Quick Facts – International Relations Schools
- Your choice of school shapes your network, skills, and early career options in international relations.
- Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Georgetown, and Columbia rank among the strongest IR schools in the U.S.
- Georgetown, Harvard, Johns Hopkins SAIS, Princeton, and Columbia offer highly regarded master’s programs.
- Top Ph.D. options include Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, Columbia, and the University of Chicago.
- Look closely at faculty, research centers, internships, and study abroad when you compare schools.
- Common careers include foreign policy analyst, diplomat, intelligence analyst, and international development specialist.
Thinking about a career in international relations (IR) and global affairs? Your school choice can open doors to embassies, think tanks, NGOs, and international organizations. The United States hosts many respected universities that offer strong IR programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. levels.
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Below, you’ll find the best schools for international relations in the U.S., plus advice on careers, internships, and financial aid.
Top undergraduate schools for international relations
A strong bachelor’s degree lays the groundwork for later graduate study or direct entry into policy and global careers.
Harvard University
Harvard offers broad training in international politics, security, and foreign policy. Students learn from well-known scholars, join active research centers, and can tailor their course choices around topics such as:
- International security
- Global political economy
- Human rights and development
Harvard’s name, alumni network, and location near Boston’s policy scene give students many chances to build connections.
Princeton University
Princeton allows undergraduates to study international relations through politics, public policy, and related fields. The program:
- Blends theory with empirical research
- Encourages independent senior theses on global questions
- Connects students with small seminars and close faculty mentoring
Graduates often move on to top master’s degrees, Ph.D. programs, or policy roles.
Stanford University
Stanford’s IR offerings combine political science with area studies, economics, and technology. Students benefit from:
- Seminars that stress critical thinking and data use
- Research projects with faculty in global security, development, or environment
- Access to Silicon Valley, where tech and policy regularly intersect
This mix suits students interested in global tech policy, security, and data-driven research.
Georgetown University
Georgetown’s School of Foreign Service is one of the best-known names in international affairs. Located in Washington, D.C., it offers:
- A wide range of regional and functional majors
- Courses taught by former diplomats, analysts, and practitioners
- Easy access to internships at government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations
The D.C. location is a significant advantage for networking and early work experience.
Columbia University
Columbia’s programs in political science and international affairs give students:
- Intense training in international politics, security, and global governance
- Access to New York–based international institutions and NGOs
- Many language and regional study options
The city setting makes it easier to combine study with internships and part-time research roles.
Top master’s programs for policy careers in IR
A master’s degree is often the primary step into professional policy work, especially in government, NGOs, and global business.
Georgetown University – M.S. in Foreign Service (MSFS)
The MSFS program prepares students for:
- Diplomacy and foreign service
- Security and conflict roles
- International development and global business
Courses focus on practical skills such as negotiation, policy writing, and quantitative analysis, backed by a strong D.C. internship market.
Harvard University – Master’s in Public Policy (MPP) with a global focus
Harvard Kennedy School’s MPP allows a focus on international and global affairs. Students gain:
- A foundation in economics, statistics, and policy design
- Optional fields like international development or security
- Access to a vast alumni network in governments and international organizations
Johns Hopkins University – SAIS MAIR
The School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) offers a Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR). It stands out for:
- Intense training in economics and quantitative methods
- Campuses and study options in Washington, D.C., Europe, and other locations
- Regional and thematic concentrations (e.g., Asia, Europe, energy, security)
Princeton University – MPA at the School of Public and International Affairs
Princeton’s MPA program focuses on:
- Policy analysis and leadership
- International relations, development, and security topics
- Small cohorts with generous funding support for many students
Graduates often work in international public service, NGOs, or further academic study.
Columbia University – MIA at SIPA
Columbia’s Master of International Affairs (MIA) at SIPA lets students choose concentrations such as:
- International security policy
- Human rights and humanitarian policy
- International finance and economic policy
New York’s location offers access to the UN and many other global institutions.
Top Ph.D. programs for academic careers in IR
If you want to teach, write books, or lead research in international relations, a Ph.D. is usually required.
Harvard University
Harvard’s Ph.D. program in government or political science offers:
- Training in IR theory, methods, and comparative politics
- Many research workshops and seminars
- Strong placement history in universities and think tanks
Princeton University
Princeton’s Ph.D. in politics with an IR focus:
- Stresses rigorous theory and methods
- Encourages close work with leading scholars
- Gives students support to publish and present research early in their careers
Stanford University
Stanford’s political science Ph.D. program with the IR track is known for:
- Interdisciplinary work across law, tech, and area studies
- Quantitative and qualitative research options
- Access to research centers on democracy, security, and global development
Columbia University
Columbia’s Ph.D. in political science with IR emphasis offers:
- A mix of theory and applied work
- Strong links to international organizations for field research
- Seminars that bring in practitioners to discuss current issues
University of Chicago
Chicago’s Ph.D. program is known for its analytical style. Students often engage with:
- IR theory, especially realism and related approaches
- Deep historical and theoretical work on state behavior
- Close supervision and demanding research standards
Specializations in international relations
Many IR programs let you specialize so you can build more profound knowledge in a specific area, such as:
- Theory and approaches – realism, liberalism, constructivism
- Security studies – war, peace, conflict prevention, arms control
- International political economy – trade, finance, development
- Regional studies – Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa
- Human rights and humanitarian affairs – law, protection, advocacy
An explicit specialization can help you stand out in applications for jobs or Ph.D. programs.
