best online phd programs in international relations

Online Ph.D. in International Relations

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At Salve Regina University, our Ph.D. in international relations is offered online, connecting students around the world to our exceptional faculty and research opportunities. Decades of success with our master’s program led us to develop the nation’s first online doctoral program in international relations, providing flexible learning options for seasoned professionals.

Our program’s unique approach provides a rigorous doctoral education examining the complex questions of international affairs in the 21st century. Our students are empowered to consider cultures around the world and value the wisdom gained through adventurous research in the field of international relations.

Ph.D. in International Relations Program and Curriculum

Our Ph.D. in international relations encourages students to think outside the box when studying the details of geopolitics, while also inspiring them to embrace a singular global lens. With decades of scholarship and expertise in foreign policy, the military and academia, our renowned faculty are committed to mentoring international relations scholars. Collectively, their research specialties include political philosophy, history and technology, nationalism, ethics in international affairs, Latin American politics, American foreign policy, Russian foreign affairs, the political economy of development and East Asian security issues.

Through their doctoral studies, our students foster their understanding of geopolitical analysis through courses that explore all of the world’s regions, then choose a single area of focus for their dissertation. In addition to the required coursework, Ph.D. students fulfill a language proficiency requirement and pass a comprehensive examination before beginning the dissertation phase. With collaborative support from dissertation readers, students contribute original research to the field of international relations.

Learn more about the Ph.D. in international relations program requirements.

Program Details

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Call us at:  (800) 637-0002

Program Director: Dr. Symeon Giannakos

Discover the Difference at Salve Regina

Advance your career.

Suitable for mid- to high-ranking government officials, international business professionals and educators working in academia without a doctoral degree, Salve Regina’s Ph.D. program in international relations is designed to help established practitioners advance in their careers.

Dedicated Faculty

Our faculty deliver an essential curriculum that prepares graduates to be constructively critical of their immediate and broader political environment. As tenured professors with considerable academic experience, they provide a top-notch education along with care and concern for the well-being of each student.

Learn on Your Terms

Our Ph.D. in international relations allows working professionals the flexibility to acquire a terminal degree while maintaining full-time employment. We give practitioners the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and become more sophisticated decision-makers without taking time off work.

Centering International Studies and Justice

Typically completed in four years, our online doctoral program enhances the professional experiences of those working in international affairs, especially in an analytical research capacity. Consistent with Salve Regina’s mission to work for a world that is harmonious, just and merciful, our program’s mission promotes common humanity and the elimination of prejudice. Across the curriculum, inclusive discussions emphasize the complex reality that different regions are also overlapping circles in an international community. Through comparative study that exposes differences and reveals similarities in a respectful and considered way, our students challenge myths and misconceptions that cultures have about themselves and their neighbors around the world.

Online Ph.D. in International Relations Course Requirements

Required courses:

• INR675: Quantitative Methods (offered May-June and October-December)
• INR690: Dissertation Proposal and Research (offered September-October and January-March)
• INR695: Dissertation Research and Writing
• INR698: Dissertation I
• INR699: Dissertation II

Students also choose 10 courses from the following list based on their area of interest:

• INR602: American Foreign Policy (offered May-June)
• INR603: American Foreign Policy Decision Making (offered July-August)
• INR612: Chinese Foreign Policy (offered March-May)
• INR613: The Korean Peninsula and Japan (offered January-March)
• INR622: Russian Foreign Policy (offered March-May)
• INR623: Chinese Politics   (offered September-October)
• INR633: Comparative Politics of Russia (offered May-June)
• INR643: The Middle East in World Affairs (offered July-August)
• INR652: South Asia in World Affairs (offered September-October)
• INR653: Latin America in World Affairs (offered January-March)
• INR662: Europe in World Affairs (offered October-December)
• INR672: Africa in World Affairs (offered October-December)
• INR685: Culture, Society and Global Condition (offered September-October)

Time to Complete

Program format, application deadline.

