting scholars and dignitaries. Each year, distinguished scholars and lecturers visit MTSU to participate in conferences and events aimed at identifying solutions to the world’s most pressing social, environmental and economic issues.
Texas
Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs
Austin, Texas
Website
Master of Global Policy Studies
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL required
- Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Areas of Focus/Concentrations: Security, Law, and Diplomacy; International Trade and Finance; International Development; Global Governance and International Law; International Energy, Environment, and Technology; Regional International Policy; Custom Specialization
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: MPA
Other Master’s Degrees Offered: MPA; Master in Public Leadership
Doctorate Degrees Offered: PhD in Public Policy
Contribution to Research and Outreach: William P. Clements, Jr. Center for National Security; Robert S. Strauss Center for International Security Law; Population Research Center; Energy Institute; Center for International Energy and Environmental Policy; Center for Politics and Governance; China Public Policy Center; LBJ Washington Center; RGK Center for Philanthropy and Community Service; Center for Health and Social Policy
The Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas Austin is recognized the world over for making significant contributions to international outreach, security, diplomacy and commerce – all from right here in the heart of Texas. The Johnson School of Public Affairs attracts scholars from around the world who come here to participate in events you won’t find anywhere else. The biennial crisis simulation, open only to those enrolled in the global studies master’s program, allows students to develop valuable skills in negotiation, rapid analysis, and diplomacy, with this year’s simulated event dealing with territorial claims in the South China Sea. As a graduate of the Master of Global Policy Study you’ll be in the company of more than 4,000 alumni throughout the world, including a past president, numerous congressional representatives, governors, journalists, and two ambassadors.
Utah
College of Social and Behavioral Science
Salt Lake City, Utah
Website
Master of Science in International Affairs and Global Enterprise
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE, GMAT, or LSAT required
- International Students: TOEFL required
- Accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Barbara L. and Norman C. Tanner Center for Nonviolent Human Rights Advocacy; Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute
Other Master’s Degrees Offered: MPA, MPP
As a student earning your MS in International Affairs and Global Enterprise through the College of Social and Behavioral Science at University of Utah, you have a special status: MIAGE. Students here participate in events that no other group of students experience. Most recently, students took part in the Young Diplomats Forum (YDF) in Riga, Latvia. At this event MIAGE students joined more than 60 delegations from throughout the world to discuss some of today’s biggest diplomatic challenges. Participants included ambassadors, NATO representatives, Latvian parliament members, and European Union representatives, providing students with an immersive learning experience like none other as well as unparalleled networking opportunities. As a student here you can be sure your classmates and those you meet at conferences and other events will someday be your colleagues.
Vermont
Norwich University Online
Northfield, Vermont
Website
Master of Arts in International Relations
- Online
- Full-time and part-time
- GRE is optional
- International Students: TOEFL or IELTS required
- Accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Areas of Focus/Concentrations: International Security; National Security; International Development; Cyber Diplomacy; Regions of the World
Other Master’s Degree Offered: MA in Diplomacy
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Cyber Conflict Research Institute, Defense Technologies Research Institute, International Clean Water Institute, Institute for the Study of Culture and Language
Graduates of the Master of Arts in International Relations at Norwich University have gone on to careers with the United Nations, think tanks, the U.S. State Department, major defense contractors, all branches of the armed forces, NGOs, news outlets, and more. How’s that for a track record for producing successful graduates? We also really like the convenience the program at Norwich offers international relations grad students – it’s one of the few master’s programs of its kind to be offered entirely online, and is designed to accommodate students with a full-time work schedule. As a student here you’ll learn from professors from diverse backgrounds that include working for democratic reform in Russia, teaching at universities in Africa and Europe, working for foreign NGOs, and of course publishing numerous books and articles. Classes are capped at 15 students to keep cohorts small as a way to ensure you have plenty of opportunities to interact with professors. Complete your master’s here at Norwich and you’ll be graduating from a school with the proud distinction of being the oldest private military college in the country and the birthplace of the ROTC.
