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Top
International Relations
graduate schools

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Top International Relations graduate schools

Looking for the top International Relations graduate schools? We put together a comprehensive list of the best graduate programs for International Relations, and put the results below. We include the acceptance rate, average GRE scores, and a brief description of each - all the information you need to kick start your research. Read on!

American University International Relations school acceptance rate

American University International Relations
AnnieLyon / Wikimedia Commons / "American University School of International Service building" / CC BY-SA 3.0
American University's Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) Online program is a distinctive offering that prepares students to become leaders in our globally interconnected world. Through a flexible online format, students gain essential skills in critical thinking, analysis, questioning, understanding, and action. The program offers four concentration options, including Global Security, U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security, International Development, and International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. What sets this program apart is its commitment to supporting military service members, veterans, and their families by allowing them to apply their VA education benefits and waiving the application fee for recent active-duty military personnel. Graduates join a global alumni network dedicated to making a positive difference worldwide.

Columbia University International Relations school acceptance rate

Columbia University International Relations
Ajay Suresh from New York, NY, USA / Wikimedia Commons / "Columbia University - School of International and Public Affairs" / CC BY 2.0
MIA students at Columbia University gain comprehensive knowledge, practical skills, and real-world experience to tackle global challenges in international affairs. The program combines academic excellence with experiential learning, including workshops with organizations worldwide. The core curriculum offers customization with various courses on international politics and political economy. Students can specialize in majors such as International Security Policy, International Finance and Economic Policy, Economic and Political Development, Human Rights and Humanitarian Policy, Energy and Environment, or Urban and Social Policy. Graduates join a vibrant network of MIA alumni in prestigious positions across public, private, and nonprofit sectors globally. Notable employers include the United Nations, government departments, banking firms, consulting companies, and humanitarian organizations. The program also provides language proficiency, international immersion courses, fieldwork opportunities, and dual degree options. The employment and further study rate is at an impressive 93.2%.

George Washington University International Relations school acceptance rate

George Washington University International Relations
Pjn1990 / Wikimedia Commons / "Elliott School from Park" / CC BY 3.0
The George Washington University's Elliott School of International Affairs is a renowned institution offering exceptional graduate programs in international affairs. Located in Washington, DC, its prime position near key global organizations enriches the educational experience by providing unparalleled opportunities for engagement with the policy community. The Elliott School offers 12 distinctive Master of Arts programs, including global communication, international affairs, international development, international trade and investment policy, international science and technology policy, security policy, and regional programs focused on Asia, Europe and Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. In addition, the school offers a master's degree for mid-career professionals and a dual-degree master's program in international studies in collaboration with 19 international partner universities. The Elliott School's graduate programs equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the international arena, and its esteemed alumni hold leadership positions across various sectors worldwide.

Georgetown University International Relations school acceptance rate

Georgetown University International Relations
Duane Lempke / Wikimedia Commons / "GeorgetownUniv" / CC0
Georgetown University's Department of Government is a leading institution for doctoral studies in international relations. Their graduate program prepares students with cutting-edge research and professional training, while faculty members have produced award-winning work in prestigious journals and university presses. Graduates have secured faculty positions at top universities and prestigious fellowships at Harvard and Princeton. The department's core strengths include international security, political economy, law and organizations, and methodology. Collaborations with other departments and schools provide a diverse and comprehensive learning experience. The Georgetown University International Theory and Research Seminar (GUITARS) allows students to engage with global scholars and their research. The department's institutional resources support research and teaching in various areas of international affairs.

Harvard University International Relations school acceptance rate

Harvard University International Relations
Josh Graciano / Wikimedia Commons / "CGIS Knafel" / CC BY-SA 2.0
A master's degree in international relations at Harvard provides numerous career opportunities, ranging from diplomacy and journalism to international business and conflict resolution. It equips individuals with a comprehensive understanding of global issues, multicultural competence, and the ability to navigate changing circumstances. The program offers a customizable curriculum with stackable certificates and experiential learning. Taught by expert instructors, including faculty from Harvard University, students receive personalized academic and career advising. Graduates have the option to pursue a thesis or applied research project with paid research opportunities. The program attracts professionals from various industries, and graduates find employment in fields such as international affairs, law, and environmental services. Additionally, graduates become part of the prestigious Harvard Alumni Association and receive support from the Mignone Center for Career Success.