March 1, July 1 or Nov. 1

Consider Salve Regina’s Online Ph.D. in International Relations

Offering an enriching view into international relations, Salve Regina’s online Ph.D. program elevates students’ careers. The thoughtful coursework builds a solid foundation in comparative international studies and helps students become inquisitive scholars under the advisement of supportive faculty.

Request Information to Learn More

Ready to apply? Our international relations program has rolling admissions.

Begin Your Doctoral Application

Program Spotlight: Innovative Understanding

 Salve Regina is thrilled to be the first university in the United States to offer an online Ph.D. in international relations. The mission of the degree is to provide an innovative understanding of area studies through comparative analysis. 

Dr. Symeon Giannakos, professor

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Getting an online PhD in international relations is an excellent option for students who want to avoid moving to another location while continuing to fulfill their personal and professional obligations.

If you want to hone your international relations knowledge for career advancements or personal fulfillment, you can get a Ph.D. without leaving the comfort of your own home. An online PhD in international relations can help you achieve multiple goals. But only if you choose the right educational institution for your needs.

Let’s take a closer look at choosing the best program for getting a Ph.D. in international relations online.

A Ph.D. in International Relations is an advanced academic degree that focuses on global politics, diplomacy, international law, and foreign policy.

This rigorous program gives students a deep understanding of complex international issues. It prepares them for careers in:

• International businesses

With opportunities for getting online education increasing, pursuing a Ph.D. in international relations is becoming more accessible. It provides students with the flexibility to balance their studies with other responsibilities.

Benefits of Obtaining a Ph.D. in International Relations

A Ph.D. is a serious commitment. It requires several years of studies that, even if done online, can interfere with your everyday activities. Meanwhile, the main benefits of obtaining a Ph.D. in international relations include:

A Ph.D. in international relations allows students to gain knowledge about specific areas of global affairs. The program explores various disciplines, including:

• Political science

It allows students to develop a comprehensive understanding of the way global systems are interconnected. This in-depth knowledge opens doors to influential positions across multiple niches.

The Ph.D. program focuses on research and development of analytical skills. Students learn to critically analyze complex international issues and conduct in-depth research. While studying, they also start contributing to the existing body of knowledge.

While getting your Ph.D., you will learn advanced research methodologies, data analysis techniques, and critical thinking.

Pursuing a degree in international relations provides numerous chances for networking. It creates opportunities for collaboration with renowned scholars, experts, and fellow students from around the world.

Distance learning platforms offer virtual classrooms, discussion forums, and collaborative projects. Schools try to foster an environment of intellectual exchange. They also focus on the formation of global professional networks. These connections can prove invaluable for future research collaborations and career opportunities while shaping the direction of your academic pursuits.

A doctorate degree in international relations significantly enhances occupation prospects in various fields.

Graduates can follow careers as professors, researchers, or administrators in renowned universities. Additionally, the degree can help you find positions in government agencies, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The expertise you gain while getting this Ph.D. allows you to navigate the complex landscape of international relations and contribute to global diplomacy.

The availability of online PhD programs has revolutionized higher education, making advanced degrees more accessible. Distance learning programs offer numerous advantages, including flexibility, cost-savings, accessibility, and even networking.

By getting a degree in international relations online, you don’t just get the education you hope for. You can get it from the school of your choice without worrying about the distance.

Careers You Can Follow After Getting an Online PhD in International Relations

Earning a Ph.D. in international relations online opens up a wide range of exciting career opportunities. Here are several career paths you can consider after completing your Ph.D. studies.

With a Ph.D. in international relations, you can follow a professional path as a professor or researcher in esteemed universities and research institutions. As a professor, you will have the opportunity to:

• Teach and mentor students
• Conduct research
• Publish scholarly articles
• Contribute to the local and global academic communities

Additionally, you can engage in interdisciplinary research projects and collaborate with colleagues worldwide.

With an online PhD in international relations, you can consider a career as a diplomat or foreign service officer. In this role, you will:

• Represent your country’s interests abroad
• Negotiate treaties and agreements
• Engage in diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts

Your deep knowledge of international relations and expertise in specific areas will be invaluable in advancing your country’s foreign policy objectives.