How to choose the right school for international relations
When you compare IR programs, look beyond rankings. Focus on:
- Faculty – Do they work on topics you care about? Are they active researchers or former practitioners?
- Curriculum – Can you study both theory and practical skills (languages, economics, data)?
- Research opportunities – Are there assistantships, research projects, or policy labs?
- Location – Proximity to governments, international organizations, and NGOs can matter.
- Networking and alumni – Strong alumni networks help with internships and jobs.
- Funding – Check scholarships, assistantships, and tuition support.
You’ll also spend many hours online in classes and meetings. A good webcam helps for virtual interviews and remote internships. See the best webcam for streaming online for options that also work well for Zoom calls and presentations.
Career paths in international relations
An IR degree can lead to work in:
- Government and diplomacy
- Diplomat or foreign service officer
- Policy advisor in foreign affairs, defense, or trade
- Intelligence analyst
- International organizations and NGOs
- Program officer at the UN or similar bodies
- Humanitarian aid worker
- Human rights advocate or project manager
- Think tanks and research institutes
- Foreign policy analyst
- Research fellow
- Political risk analyst
- Private sector and global business
- Analyst in international risk or strategy
- Trade or regulatory specialist
- Corporate social responsibility or sustainability roles
Some graduates also move into journalism, consulting, or academic careers.
Scholarships and financial aid
Many universities offer:
- Merit scholarships based on grades and achievements
- Need-based aid based on family finances
- Fellowships for master’s and Ph.D. students in public service fields
External scholarships (from foundations or governments) can also help with tuition and living costs. Check each school’s financial aid page early and note deadlines, since some awards require separate applications.
Internships in international relations
Internships are vital in IR because they give you:
- Practical experience with real policy problems
- A chance to test out careers in government, NGOs, or business
- Contacts who may help you find your first job
Common internship sites include:
- Ministries of foreign affairs or other government offices
- International organizations (UN, World Bank, regional bodies)
- NGOs and humanitarian agencies
- Think tanks and research centers
- Global companies with international operations
Top IR schools often have dedicated career offices and established internship pipelines. Always ask how many students intern each year and where they go.
Alumni networks and career support
A strong alumni network can make a big difference. It can give you:
- Informational interviews about different career tracks
- Referrals to internships and early jobs
- Mentors who can guide you through applications and early career decisions
Career offices help with:
- Resume and cover letter reviews
- Practice interviews
- Job boards and recruiting events
When comparing schools, look at placement statistics and alumni success stories to see how well they support graduates.
Research centers, institutes, and study abroad
Most leading IR schools host centers and institutes focused on topics like:
- Security and defense
- Global development and poverty
- Climate and environmental policy
- Human rights and migration
These centers offer talks, conferences, research assistant roles, and policy workshops.
Study abroad programs also matter in IR. Time overseas helps you:
- Build language skills
- Understand other cultures from the inside
- Grow your network beyond your home country
Many students spend a semester or summer abroad, sometimes combined with internships.
FAQ
Yes. An international relations degree gives you knowledge and skills that apply to work in policy, diplomacy, research, NGOs, and global business. It also prepares you for master’s or Ph.D. study if you want a deeper academic route.
Students usually take courses in global politics, security, economics, regional studies, and research methods. Many programs also include language study, data work, and internships.
Many policy and analyst jobs prefer a master’s degree, especially in government and NGOs. Some entry-level positions are open to bachelor’s graduates, but a master’s degree often leads to more competitive roles.
Georgetown, Harvard, Princeton, Columbia, and Johns Hopkins SAIS are well-known for training future diplomats. Their locations and alumni networks provide strong internship and job connections.
Graduates work in diplomacy, intelligence, humanitarian work, policy research, global business, and international agencies. Some also move into journalism, consulting, or academic fields.
Top programs can be selective, especially at well-known universities. Strong grades, language skills, research experience, and internships help your application stand out.
Most programs encourage language study, and some require it. Strong language skills are essential for internships, study abroad options, and many careers in diplomacy or global work.
Yes. Many universities offer semesters or summer programs abroad. Studying abroad helps with language growth, cultural understanding, and global exposure that support an IR-focused career.
Focus on faculty interests, curriculum strength, internship support, research centers, location, and available funding. These factors shape your training and early career path.
Not always, but they are strongly recommended. Internships help you gain practical experience, make contacts, and understand which career paths suit you best.
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