Johns Hopkins University International Relations school acceptance rate

Johns Hopkins University International Relations
Worawutc / Wikimedia Commons / "Nitze Building at The Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies Washington, DC" / Public domain
Johns Hopkins SAIS offers a Master of Arts in International Relations degree program that prepares students to understand the interconnectedness of economics, geopolitics, security, and the environment. The program features a flexible curriculum with core areas of study such as leadership, decision-making, data analytics, economics, geopolitics, and research methods. Students can then customize their learning experience by selecting courses in functional areas like development, climate, and sustainability, or regional areas such as Africa or Asia. The program also includes capstone projects, internships, language training, and professional skills training to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to tackle global challenges.
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Princeton University International Relations school acceptance rate

Princeton University International Relations
Zane R. at Wikimedia Commons / "Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs - Robertson Hall" / CC BY 2.0
The Master in Public Affairs (M.P.A.) program at Princeton University is a rigorous two-year program that prepares students for careers in international and domestic policy. It emphasizes a commitment to public service and offers a wide range of courses to develop analytical skills in areas such as politics, economics, and quantitative analysis. Students can specialize in one of four fields and pursue joint degree options in law or business. Financial aid is available to support students in pursuing public service careers. The program includes policy workshops, a focus on diversity and inclusion, qualifying examinations, and an internship component. Collaboration with top law schools is also offered for joint degrees.

Stanford University International Relations school acceptance rate

Stanford University International Relations
Jawed / Wikimedia Commons / "Stanford University Arches with Memorial Church in the background" / CC BY-SA 4.0
The Master of Arts in Political Science at Stanford University is available only to students pursuing a doctoral degree from another Stanford department or an advanced degree from one of the professional schools like Law, Medicine, or Business. The program aims to provide a dynamic and collaborative environment, with small class sizes for personalized attention and easy interaction with faculty and staff. The curriculum focuses on core policy skills while allowing students to explore their individual interests. The program is housed within the prestigious Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), which conducts top-notch research, engages policymakers, and prepares future leaders. Stanford's entrepreneurial spirit and connections to Silicon Valley offer MIP students unique opportunities for innovation, including programs like Design for Extreme Affordability and Stanford Ignite. MIP Director Francis Fukuyama advocates for new approaches to public problem-solving, which are integrated into the program's curriculum.

Tufts University International Relations school acceptance rate

Tufts University International Relations
Daderot / Wikimedia Commons / "Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy - Tufts University" / Public domain
Tufts University's faculty and students collaborate to tackle global challenges and promote a more just world. With a strong grasp of the changing global landscape and specialized skills, scholars prepare for careers in government, diplomacy, and related fields. The university's international relations program spans multiple campuses and encompasses multidisciplinary research, offering dual degrees and joint programs. The esteemed Fletcher School engages in impactful research that addresses economic development, security, sustainability, and humanitarian issues. International Relations graduates find employment in diverse sectors like humanitarian aid, international law, and global technology. With a 95% employment rate and numerous alumni working for the UN or as ambassadors, Tufts cultivates successful professionals. The university also fosters a supportive environment for graduate students to pursue their academic and professional goals, fostering personal growth and a well-rounded education.

University of Chicago International Relations school acceptance rate

University of Chicago International Relations
Kenneth C. Zirkel / Wikimedia Commons / "Harris School of Public Policy at the Keller Center" / CC BY-SA 4.0
The Committee on International Relations (CIR) at the University of Chicago offers a joint M.A. degree in International Relations for qualified students. Established in 1928, it is the oldest graduate program in international affairs in the United States. The CIR adopts an interdisciplinary approach, bringing together faculty from various departments and schools within the university. Students in the program engage in a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of subjects related to international issues. They specialize in two fields of study and complete an original MA thesis. The CIR also provides professional development opportunities, including internships, career treks, and access to global centers.

Conclusion

And there you have it - the top graduate schools for International Relations. These are some of the best schools in the country for this field, and admission into any of them would be a great accomplishment that could set you up for a strong career.
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