As a policy analyst, you can work for government agencies, think tanks, or research organizations. In this role, you will conduct in-depth research, analyze policy issues, and provide recommendations to shape foreign policies. Your expertise in international relations will be instrumental in evaluating geopolitical risks and developing strategies to address global challenges.

In this role, you will work for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international aid agencies, or multilateral institutions. You will design and implement development projects and assess the socio-economic impact of policies. You will also collaborate with local communities to address issues such as poverty, education, and healthcare.

With your specialized knowledge in international relations, you can follow a professional journey as an intelligence analyst for government agencies or private intelligence firms.

In this role, you will analyze information related to global security threats, political developments, and emerging trends. You will leverage your expertise to provide accurate assessments and support decision-making processes.

Many multinational corporations value individuals with a Ph.D. in international relations for their expertise in global politics, economics, and cultural dynamics. As a consultant, you will be able to help businesses:

• Navigate complex regulatory environments
• Understand geopolitical risks
• Prepare for specific economic changes

You will help clients develop effective international business strategies and establish essential partnerships.

An online PhD in international relations can pave the way for an occupation in journalism. With this degree, you can become a foreign correspondent.

With your deep understanding of global affairs and critical analysis skills, you can report on international events, analyze geopolitical developments, and provide in-depth coverage of multiple issues. Your expertise will contribute to promoting a better understanding of global dynamics.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Online PhD in International Relations Program

Selecting the right online PhD in international relations program may not be easy. As the demand for flexible and accessible education grows, so does the supply. Not all programs may be suitable for your educational and career goals. Here are a few things to check before applying.

While pursuing an online PhD program, you still need to consider the location of the university. Some programs may require occasional on-campus visits.

For example, you may need to attend seminars and workshops or defend your dissertation in person. Figure out if you are comfortable with potential travel requirements and consider the costs that could come with them.

The school’s accreditation is key to ensuring the quality and recognition of your degree. Verify if the online PhD in international relations is accredited by a reputable body.

If your school is properly accredited, it means that the program meets certain academic standards and enhances the value of your degree in the job market.

Research the satisfaction levels of alumni who have completed the program. Alumni satisfaction provides insights into the program’s quality, curriculum, faculty, and overall experience. Seek feedback from former students through online forums, social media groups, or professional networks.

Consider the average time required to complete the online PhD program of your choice. Evaluate your personal commitments and determine if the program’s duration aligns with your availability.

Some doctoral degree programs offer accelerated options, while others may require a more extended time commitment. Choose a program that suits your schedule. Keep in mind that some schools could dismiss you from the program if you don’t finish it within a set amount of time.

Review the admissions requirements for the online PhD program. Check if you meet the prerequisites, such as:

• Academic qualifications
• Relevant work experience
• Language proficiency

Additionally, consider the competitiveness of the program to evaluate your chances of being admitted.

Remember that even if you don’t meet all the admissions requirements, many schools may still accept you if you provide proof of experience in the field. Check with the admissions team to find out what additional documents they may need.

Look for programs that offer virtual networking events, alumni networks, and connections with industry professionals. These opportunities can enhance your career prospects and foster useful collaborations.

The expertise and qualifications of the faculty members play a significant role in the quality of your education. Research the faculty profiles of the online PhD program of your choice.

Look for faculty members who are renowned experts in their fields, actively engaged in research, and have relevant industry experience.

Evaluate the mode of instruction in the online PhD program. Determine whether the program offers live online lectures or recorded lectures that can be accessed at your convenience.

Choose a program that aligns with your learning style. If you are highly organized, you can opt for the recorded lecture format. However, for some people, online real-time lectures may be more comfortable.

The final factor to consider is the cost. It includes tuition fees, technology fees, and additional expenses. Compare the costs of different programs to and explore financial aid options. Schools that offer distance learning programs can also offer scholarships for online PhD students.

