Top US Universities for Master’s Programs in International Relations
The United States is renowned for offering world-class education in the field of international relations. This article explores the top universities in the country that offer excellent master’s programs in this discipline. From Georgetown University, which tops the list, to the University of Chicago, these institutions provide a comprehensive and cutting-edge educational experience.
The Best International Relations Master’s Programs in the United States
1. Georgetown University
Program Size: 500-600
Program Cost: $41,056/year
Star Professors: Madeleine Albright, Daniel Byman, Victor Cha, Charles Hagel, Paul Pillar
Georgetown University, a prestigious institution, is leading the way in offering top-quality international relations programs. Its Master of Arts in Foreign Service and Security Studies programs are highly regarded. The School of Foreign Service, which is noted for its mentorship by professionals in the field, offers a two-year program where students benefit from guidance from distinguished individuals including former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and Former USAID Director Andrew Natsios, a Georgetown alumnus.
2. Johns Hopkins University
Program Size: 600
Program Cost: $36,962/year
Star Professors: Zbigniew Brzezinski, David Lampton, Michael Mandelbaum
Johns Hopkins University, through its Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, offers an M.A. in International Studies. This program is interdisciplinary and allows students to concentrate on specific areas like international development or geographic regions like African Studies. The program emphasizes language skills and offers courses in 16 languages, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the complex global landscape.
3. Harvard University
Program Size: 568
Program Cost: $43,212/year
Star Professors: Joseph S. Nye, Richard Clarke, Stephen M. Walt
Harvard University’s Master of Public Policy program, offered by the Harvard Kennedy School, is designed for students aspiring to join international policymakers. Known for its top-notch faculty, the program includes multiple former presidential advisors. The curriculum includes options to specialize in international and global affairs, enhancing the students' ability to tackle real-world policy issues.
4. Princeton University
Program Size: 165
Program Cost: $38,620
Star Professors: John Ikenberry, Robert Keohane, Anne-Marie Slaughter
Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs is renowned for its academic rigor and extensive fellowship funding. The school prides itself on offering a diverse range of programs from international law and organizations to economic and international business. Students also benefit from affiliated programs, such as the World Politics journal, which enriches their learning experience.
5. Tufts University
Program Size: 279
Program Cost: $37,344
Star Professors: Stephen Bosworth, Daniel W. Drezner, Leila Fawaz, Alex de Waal
The Fletcher School of International Affairs at Tufts University offers a broad spectrum of programs, including International Law and Organizations, Diplomacy and History and Politics, and Economics and International Business. The school emphasizes joint partnerships, such as the one with Harvard Law School, to enhance its students' educational and professional prospects.
6. Columbia University
Program Size: 900
Program Cost: $41,472
Star Professors: Jagdish Bhagwati, Jeffrey Sachs, Joseph Stiglitz
Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) offers a Master of International Affairs program that focuses on real-world application. The curriculum includes proficiency in a foreign language, a robust internship program, and workshops that present real assignments. The International Fellows Program provides a unique opportunity for students to delve into the origins of the current international order.
7. George Washington University
Program Size: 640-700
Program Cost: $26,530
Star Professors: Martha Finnemore, Karl F. Inderfurth, Marc Lynch
The Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University offers a variety of Master’s degrees, including an International Policy and Practice degree for professionals. The school collaborates with the London School of Economics to offer a Master of International Studies degree, providing a unique global perspective.
8. American University
Program Size: 800
Program Cost: $25,764
Star Professors: Amitav Acharya, Phillip Brenner, James Goldgeier
American University’s School of International Service is known for its dedication to international peace and conflict resolution. This program, initiated in response to student demand, emphasizes resolving global conflicts, fitting the mission of the university, which was established in 1957 with the goal of preparing students to ‘wage peace’ globally.
9. London School of Economics and Political Science
Program Size: 461
Program Cost: $27,256
Star Professors: Jeffrey Chwieroth, Katerina Delacoura, Christopher Hughes
The London School of Economics and Political Science, one of the world’s oldest and largest international relations departments, offers numerous master’s programs. Most of these are based in London, providing students with the benefit of experiencing international relations from a global perspective. It also collaborates with George Washington University to offer a joint Master of International Studies degree.
10. The University of Chicago
Program Size: 60
Program Cost: $44,568
Star Professors: John Mearsheimer, Robert Pape
As the oldest IR graduate program in the United States, the Committee on International Relations at the University of Chicago focuses on intellectual rigor. The program is capped by a rigorous M.A. thesis and emphasizes courses that produce intellectual leaders in the field.
These institutions not only provide world-class education and research opportunities in international relations but also ensure that their graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the global arena.