phd in international relations american university

Offered by the School of International Service   , the Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in International Relations is open only to students enrolled in the  International Relations (PhD)   . The program enables students to produce knowledge for careers in university teaching and research, government, and non-governmental organizations both in the United States and internationally. The curriculum provides training in international relations that is both multi-disciplinary and policy-relevant. The core courses in international relations, comparative social theory, comparative and regional studies, and methodology provide a foundation that allows students considerable flexibility to pursue additional coursework, research, and writing in international affairs. Major emphasis is placed on research and students are encouraged to present conference papers, engage in collaborative work with faculty members, and submit articles to refereed journals.

Admission to the Program

The International Relations (MPhil) degree is only awarded en passant to eligible students enrolled in the International Relations (PhD)    program. Separate application to the International Relations (MPhil) is not offered.​

Degree Requirements

• 39 credit hours of approved graduate work
• Minimum 3.00 GPA in all graduate work is required to remain in good academic standing and to earn the degree
• Proficiency in a modern foreign language: Research competence in English and another modern foreign language relevant to the student’s career objectives must be certified
• The first or qualifying examination is normally taken at the end of the first year. The qualifying exam requires the demonstration of competency in theoretical, epistemological, and methodological literature and issues in international relations, comparative social theory, and comparative and regional studies. These areas are addressed in the core seminars that students normally complete during their first year of residence, although the scope of the examination is not limited to topics covered in the seminars.
• The second examination is in a student’s chosen field of specialization. The written and oral field examinations evaluate the student’s preparation in a major field of study selected by the student from the graduate concentrations offered by the School of International Service as PhD-level fields of study. With the permission of the SIS Director of Doctoral Studies and the advice of at least three qualified scholars, the student may also construct a special field. Two of these scholars must be members of the American University faculty; all three must agree in writing to serve on an examining committee. The written and oral field examination is normally given at the end of the second year and requires the demonstration of competency in the theoretical, epistemological, and methodological literatures from that field. To prepare for this examination, the student must have successfully completed three courses in the field of concentration, as well as master additional literature, as identified by SIS and associated faculty in that major field.
• A student who fails a comprehensive examination may apply to the SIS Director of Doctoral Studies for one additional attempt. If approved, the retake of the exam should occur within six months of the date of the first attempt. Students who fail a retake attempt will be dismissed from the doctoral program.
• The SIS Director of Doctoral Studies chairs the prospectus defense. The examiners also include the student’s dissertation committee, which is comprised of a minimum of three members, one of whom serves as chair and as the primary supervisor of the dissertation research. It is the responsibility of the student to secure the agreement of a full-time tenured member of the School of International Service faculty to serve as the chair of his or her dissertation committee. At least two members of the dissertation committee must be full-time, tenure-line members of the American University faculty. The members of the committee must be approved by the SIS Director of Doctoral Studies and the American University Doctoral Council.
• Students are normally expected to complete their prospectus defense no later than the end of the sixth semester after entering the program. For details on scheduling comprehensive examinations and examination procedures, consult the director of the PhD program or the SIS Graduate Office.

Course Requirements

Core (12 credit hours).

• SIS-801 Schools of Thought in International Relations (3)
• SIS-802 Comparative and Regional Studies (3)
• SIS-803 Advanced Seminar in International Relations (3)
• SIS-804 Social Theory in Comparative and International Perspective (3)

Social Science Research Methodology (12 credit hours)

• SIS-806 Quantitative Methods in International Relations (3)
• SIS-807 Qualitative Methods in International Relations (3)
• SIS-808 Politics and Policy Making in International Relations (3)
• SIS-809 Seminar on Advanced Research Design (3)

Concentration (9 credit hours)

• 9 credit hours in a major field of concentration from among those offered by SIS    or approved by the SIS Director of Doctoral Studies

Note:  Specific course requirements as well as additional preparation for the field examinations are determined by each field. Fields of concentration include Comparative and Regional Studies; Global Environmental Policy; Global Governance, Politics, and Security; International Communication; International Development; International Economic Relations; International Peace and Conflict Resolution; and United States Foreign Policy and National Security.

Electives (6 credit hours)

• 6 credit hours from coursework relevant to a student’s program of study and approved by the SIS Director of Doctoral Studies

Graduate Admissions

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Undergraduate.