Top Online PhD Programs in International Relations

While not many universities offer online PhD programs, you can still find several excellent options. Some of them are:

Located in Washington, DC, Euclid University offers its students an online Ph.D. in Diplomacy and International Affairs (DDIA ). This is the only program that’s arranged by the international governmental organizations. It’s used by active diplomats across four continents.

Admissions requirements include:

• Master’s degree or an international equivalent from an accredited institution from the UNESCO-IAU handbook.
• Fluent spoken and written English

You need to be ready to dedicate at least 10 hours of study weekly.

The school is accredited by the National Accreditation and Quality Assurance Authority (NAQAA).

Located in Birmingham, UK, the University of Birmingham offers a part-time doctoral program in political science and international relations .

Students of this university gain an opportunity to conduct original research with the assistance of renowned academic supervisors and create an 80,000-word thesis. This university is one of the largest schools of government in the UK. A Ph.D. from this university can open up multiple career opportunities.

• Master’s degree or the equivalent
• English proficiency test results for students who aren’t native English speakers
• Research proposal.

The university is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

Located in Newport, RI, Salve Regina University offers a strong online doctorate program in international relations . Students of this program master a variety of skills related to political philosophy, nationalism, ethics in international affairs, and many more. The course of studies includes Latin American politics, Russian foreign affairs, and American foreign policy.

• Master’s degree
• Official graduate and undergraduate transcripts from all attended higher education institutions
• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Resume or CV

The school is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

If you’ve decided to get an online PhD in international relations, you have an exciting journey ahead of you. The online format allows you to juggle personal responsibilities with educational commitments. By choosing the most suitable program for your needs, you can achieve your study goals and advance your career.

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Doctorate in International Relations – PhD (Online)*

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Tuition & Fees

A doctorate for international affairs professionals seeking to analyze, critique, and improve responses to conflict, displacement, and human security.

At a Glance

For the program beginning summer 2025

Residency Locations

Serbia, Jordan

Priority Deadline

November 1, 2024, followed by rolling admissions

Final Deadline

January 31, 2025

Critical Global Issue of Study

Geopolitics & Power

Program Cost

Why a phd in international relations from sit.

Citizens around the world are witnessing major shifts in world order as new centers of power arise, populist movements grow, and political instability and conflict drive people across national borders. SIT’s PhD in International Relations is a professional doctorate designed for those eager to better understand and tackle these challenges, while also advancing their careers.

This part-time PhD is designed for working professionals in international affairs with an interest in peacebuilding, conflict and refugee response, and humanitarian affairs. Across four years, students critique traditional approaches to geopolitics and offer evidence-based approaches to improved human security.

The program includes two 10-day international residences. During the first-year residency in Serbia, you will examine the refugee crisis and the rise of illiberalism. During the second-year residency in Jordan, you will examine the landscape of conflict and the power of regional and global alliances in shaping foreign affairs. Specialized online courses on forced migration, peace and conflict studies, and global governance and human security complement each residency and provide you with the skills to lead complex projects and influence policy and practice through original research.

Featuring professors, advisors, and diplomats from across the globe, this program draws upon SIT’s 60-year history of experiential education and global partnerships to provide a unique global perspective students can apply, in real-time, to their work contexts as they earn their doctoral degree.

Working professionals who complete this PhD may expect to expand their careers as:

Foreign affairs specialist

Crisis response or operations specialist

Security analyst for intelligence agencies

Policy advisor and consultant

Director of policy for refugees and conflict response agencies

Senior leader in humanitarian and emergency affairs organizations

Risk analyst and early-warning consultant

Crisis operations specialist for international humanitarian agencies

Think tank researcher

University faculty

Read about SIT Graduate Institute alumni careers through the SIT blog and our Career Impact page.

First-Year Residency: Belgrade, Serbia

This 10-day residency focuses on the refugee crisis and the rise of illiberalism. Engage with EU policymakers, local activist organizations, and scholars to learn about the shifting power relations of contemporary Europe in the context of forced migration, war, and shifting European identity.