Virginia
Schar School of Policy and Government
Arlington, Virginia
Website
Master of Arts in International Security
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE, GMAT, or LSAT required if applicant GPA is below 3.6
- International Students: TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE required
- Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Areas of Focus/Concentrations: Managing Global Risks; Security Policy and Processes; Regional and Transnational Security Challenges
Other Master’s Degrees Offered: MS in Biodefense; MA in International Commerce and Policy; MS in Organization Development and Knowledge Management; Political Science; MPA; MPP; MA in Transportation Policy, Operations, and Logistics
Doctorate Degree Offered:PhD in Biodefense; PhD in Political Science; PhD in Public Policy
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Center for Global Policy; Center for Regional Analysis; Center for Security Policy Studies; Center for the Study of International Medical Policies and Practices; Michael V. Hayden Center for Intelligence, Policy, and International Security; Terrorism Transnational Crime and Corruption Center (TraCCC)
The Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University is a name recognized globally in the international relations sphere. Located just a few miles from the White House, Pentagon, and U.S. Capitol Building, George Mason puts you at the center of where international policy comes to life. The faculty here comes from all parts of the world, bringing with them extensive experience with backgrounds that include working with intergovernmental organizations like NATO, U.S. intelligence agencies, NGOs and even industry. As preeminent thought leaders in the field, you’ll frequently see your professors in the news media discussing the most pressing developments on the international stage. The Schar School is home to twelve research centers that attract scholars from throughout the world. Among them is the Terrorism, Transnational Crime and Corruption Center (TraCCC), the first of its kind focused on understanding the links between its three eponymous subjects. Graduates of this school have applied their knowledge to land jobs with top defense contractors, USAID, the National Endowment for Democracy, the U.S. Department of State, and the World Bank.
Washington
Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies
Seattle, Washington
Website
Master of Arts in International Studies
- Campus-based
- Full time (part-time and accelerated available in the MA Applied International Studies Program)
- GRE required (may be substituted by the GMAT and LSAT for dual-degree students in their respective fields)
- International Students: TOEFL required
- Accredited by the Northwest Accreditation Commission
Areas of Focus/Concentrations: China Studies; Japan Studies; Korean Studies; Middle East Studies; Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies; South Asian Studies; Southeast Asian Studies; Comparative Religion; General International Studies
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: MBA; Master or MS in Forestry Service; JD; Master Marine Affairs; MPH; MPA
Other Master’s Degrees Offered: MA in Applied International Studies; MA in China Studies; MA in Comparative Religion; MA in Japan Studies; MA in Korea Studies; MA in Middle East Studies; MA in Russian, East European, and Central Asian Studies; MA in South Asian Studies; MA in Southeast Asian Studies
Doctorate Degree Offered: PhD in International Studies
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Africa Studies Program; Arctic and International Relations; Canadian Studies Center; China Studies Program; Comparative Religion; East Asia Center; East Asia Resource Center; The Ellison Center for Russian, East European and Central Asian Studies; The EU Center; Center for Global Studies; Hellenic Studies; International Policy Institute; Center for Human Rights; Japan Studies Program; Stroum Center for Jewish Studies; Center for Korea Studies; Latin America and Caribbean Studies; Middle East Center; South Asia Center; Southeast Asia Center; Center for West European Studies
The Jackson School on International Relations at the University of Washington stands alone in the region, and stands out on the global stage as one of the most influential graduate schools in the world. As a student of the Master of Arts in International Studies program, you’ll select from nine diverse tracks that include everything from area-specific studies to religious studies to theme-based studies in areas like politics and economics. The Jackson School has a storied history that began in 1957 when Congress acted to fund research and education in foreign language learning and international affairs. Today the Jackson School is still home to eight of the original research centers. A distinguished legacy for making important contributions to research and the well-connected faculty attracts prominent experts from throughout the world, giving students a front row seat to lectures, workshops, and conferences led by the most respected thought leaders in the world of international diplomacy and development.