• BA in International Studies
• PhD in International Relations
• Comparative and Regional Studies
• Development Management
• Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights
• Global Environmental Policy
• Global Governance, Politics, and Security
• Intercultural and International Communication
• International Affairs Policy and Analysis
• International Development
• International Economic Relations
• International Economic Relations: Quantitative Methods
• International Peace and Conflict Resolution
• Natural Resources and Sustainable Development
• United States Foreign Policy and National Security
• International Relations Online
• International Relations and Business Online
• Executive Master of International Service Online
• Master of International Service

International Degree Partner Programs

• Master of International Service: International Studies Track

Dual Degrees

• JD/MA (International Affairs)
• MAT/MA (International Peace and Conflict Resolution)
• MTS/MA ( International Peace and Conflict Resolution or   International Development ) through the Wesley Theological Seminary.

International

• AU/Korea University
• AU/Ritsumeikan University
• AU/University for Peace

Leading through service

What does the world need most? Security experts who know that understanding conflict is a step on the path to peace. Environmentalists fluent where biodiversity meets policy. Communicators who acknowledge the need to be diplomats and diplomats who grasp the necessity to be effective communicators. Economists interested in the consequences of trade. Leaders who believe that violence is neither necessary nor inevitable. Scholars who connect knowledge with practice. Practitioners across disciplines who understand that service isn’t a moment – it’s a mindset.

At the School of International Service, we believe that the world needs leaders ready to serve.

Service is the foundation on which our school is built, and represents the best of what we aspire to be. Through the transformational research and teaching of our renowned faculty, SIS prepares our students for global careers in government, non-profits, and business.

We are a top 10 school of international affairs, strategically based in Washington, DC. Since our founding in 1957, we have answered President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s call to prepare students of international affairs to “wage peace.” Over the intervening years, SIS has grown in stature and influence and is now a destination for students seeking to think critically, build understanding, and wage peace in our world.

• Undergraduate Degree
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Diversity & Inclusion

SIS understands its position as a top 10 school of international affairs as an opportunity to prepare a more diverse next generation of leaders in the field that is well-equipped to see differences as a pathway to greater creativity and capacity.

The SIS graduate school advantage

For Fall 2022, more than 90 percent of the incoming master’s class received SIS funding in the form of a scholarship or assistantship.

View priority funding application deadlines

17 students, average graduate class size

90 percent of graduate-level classes offered after 5:30 p.m., on weekends, or online

Discover your future with AU

The SIS PhD program prepares you for a career as a teacher and scholar at universities and research institutes in both the private and public sectors. The core curriculum covers the foundational fields of international studies: international relations, comparative and regional studies, and social theory. Our PhD graduates have received appointments at prestigious universities such as Virginia Tech and the University of Reading in Great Britain.

A community within the nation's capital

SIS students build their networks and join 25,000 alumni worldwide

Marley Crutcher, part of our top-notch academic advising team

Our Washington, DC, location places us at the center of action and influence for policymakers.

SIS consistently attracts top scholars and practitioners, like Ambassador Susan Rice, who help prepare our students to lead through service.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should i apply, and when are the application deadlines.

When you should apply depends on what program interests you, what semester you want to start taking classes, and whether you are a domestic or international student.

Admissions Deadlines

Fall semester, spring semester, summer semester.

Required application materials

What is the cost of graduate tuition?

Tuition is assessed on a per-credit basis. During academic year 2024-2025, the cost is $2,000 per credit hour for full-time and part-time students enrolled in standard master's programs. Other student fees are required. Graduate tuition is subject to increase on an annual basis.

More about cost of attendance

Do you have information sessions for prospective students?

Yes! Visit our Events and Visits page to view and register for all upcoming Information Sessions, Application Workshops, Open Houses, special topic webinars, partner events, and more.

Please check back regularly as additional special events are added frequently throughout the year.

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International Relations Online / Degrees / Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)

Online Master of Arts in International Relations Online Master of Arts in International Relations Online Master of Arts in International Relations

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Please help us get to know you by filling out the following form. After completion, you will gain access to our program brochure and an admissions counselor will reach out to help answer outstanding questions. This will only take a minute!

Through the online Master of Arts in International Relations program, students develop strong foundational knowledge of the key theories and principles underlying the field of international relations. Students learn to influence decisions across borders and cultures by sharpening their analytical skills with regard to cross-cultural communication and foreign policy.

Students graduate with the economic, statistical, and decision-making skills that are crucial to succeed in this sector.