Second-Year Residency: Amman, Jordan

This 10-day residency focuses on peace and conflict in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Through visits with academics, government officials, local NGOs, and international organizations in Amman, students will examine the landscape of conflict in the MENA region and the power of regional alliances in shaping foreign affairs.

Please note that in order to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, program excursions may occasionally vary.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the PhD in International Relations, students will be able to:

• Identify, analyze, and critique contrasting approaches to international political order through the lens of foundational theories, both mainstream and critical.
• Contribute professional scholarship related to discourses on international relations, international peace and conflict studies, refugee and forced migration studies, and human security via presentations at professional conferences and publication of academic scholarship.
• Design and conduct original, ethical research informed by relevant literature and grounded in appropriate methodologies and approaches.
• Interpret original and secondary data to produce actionable findings with a capacity to improve the way policymakers approach critical global issues, particularly those related to conflict, refugees, and crisis response.

Read more about Program Learning Outcomes .

Students complete 64 credit hours of work across four years (12 semesters) of study in small personalized cohorts. Courses focus on theory, research methods, applied practice, professional development, and dissertation preparation. Throughout, you will learn from professors and advisors from across the globe. This PhD draws on SIT’s 60-year history of experiential education and global partnerships to provide students with a unique and powerful learning experience.

Students can request to transfer up to 15 credits of relevant previous graduate coursework upon admission, thereby reducing the overall credit requirement from 64 to 49.

With approval, students can pursue an accelerated pathway to complete the degree in 10 semesters. The research and dissertation writing phase of the program may vary, dependent on individual student progress, outside commitments, and type or scope of research.

Please expand the sections below to see detailed course descriptions and admissions information.

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Theories and Polemics of International Relations (3 credits)

This course explores the role theory plays in shaping our understanding of international relations and global affairs. Dominant theories which make up the cannon of the field—such as realism and neorealism, liberalism and neoliberalism, constructivism, and Marxism—are explored, as well as critical theories such as feminism, post-colonialism, and indigenous approaches.

Global Governance and Human Security (3 credits)

This course examines the complex field of global governance, focusing on the theoretical underpinnings, institutional structures, and contemporary challenges of designing systems of international governance without international government. Students will engage with advanced literature, conduct original research on a topic related to global governance of their choosing, and critically analyze issues related to global governance, including perspectives from critical theories, realism, and constructivism.

Forced Migration and Humanitarian Response (3 credits)

Conflict-induced and disaster-induced displacements are impacting hundreds of millions of people around the globe annually. In response, humanitarianism—the promotion of the general welfare of people impacted by conflict, disaster, environmental disruption, famine, and political and economic collapse—has become a dominant feature of international affairs. Unfortunately, the international political system remains a flawed vehicle for satisfying global humanitarian demand. Carefully guarded national sovereignty, the relatively weak power of international institutions and non-governmental organizations, and growing skepticism about a liberal global order now threaten the international humanitarian aid system. This class considers these developments as well as the drivers of forced migration, the history of humanitarian response, and the search for new evidence-based frameworks to improve it.

Seminar in Peace and Conflict Studies (3 credits)

This seminar will give students an in-depth understanding of the origins of intra- and inter-state conflicts, the debates over why such conflicts emerge, escalate, and de-escalate, and the pathways and possibilities for sustainable peaceful transformations. Simulations, case studies, and scenario-based exercises are used to give students a realistic understanding of the drivers of violent conflict and the challenges and possibilities of building peace across a variety of settings and contexts. Of particular interest is considering how dominant theories about the nature of conflicts connect to the conflict management strategies adopted by various stakeholders in international politics.

Preliminary Review (0 credits)

At the conclusion of year one of the program, students must pass a preliminary examination. Preliminary exams demonstrate mastery of content covered in core courses and demonstrated progress towards the dissertation research proposal. Upon completion of all coursework, students must pass a comprehensive examination and begin a prospectus (proposal) for their dissertation research.