West Virginia
Department of Political Science
Morgantown, West Virginia
Website
Master of Arts in Political Science – International Relations
- Campus-based
- Full-time recommended
- GRE required for applicants from all non-English speaking countries, for all applicants with a GPA below 3.5, and for all applicants seeking financial aid from the Department of Political Science
- International Students: TOEFL required**
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Other Master’s Degrees Offered: MA in International History and Security Studies
Doctorate Degree Offered: PhD in Political Science
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Center for Women’s and Gender Studies; Center for Black Culture
Students of the Department of Political Science at West Virginia University just returned from the Galapagos Islands where they participated in the Model United Nation’s annual international conference. This kind of immersive learning experience exemplifies why we hold WVU’s MA in Political Science – International Relations in such high regard. With this kind of real-world experience putting theory into practice, graduates of this program are well-prepared to make real contributions to peace and prosperity on the international stage. Alumni include NATO leaders, national journalists, high-ranking public servants, business leaders and international NGO directors. Right now, graduate students here are contributing research to diverse topics that include everything from the rule of law in Kosovo to microfinance in Latin America. As a graduate of this program, your former classmates will become future colleagues in the sphere of international diplomacy and development.
Wisconsin
Department of Political Science
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Website
Master of Arts in International Affairs
- Campus-based
- Full-time and part-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL required*
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Areas of Focus/Concentrations: Comparative Politics; International Politics
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: JD; MBA; MA Communications
Other Master’s Degrees Offered: MA in Political Science, MA in Public Service
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Center for Global and Economic Studies; Center for Peacemaking; Center for Transnational Justice; Les Aspin Center for Government
The Department of Political Science at Marquette University welcomes students into a close-knit community of globally minded classmates and faculty members passionate about bringing positive change to the world. One recent event that brought students and faculty together for policy analysis involved a group of 11 professors who facilitated two panel discussions covering pressing domestic and international issues, with topics ranging from the deep state to relations with China and North Korea to Russian cyber attacks. We’re featuring Marquette because of this kind of openness. This is a place that encourages critical thought and open dialogue, and where students are encouraged to build relationships with classmates, community members, and visiting scholars. This kind of networking is vital for learning, and later on, for working together toward common goals.
Wyoming
School of Politics, Public Affairs, and International Studies
Laramie, Wyoming
Website
Master of Arts in International Studies
- Campus-based
- Full-time
- GRE required
- International Students: TOEFL required*
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Optional Concurrent Dual-Degrees: Masters in Environment and Natural Resources
Contribution to Research and Outreach: Center for Global Studies; Social Justice Research Center; Center for Energy Economics and Public Policy
You can be sure the professors and other faculty at the School of Politics, Public Affairs, and International Studies at the University of Wyoming are dedicated to the success of their students. You will find a community of experts that wants to see you land your dream internship while you’re a student, and to begin contributing real solutions to global issues when you graduate. Students here have landed internships with the U.S. Senate and embassies aboard. Faculty are also closely involved with the International Studies Student Club, which sponsors activities throughout the year that foster a greater understanding of international issues. Through initiatives like its Excellence Scholar program, UW attracts highly qualified guest professors, giving students to unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to learn from experts in their field. Most recently this has included Gary Grappo, the former U.S. Ambassador to Oman, who lectured about the current US foreign policy in the Middle East. Speaking of the Middle East, this school is particularly proud of its Arabic language program, one of the few places in the region where you can progress to advanced levels of this language. Like this program, campus institutes such as the Center for Global Studies also serve as vital support resources for you as you embark to study specific topics within the field of international relations.
*waived for international students who earned their degree from a US school
**waived for international students who earned a degree from a school where English was the language of instruction, or from a country where English is the official language