Program Overview

The online MAIR program is 39 credit hours. Students who have previously completed approved introductory macro and microeconomics course work may be eligible to forgo 3 credit hours and finish the program in 36. Coursework must be completed within 3 years of starting the program with a grade of B or better to be considered for approval. The program can be completed in as few as 24 months.  GRE scores are not required.

credit hours

weekend immersion

month completion

Students can customize their course work by selecting from of a variety of  concentrations , including global security, international development, and U.S. foreign policy. They will also be required to participate in at least one  immersion experience  held on the School of International Service (SIS) campus in Washington, D.C., and have the opportunity to participate in optional study abroad trips that include locations around the world. They will finish the program with a capstone project that incorporates skills gained throughout their courses.

Class Profile

Average Age

More than 5 years work experience

The information above reflects enrolled students as of January 2018.

Learn more about the program by reviewing our application requirements, reading about the curriculum, and exploring financial aid options.

Tuition & Financial Aid

“SIS students learn how to think, analyze, question, understand, and act. They learn ethical perspectives that will guide them as they become citizens—and leaders—of the world.”

Tamar Gutner, MAIR Program Director

Online Learning

Students enrolled in the  Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)  program benefit from an innovative, online learning platform that combines live classes hosted via webcam, interactive course work, and collaborative group exercises. The platform allows for flexibility while receiving a world-class education at SIS, from anywhere in the world.

Learn more about the student experience.

Learning Outcomes

Course work in the MAIR program will provide students with the following competencies:

Theory and Practice

Students will gain knowledge of concepts, organizations, and policy debates in the field of international relations. They will explore the theoretical assumptions underpinning arguments and proposals and understand the major theories of international relations.

Research and Analysis

Students will be able to demonstrate writing, presentation, and thinking skills in the analysis of international relations as well as key quantitative research methods. They will also analyze policy to evaluate the effectiveness of programs.

Professional Intercultural Skills

Students will acquire the intercultural skills to analyze and interpret conflicts that involve people of different cultures; to understand the process of intercultural negotiation and adaptation; and to appreciate how culturally determined values, beliefs, and worldviews shape behavior at all levels.

Specialized Expertise

Students will develop proficiency in a subject area beyond foundational knowledge through in-depth study of a  specialized subfield .

Request information to learn more about International Relations Online or contact Admissions at  855-306-2847

University of South Florida

School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies

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Graduate programs, phd in politics and international affairs.

The doctoral degree in politics and international affairs is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students to teach at the university and college levels and to conduct high-level research in the academic and nonacademic sectors. It combines a broad focus on international relations, comparative politics, American politics, and political theory with a critical understanding of institutions, rights, citizenship/identity, governance, global policy, and justice. Students work closely with faculty to frame their dissertation research and to advance their knowledge of their chosen fields of specialization. The program’s interdisciplinary approach to a variety of global issues provides a rich and open-ended opportunity to research current and past problems, movements, and transformations in politics.

We welcome your interest in our doctoral program. The department's deadline for fall admission is January 5. The School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies only admits for the fall semester. Students must apply online through the Office of Graduate Admissions . For a listing of the admission requirements, students should consult the Graduate Catalog . 

*Effective starting with the 2023-2024 admissions cycle, GRE test scores are no longer required for applications to our doctoral program in Politics and International Affairs*

*International students should review the Office of Admissions International Students website for additional information and requirements.

*International students are also encouraged to contact the Office of International Services for information on visas, international travel, etc. 

Program Requirements

For the Doctoral Degree in Politics and International Affairs degree requirements, students should consult the Graduate Catalog. Students should adhere to the requirements within the Graduate Catalog under which they were admitted.

• Degree Requirements Beginning 2023-2024 Catalog

*Students can elect another catalog following the one they were admitted under. More information on this policy, and other policies, can be found in the Graduate Catalog.

*Students must request approval from the graduate director for any course not pre-approved and listed under the degree in the Graduate Catalog. 

Research Fields

The Doctorate in Politics and International Affairs specializes in the following four fields of research:

International Relations In the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies, the International Relations (IR) faculty focuses on four areas of study: international relations theory, global political economy, international security, and human rights. We stress the importance of cutting-edge scholarship in our teaching of the graduate seminars as well as bridging the many emergent gaps in theory and practice in the various subfields that comprise International Relations, including American foreign policy, international ethics, global governance, and international law and organizations. One of our central aims is to advance innovative applications of the central theoretical perspectives (and their variant strands) in International Relations, namely, realism, liberalism, critical theory, constructivism, Marxism, international political theory, and gender. These applications involve in-depth theoretical and empirical analysis of key global issues, such as Asian security, moral accountability, the enforcement of human rights, immigration, and political and economic inequality. The International Relations faculty have published numerous books and peer-reviewed articles on these issue areas. These include monographs on the political tensions on the Korean Peninsula or North Korea’s nuclear arms buildup, the political cosmopolitan character and shifting dynamics of the International Criminal Court (ICC), hegemony and inequality in the global political economy, and China’s rapidly increasing support of intervention in African states. Together our published research emphasizes the production of critical theoretic knowledge, or the advanced methodological analysis of the contradictions and tensions informing the substantive debates in International Relations. This not only requires the particular mastery of concepts, methods, and claims but also an open-ended and historical understanding of the changing social forces shaping the behavior of states and the relations among global and local actors. It is this scholarly approach that we adopt to train our graduate students specializing in international relations, particularly as they advance their dissertation research and empirical knowledge of the global and regional contexts of problems and issues. One of the outcomes we strive for, then, is to encourage our doctoral students to develop rigorous theoretical and contextual analysis from which they can devise solutions and prescriptions to global issues.

Comparative Politics Comparative Politics in the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies is committed to theory-driven, empirical research from an interdisciplinary perspective that is situated in a political, historical, cultural, and economic context.  The Comparative Politics faculty employ a variety of methodological approaches from both the social sciences and humanities, which utilize qualitative and quantitative research methods to study the patterns of similarities and differences. In particular, we conduct comparative and case study research to inquire into these patterns and to develop our theoretical propositions. One of our aims is to produce knowledge about the changing social, political, and legal conditions affecting the lives, development, cultural practices, and customs of underrepresented peoples. In meeting this aim, our research focuses on several themes of comparative politics, including social movements, democracy/democratization, citizenship, decolonization, genocide, hegemony, race and identity, development, legal systems and customary law, social justice, and indigenismo or the political ideology focusing on the changing relations of state and local peoples. Much of our published research draws creatively on social, critical, and political theory to advance knowledge of the laws, changing social relations, and attitudes in several countries, which includes Brazil, Ecuador, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Iran. Our research strengths lie in the areas of race and citizenship, social movements theory, human security and law (or legal custom) in Eastern Africa, indigenous rights in various Latin American countries, and security relations in the Middle East. With these thematic foci, we encourage graduate students to create and develop their own research by selecting a region of the world as their emphasis and adopting theoretically informed research and comparative methods that allow them to analyze the changing social and political conditions in the countries of this region.

American Politics The study of American Politics in the doctorate program in politics and international affairs provides a comprehensive overview as well as an in-depth analysis of American politics. Our faculty focus on various aspects of American politics, including theoretical foundations, federalism, institutions (Congress, the executive branch, the bureaucracy, the judiciary), political behavior (political parties, the media, interest groups, social movements, and elections), and public policy (foreign and domestic), and employ a range of methodological approaches such as historical development, legal doctrine, institutional rules, and quantitative analyses of the behavior of political actors and the mass public, to advance the student's research skills.  Our core class, Seminar in American Politics, for instance, surveys the key foundations, institutions, and behavior in American politics, introducing students to both qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches for analyzing and testing the changing trends and outcomes in American politics. Special topics courses provide opportunities to gain in-depth knowledge on new research on a range of themes, including political development, the social bases of politics, and the global impact of American politics. The faculty in American politics have made important contributions in the areas of race and ethnicity, the judiciary, the presidency, Florida government, civil liberties, health care, environmental justice, economic inequality, and animal rights. Our strengths lie in economic inequality, animal rights, the Presidency, Judicial Behavior, Race and Ethnicity, and State and Local Government. In these specific areas, we have published several cutting-edge books and articles in leading peer-reviewed journals, which examine the emergence and implementation of nonhuman animals' regime of rights, the changing directions of the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank and its impact on world politics, and alternative strategies for natural disasters in the United States. Our scholarship is thus distinctive for the ways in which it addresses American government and politics in a global context. This is how we seek to train our doctoral students on the rapidly changing, nuanced linkages between local, state, federal and global institutional politics.  

Political Theory Political Theory introduces students to the core normative issues in the study of political science. These normative issues provide the bedrock assumptions on which much of the study of political science depends. For example, while nearly everyone agrees that democracy is the best form of government, why do we place such faith in it? In addition, the long tradition of political thought offers multiple versions of democracy, each with its own strengths and limitations. How are we to identify the best version for our needs? Similarly, while we might extol non-violence in politics, is it always the best path for political movements? How are we to justify its alternatives? Clarifying our moral commitments, sharpening our conceptual tools, and outlining pathways for transforming theoretical knowledge into action requires philosophical, historical, and conceptual capabilities. The political theory faculty at the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies trains students to develop these capabilities. To that end, political theory classes not only familiarize students with many of the canonical texts that were read by generations of prominent political thinkers (from Aristotle to Martin Luther King Jr), they also teach students to read these texts critically and with an eye towards contemporary political developments. As such, training in political theory is a critical supplement to graduate work at School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies. The faculty’s expertise in feminist theory, postcolonial theory, the role of emotions in politics, environmental political thought, and Indian political thought complements the terminal degrees offered in American Politics, Comparative Politics, and International Relations.