Quantitative Research Methods (3 credits)

In this course, students will be introduced to statistical concepts and procedures as prerequisites for conducting quantitative and mixed-methods research. Students will learn how to display data distributions using graphs and describe distributions with numbers using measures of central tendency and dispersion. Additionally, students will examine relationships among data and learn how to produce data using various quantitative designs. This course will introduce students to inferential statistics, including simple linear and multiple regression analyses and ANOVA. Students will develop knowledge and skills using and interpreting descriptive and inferential statistical data and will use Stata software to analyze data.

Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)

In this course, students will be introduced to a range of approaches and methods used in qualitative inquiry. Among the approaches covered are process tracing, discourse analysis, ethnographic research, case studies, comparative historical analysis, archival research, interviewing, ethnography, content analysis, ethnographic research, political profiling, and agent-based modeling. Students will deepen their knowledge about these approaches and enhance their data collection skills by conducting surveys, analytical frameworks, designing case studies, and reflecting on each method’s strengths and limitations. Students will also learn how to code data inductively and deductively, develop codes, look for patterns emerging in data, develop overarching themes, and interpret findings.

Research Colloquium (3 credits)

The Research Colloquium gives a platform for doctoral students to present and discuss possible PhD research projects, exchange ideas, receive constructive feedback, and workshop ways to prepare and improve their dissertation research proposals. Across 10 days, students interact in a conference format, presenting their research ideas, the literature and debates attached to those ideas, and the methods they are considering using in their inquiry process. Students are also expected to critically evaluate the work of their peers, providing constructive criticism to help them advance their research agenda, operationalize their research questions(s), and identify and develop plans for overcoming challenges in the data collection and analysis phases of their research. Prior to the in-person colloquium, students will work with their advisor as needed to develop their presentations.

Electives and Transfer Credits (15 credits)

Students must take 15 credits of elective courses prior to sitting for comprehensive exams. Elective credits can be fulfilled by two means: transferring prior graduate credits earned at SIT or another accredited institution or completing an advisor approved elective offered through one of SIT’s course offerings in the master’s or PhD programs.

Comprehensive Exams (0 credits)

Comprehensive exams confirm the students’ mastery of their chosen field of study and serve as the basis for their doctoral dissertation literature review. After passing the comprehensive examination and prospectus defense, students enter candidacy.

Proposal Defense, IRB approval (3 credits)

The proposal defense is designed to evaluate the feasibility, significance, and originality of each student’s proposed dissertation research project. It serves as a critical checkpoint to ensure that the research project is well-structured and has a high likelihood of success. The defense is conducted in front of the student’s three dissertation committee members: their primary advisor and their first and second reader. It consists of a formal presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. After the questioning, the committee deliberates, then provides feedback to the student regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal. The outcome of the defense will be one of the following: 1) Pass: the student may proceed with their research, 2) Conditional Pass: the student is allowed to proceed, but they must address specific issues or complete requested revisions to the proposal before doing so, or 3) Fail: the proposal does not meet the required standards, and the student will be required to revise and redefend it at a later date. *Requires successful completion of comprehensive exams.

Doctoral and Professional Development Seminar 1-4 (1 credit each)

The Doctoral and Professional Development Seminars 1-4 seek to build a community of practice of IR PhD students as they work to complete their doctoral dissertations. Students meet bi-weekly with each other and their advisors to share their dissertation progress, problem solve, and share drafts of their work for feedback. The seminar will also feature occasional guest speakers who will share their own doctoral dissertation journeys and their professional transitions after receiving their PhD.

Dissertation (20 credits across 4 semesters)

At least 20 credits of the PhD program of study consists of research and dissertation. After completion of the dissertation, the student must pass an oral examination in defense of the dissertation. The culminating experience for the doctoral degree program is publication of the dissertation. The non-coursework portion of the program usually lasts 2 years.

Dissertation Defense (1 credit)

In this course students will prepare for an oral defense working closely with their primary and secondary advisors, and deliver and defend their work. Students will be able to present their dissertation remotely.