Financial Assistance 

Most of our successful applicants qualify for funding offered by the department or the Office of Graduate Studies. Funded doctoral students will receive a graduate assistantship that includes:

• a stipend for the academic year (9 months)
• a tuition waiver (not including school fees)
• the option of health insurance mostly paid by the department (the student only pays a small amount towards insurance).

All applicants for the doctoral degree are considered for a graduate assistantship - they do not need to complete a separate form.

The graduate assistantship is guaranteed for four years but is based on maintaining satisfactory annual academic progress. It requires each student to work 20 hours per week, in which case the student would be first assisting professors of the department with their teaching and class preparations and later, after having passed the doctoral comprehensive exams and completed teacher training seminars, teach a class at the University of South Florida. 

Please visit the graduate assistantships page for further information. The department also provides funding for conference travel or the presentation of research at conferences upon approval.

Information on eligibility for graduate assistantships can be found on the Graduate Assistantships Resource Center website. 

We also strive to fund our students in the fifth year, though this funding is not guaranteed. Depending on additional funds that become available, students may have the opportunity to extend their graduate assistantship to one, possibly two academic semesters. Students in the fifth year are also encouraged to seek external funding. For more information on this, please consult our Graduate Resources Page .

Outstanding candidates may also be nominated by the school’s director and/or graduate committee for prestigious and highly competitive university fellowships, including the Presidential Doctoral Fellowship , the Dorothy Auzenne Fellowship , and the University Graduate Fellowship. There is also the opportunity for minority students to be awarded a McKnight Fellowship, which provides annual tuition up to $5,000 for each of three academic years, plus an annual stipend of $12,000. The program also offers travel grants and other forms of financial support. For additional information on this fellowship opportunity, please visit the McKnight Fellowship's informational page.

• Politics and International Affairs Doctoral Handbook 2022 - 2023
• School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies Graduate Resources
• Independent Study / Directed Research Contract
• Office of Graduate Studies Forms
• Dissertation Proposal Approval Form
• Admission to Doctoral Candidacy Form
• Graduate Student Supervisory Committee Appointment Form
• Electronic Thesis & Dissertation Certificate of Approval Form
• Comprehensive Exam Reading Lists
• Research Conference Travel Award Request
• Dissertation Defense Announcment

Fall 2024 Course Offerings

Recent Placements

For further information or questions about the PhD in Politics and International Affairs, please fill out this form . 

Ph.D. Admissions

Apply here . 

Preparing to Apply

Before starting the application process please read the information about the graduate program requirements  and read our  Frequently Asked Questions . You may also find the Guide to Getting Into Grad School helpful. 

The Political Science department recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

All questions regarding graduate admissions should be directed to politicalscience [at] stanford.edu (subject: Admissions%20Enquiry) ( politicalscience[at]stanford[dot]edu ) .

The principal goal of the Stanford Ph.D. program in political science is the training of scholars. Most students who receive doctorates in the program do research and teach at colleges or universities. We offer courses and research opportunities in a wide variety of fields in the discipline, including American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, and Political Methodology. The program is built around small seminars that analyze critically the literature of a field or focus on a research problem. These courses prepare students for the Ph.D. comprehensive exam requirement within a two-year period and for work on the doctoral dissertation.  

Admission to the graduate program in political science is highly selective. About twelve to fifteen students, chosen from a large pool of applicants, enter the program each year. The small size of our student body allows more individual work with members of the faculty than most graduate programs. It also makes possible financial assistance in one form or another to most students admitted to the Ph.D. program. 

Graduate Admissions FAQ

Please visit our list of  frequently asked questions.

You may also find the following links useful if you have general questions about student life and graduate study at Stanford University:  

Vice Provost of Graduate Education (VPGE)

• Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook (GAP)
• Graduate Life Office
• Stanford Bulletin
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Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Join dozens of Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences students who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as Knight-Hennessy Scholars (KHS). KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford. Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment. If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about KHS admission .

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Canada 150 Research Chair Jennifer M. Welsh named next Max Bell School of Public Policy director

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A leading voice on the protection of civilians and Canadian foreign policy, Jennifer M. Welsh has been named the next director of McGill University’s Max Bell School of Public Policy, following an international search. Welsh will be taking over from founding director, economist Christopher Ragan , in January 2025.

Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Lisa Shapiro , said: “Prof. Jennifer Welsh, with her extensive experience, distinguished scholarship, her commitment to the Max Bell School of Public Policy’s distinctive emphasis on the practice of developing and implementing policy, and her vision both to solidify the School’s strength in the Canadian policy context and to extend its reach into a wider international policy community promises an exciting next phase in the development of the Max Bell School of Public Policy. We are all delighted that she is taking on this important role.”

Welsh was cross-appointed in 2019 as the Canada 150 Research Chair in Global Governance and Security at McGill University in the Department of Political Science and the Max Bell School of Public Policy, and has served as Director of McGill’s Centre for International Peace and Security Studies. She was previously Professor and Chair in International Relations at the European University Institute and Professor in International Relations at the University of Oxford, where she co-founded the Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict. From 2013-2016, she served as Assistant Secretary General and Special Adviser to the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, on the Responsibility to Protect. She currently sits as a member of the IDP Protection Expert Group, co-led by the UN Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons and UNHCR.

Welsh’s research focuses on contemporary challenges in global governance, conflict management, and Canadian foreign policy, including humanitarian action, collective responses to genocide and war crimes, the protection of civilians in armed conflict, and migration and displacement. Her most recent books include The Individualization of War (2023), Civilian Protective Agency in Violent Settings (2023), and The Return of History: Conflict, Migration and Geopolitics in the 21st century (2016), which was based on her CBC Massey Lectures. As Director of CIPSS at McGill, she has led several collaborative research projects with Canadian and international scholars, built a vibrant community of faculty and graduate students interested in global affairs and Canada’s role in the world, and co-directed a Canada-wide research network on Women, Peace, and Security. Jennifer has frequently provided input into policy initiatives for the Canadian government and the United Nations, as well as for international NGOs, and is co-host of the bilingual podcast, Tour de Table. Her research and policy engagement have been recognized through her election as Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and as International Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She sits on the Advisory Boards of the Auschwitz Institute for Peace and Reconciliation and The Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect, and co-chairs the Committee on International Security of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Welsh has a BA from the University of Saskatchewan in Political Science, and a M.Phil. and D.Phil. from the University of Oxford, where she studied as a Rhodes Scholar.

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The 10 Best International Relations Schools in the US

A degree in international relations offers a stimulating and invigorating curriculum. 

Students are challenged to examine real-world problems, propose solutions, and consider the intersection of various social, cultural, and political forces at play in global leadership, commerce, and health. 

It is not surprising that many international studies majors amplify their career and salary prospects by developing fluency in a second language. 

Many international relations programs actually require students to enroll in a minimum number of foreign language courses. 

Additionally, international relations programs often afford ample opportunities for undergraduates to study abroad.

We have compiled a list of the ten best international relations schools in the United States. Many of them are situated in major cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Los Angeles, California. 

Proximity to major cities like these places students at the forefront of modern international relations

The methodology for our best international relations schools list was created as an aggregated ranking. We assigned a score to every school on the list based on its positioning in four other published ranking lists, then ranked the schools based on the aggregate score. The sources used for creating this ranking are at the end of this article.

Here are our picks for the 10 best international relations schools in the US.

10. American University School of International Service (Washington, DC)

American University has the #9 ranked undergraduate program in international studies. One of the neatest aspects of its course offerings is that many of them are organized thematically. 

Themes include peace, global security, and conflict resolution; identity, race, gender, and culture; and, global and comparative governance. 

Undergraduates additionally complete a senior capstone experience and nine hours of a regional focus in the Pacific or East Asia.

The BA in global international relations ( GIR ) is a unique opportunity for international relations majors. 

American University home students spend their first and final years at American. Years two and three and spent at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan. All undergraduates complete a capstone project in their senior year of study.

American University boasts the largest school of international affairs in the United States. Washington, D.C. provides an ideal backdrop for observing and participating in real-world international negotiations, debates, and exchanges.  

9. University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)

The University of Pennsylvania’s international relations program is led by Professor Walter A. McDougall , who won the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for The Heavens and the Earth: A Political History of the Space Age. ” 

The school’s international relations program is frequently positioned in the top five programs in the United States. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, the program organizes annual visits to two international hubs: New York City and Washington, D.C.

Recent course offerings include “The History of Economic Thought,” “The Sociology of Education,” and “Political Writing in the Blog Age.” 