Admissions Criteria

Our admissions staff work one-on-one with every applicant to facilitate a highly informed and multidimensional admissions experience: applicants are required to undertake an interview with SIT faculty during the application process.    

As applicants become familiar with the attributes of an SIT education—grounded in the experiential learning model and focused on social justice and leadership skills in intercultural environments—they determine for themselves  how  SIT can help them meet their educational and career objectives.  

For the PhD in International Relations, admissions will evaluate candidates to ensure they meet the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field from a regionally accredited institution
• Strong academic writing and scholarly potential, as evidenced by a statement of purpose
• Demonstrated English language proficiency (see details below)
• Intercultural and professional experience
• A minimum preferred cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a scale of 4.0
• Demonstrated ability to use experience as a source of learning
• All applicants are required to interview with program faculty

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• statement of purpose
• three letters of recommendation
• resume or curriculum vitae
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information The statement of purpose should not exceed 750 words and should demonstrates your interest in the PhD in International Relations at SIT; describe how your prior academic and/or professional experience have prepared you to undertake doctoral studies; describe how completion of the degree will support long-term professional goals; and proposes your research topic and guiding question(s) and their significance to the field. You will be prompted to provide contact information for three references who can attest to your academic and professional achievements. At least one should know you in an academic capacity.

Applicants will be able to transfer up to 15 credits of related graduate coursework toward the PhD program.

English Language Ability

Applicants whose first language is not English and who did not graduate from an English-speaking institution must demonstrate English language proficiency.

*This new program is pending accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) in accordance with the Commission's Policy on Substantive Change. The approval process is anticipated to be finalized in fall 2024.

Faculty & Staff

International relations – phd (online)*.

Discover the Possibilities

SIT’s Student Financial Services Office  provides guidance on all aspects of funding your degree throughout the application process and during your degree program. Tuition costs vary by program and scholarships are available.

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EUCLID (Euclid University) + EULER (after 10/2024)

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120 (Bachelor) + 40 (Master) | +55-60 (PhD)

Note: EULER programs are distinguished from EUCLID programs but also closely related as (1) they have slightly different areas of specialization (based on the list of degrees in the initial charter (2) they rely on very similar methods and platforms (3) the final degree is conferred by EUCLID but with the EULER logo added and dual degree option (two degrees, one from EUCLID (Euclid University – intergovernmental) and one from EULER (The Euler-Franeker Memorial University) starting ~10/2024.

Because it is offered, and uniquely so, by an  intergovernmental organization  with a specialized mandate in  sustainable development , the EUCLID online PhD in Sustainable Development and Diplomacy takes up the challenge of offering a comprehensive doctoral program at the junction of three specialized fields of knowledge and application: (1) economics development (2) sustainability, and (3) diplomacy and global governance.

EUCLID’s online PhD in Sustainable Development and Diplomacy is also based on EUCLID’s MBA/SD which has been ranked in the world's top 25 since 2016 for a good reason: it is offered by an international intergovernmental organization with a university mandate and specialized expertise in sustainable development. Historically, EUCLID grew out of the cooperation between universities and the International Organization for Sustainable Development  (IOSD) which was the original SD international organization and which is now a EUCLID affiliated institute.

It is therefore only PhD program in sustainable development and diplomacy organized by an intergovernmental organization and officially used by senior civil servants over 4 continents. It is also highly relevant to managers and executives working for multinational companies.

EUCLID’s DSDD offers a comprehensive graduate study of the most relevant topics, including economic development, UN SD goals, international law, ecological economics, etc. Graduates can expect to complete the program transformed and enhanced in their ability to make a difference in global sustainability.

Academic Presentation

This online PhD program blends several streams of academic knowledge and professional practice: sustainable economic development and international governance. Entrance into the program presupposed a good command of economics.

The curriculum provides a progression of courses covering ecological economics (with case studies), sustainable development studies, and international affairs related to SD. Upon completion of the required doctoral coursework, students proceed to the doctoral dissertation modules, leading to the presentation and defense of a doctoral thesis meeting international standards.