All international relations majors are required to take the capstone experience, where they write a research-based paper on a selected topic. 

8. George Washington University Elliott School of International Affairs (Washington, DC)

At George Washington University, undergraduates can earn a BA in international affairs, Asian studies, Latin American and hemispheric studies, and Middle East studies. 

A BS in international affairs is another option. How is the BA in international affairs different from the BS? The BA and BS both prompt students to focus their studies and research on a particular region or function; however, the BS also tacks on six advanced STEM courses to its graduation requirements.

All international affairs majors must meet third-year proficiency in a foreign language – most undergraduates achieve this through participation in a study-abroad capacity. 

In fact, over 70% of international affairs majors study abroad in places like Hong Kong, Taipei, and Seoul.

Of course, studying at home in Washington, D.C., has its advantages. Students have an up close and personal vantage point of the United States and international exchanges. 

7. Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)

Johns Hopkins established the United States’ first research university in 1876 . Today, the school offers three BA/MA programs where students have the opportunity to study in other countries. 

The five-year Sciences Po Paris program takes place at one of Europe’s top universities: Sciences Po. There, students pursue a master’s degree in journalism, communication, or law.

Prizes are available for outstanding achievers in international studies. The Pier Larson Prize, for example, goes to a member of the senior class who best embodies Professor Pier Larson’s passion for international affairs.

All students pursuing degree coursework in international studies at Johns Hopkins will complete a senior thesis , which is essentially a lengthy original research endeavor written in collaboration with a faculty mentor. 

Johns Hopkins has a few different options for international relations majors – the Kriger School of Arts & Sciences has a number of options for undergraduates, while the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, located in Washington, DC, is among the top international relations programs for graduate students.

6. Brown University (Providence, RI)

Brown University’s BA in international and public affairs consists of three tracks . Undergraduates will select one out of development, security, or policy and governance. 

In development, undergraduates analyze human development issues within the context of regional and global settings. 

The security track encourages students to examine security issues within the same contexts. In policy and governance courses, international affairs majors develop, text, and evaluate public policies in response to regional and international crises.

Nearly 50 students graduate in each cohort , and all seniors complete a capstone project. Alumni work in fulfilling positions at organizations like Bank of America, Reuters, and the U.S. Department of the Interior.

5. University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)

In addition to the standard BA in international relations, USC offers two additional bachelor’s degrees with tracks in global business and global economy. 

The flagship international relations program prepares students to thrive in the public policy and business realms. 

A global business concentration prompts scholars to choose one global business specialization from the categories of international finance, global marketing, and global management. They will also complete several classes within the Marshall School of Business.

USC boasts an exciting study abroad program : IR 374 Model Europe (Comparative Public Policy in France and the European Union). 

Undergraduate participants spend a month in Paris studying these global powers up close.

Many international relations majors may opt to attend the Annual Undergraduate Symposium for Creative and Scholarly Work. This event affords undergraduates a chance to present their research in an academic setting.

4. Tufts University (Medford, MA)

Tufts’ international relations department comprises 100+ faculty members within more than 20 departments – it is frequently named one of the best international relations programs for undergraduates in the nation. 

Graduates from the program pursue enthralling careers in academia, business, non-profit work, and international affairs.

The course sequence includes eight semesters of study in a secondary language. One exciting aspect of the curriculum is that it is organized thematically . 

Undergraduates will take seven courses within one concentration, which could be international economics, globalization, or international security, to name a few options. 

Majors can also focus on a particular region of the world, like Africa, Latin America, or East and Southeast Asia. 

Many notable alumni have graduated from Tufts’ international relations program, including figure skater Michelle Kwan, U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, and former Nobel Peace Prize-winning President of Colombia, Juan Manuel Santos.

3. Stanford University (Stanford, CA)

Undergraduates have many international relations issues they can specialize in, such as human rights, climate change, or international trade and finance. 

The program prepares undergraduates for successful government, business, and journalism careers. 

Exceptional students can qualify for the IR honors program, where they have the opportunity to lead a significant independent research project.

Another fantastic component of Stanford’s international relations program is that all its students will spend a minimum of ten weeks abroad, usually through the Bing Overseas Study Program . 

Undergraduates can spend an academic quarter in locations like Istanbul, Santiago, and Oxford, among others.

All Stanford international relations majors also complete a minimum of two years in a foreign language of their choice, and there are over 30 choices from which to choose!

2. Yale University (New Haven, CT)

Yale’s Jackson School of Global Affairs is committed to building graduates prepared for service and leadership. 

It is the first professional school established at Yale since 1976 , and its alumni include five U.S. presidents, various prime ministers, and leaders of organizations like the Peace Corps. In addition to global affairs, 

Yale also has programs in global health studies. Many undergraduates opt to spend a semester abroad conducting an independent research project or participating in an internship. In fact, the school has a partnership with the Graduate Institute of Geneva (Switzerland) that grants seniors the chance to earn a master’s degree in one year! 

The Senior Fellows program enables majors to get teaching and mentoring experience in a Yale classroom setting. 

Alternatively, seniors can complete a capstone course in the fall. Here, they travel to an actual client’s location to work with them on a complex public policy-related project. 

1. Georgetown University (Washington, DC)

Georgetown offers several degree tracks that all fall within the umbrella of international relations. All of the programs emphasize an interdisciplinary approach, such as the program on justice and peace . 

The program promotes the pursuit of peace and social justice and encourages social activism and community involvement.

Other options include degrees in political economy or religion, ethics, and world affairs ( REWA ). 

The latter option prompts undergraduates to analyze faith and moral values within cultural, historical, and relational contexts.

Many noteworthy political figures and business leaders started at Georgetown’s international relations program. 

Alumni include several U.S. Supreme Court justices, poet and activist Amanda Gorman, and Nobel Peace Prize-winning former U.S. Vice President Al Gore.

For our international relations list, here are the sources we used to create the aggregate ranking.

College Raptor

Foreignpolicy.com

School Authority

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International Relations & National Security at American University

We've pulled together some essential information you should know about the program, including how many students graduate each year, the ethnic diversity of these students, average starting salaries, and more. Also, learn how The American University ranks among other schools offering degrees in international relations.

Jump to any of the following sections:

• Available Degrees
• Student Debt
• Student Demographics
• Related Majors

Featured International Relations & National Security Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

MBA in International Business

Earn the MBA that fits your borderless business goals – and your budget.

International Relations & National Security Degrees Available at The American University

• Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations
• Graduate Certificates in International Relations
• Master’s Degree in International Relations
• Doctorate Degree in International Relations

The American University International Relations Rankings

The American University is in the top 10% of the country for international relations. More specifically it was ranked #19 out of 236 schools by College Factual. It is also ranked #3 in District of Columbia .

Popularity of International Relations at The American University

During the 2020-2021 academic year, American University handed out 415 bachelor's degrees in international relations & national security. This is a decrease of 4% over the previous year when 434 degrees were handed out.

In 2021, 279 students received their master’s degree in international relations from The American University. This makes it the #5 most popular school for international relations master’s degree candidates in the country.

In addition, 2 students received their doctoral degrees in international relations in 2021, making the school the #11 most popular school in the United States for this category of students.

How Much Do International Relations Graduates from The American University Make?

Salary of international relations graduates with a bachelor's degree.

The median salary of international relations students who receive their bachelor's degree at The American University is $41,948. This is higher than $35,647, which is the national median for all international relations bachelor's degree recipients.

Salary of International Relations Graduates with a Master's Degree

Graduates of the master's international relations program at The American University make a median salary of $59,460. This is a better than average outcome since the median salary for all international relations graduates with a master's is $57,929.

How Much Student Debt Do International Relations Graduates from The American University Have?

Student debt of international relations graduates with a bachelor's degree.

While getting their bachelor's degree at The American University, international relations students borrow a median amount of $23,250 in student loans. This is higher than the the typical median of $21,827 for all international relations majors across the country.

The typical student loan payment of a bachelor's degree student from the international relations program at The American University is $632 per month.

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Learn about other programs related to International Relations & National Security that might interest you.

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The American University International Relations Students

Take a look at the following statistics related to the make-up of the international relations majors at American University.

The American University International Relations & National Security Bachelor’s Program

During the 2020-2021 academic year, 415 international relations majors earned their bachelor's degree from The American University. Of these graduates, 35% were men and 65% were women.

The majority of the students with this major are white. About 55% of 2021 graduates were in this category.

The following table and chart show the ethnic background for students who recently graduated from American University with a bachelor's in international relations.

The American University International Relations & National Security Master’s Program

During the 2020-2021 academic year, 279 international relations majors earned their master's degree from The American University. Of these graduates, 41% were men and 59% were women.

The following table and chart show the ethnic background for students who recently graduated from American University with a master's in international relations.

Majors Similar to International Relations

View All International Relations & National Security Related Majors >

• National Center for Education Statistics
• O*NET Online
• Image Credit: By Samschoe under License

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