In the EUCLID context, sustainable economic development is considered from various angles as well as with an overall Global South perspective.

This is a program that is also used by civil servants working for EUCLID Participating States and can be considered an excellent route to pursue a career within institutions of higher learning, governmental bodies, NGOs, global corporations and international organizations.

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How to Get a PhD in International Relations

When you study international relations at the doctoral level, the world can be your oyster. As the highest academic distinction in the field, the international relations PhD prepares you for a wide variety of roles in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

Also known as international affairs, international relations emerged as a distinct field of study in the first half of the twentieth century. It focuses on how countries, governments, leaders, and international organizations interact with one another, along with how their interactions shape our global system. Some international relations specialists work in academia, while others play important roles in the public, private, and non-profit sectors.

The first step on the path to a successful experience as a PhD candidate in international relations is weighing your options and understanding the application process. This guide is designed to help you do just that.

Step 1: Know Your Options

Career paths in international relations.

What do you want to do with your PhD in Law and criminal justice with a specialization in international relations? It’s not essential to know the exact answer before you start your doctorate program, but you should begin thinking about it as early in the game as possible. That way, you can take your career goals and areas of interest into account while evaluating potential schools.

A PhD in international relations or a similar discipline is essentially a prerequisite for teaching courses in these subjects at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In addition to academia, a doctorate degree in international relations offers numerous job opportunities for graduates.

Careers in the U.S. government:

• The U.S. Foreign Service
• The U.S. State Department
• Intelligence
• The Agency for International Development and other government agencies

Careers in the public sector:

• The United Nations
• Other intergovernmental organizations (IGOs)
• Trade policy

Careers in the private sector:

• Multinational corporations
• Consulting firms
• Lobbying and political analysis

Careers in the non-profit sector:

• Humanitarian relief
• Conflict resolution
• Public health
• International development

Ways to Complete Your Degree

Some universities, whether online or on-campus, have a distinct school of international relations and diplomacy that offers a PhD degree in international relations. At other institutions, the government or political science department confers doctoral degrees in international relations. Another category of schools only offers a master’s degree in international relations. Graduates of these programs who wish to pursue a PhD must apply elsewhere in order to continue; typically, they can advance to the PhD phase more quickly than students entering without a master’s degree.

Another category of graduate degrees in international relations has taken shape in recent years. Some online education programs, also known as distance learning programs, now grant degrees in the field, including an online PhD in international relations. Many other schools offer an online master’s program in international relations. As a result, you may choose to complete all or part of your coursework online. For example, some students obtain an online master’s degree in international relations, expediting the PhD process.

These questions may come in handy as you consider the various possibilities:

• Would you be willing to relocate for your PhD in international relations ? If the answer is no, you’re limited to schools within commuting distance. Online PhD programs can widen your range of options, and you can always use those credits toward a degree at another institution if moving becomes possible down the line.
• H ow much time can you devote to your degree? Some campus programs require a year or more of full-time study. With an online PhD in international relations, you can study on your own time, arranging your schedule around any existing work or family responsibilities.
• What kind of learner are you? The freedom to learn on your own time and from the comfort of your own home is convenient, but it doesn’t work for everyone. If you enjoy working independently and don’t need a classroom to stay focused, you’ll thrive in an online learning environment. If you enjoy interacting with faculty and students face-to-face, an on campus doctoral program may be a good fit.

Step 2: Research Potential Doctorate Programs

The Internet can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to researching doctoral degree programs. Avoid information overload by starting with some basic resources, including the following.

Online Directories

Web sites such as WorldWideLearn.com feature searchable listings of programs offering a campus-based or online PhD in international relations. You can find accredited programs by location or subject, and you can also request information from specific schools quickly and easily by filling out a convenient form. The site is packed with tips and advice to guide you through your search and the application process.

Scholarly and Professional Organizations

• The International Studies Association (ISA ) promotes research and education in international affairs. It holds conventions and conferences throughout the year, publishes five professional journals, and has nongovernmental consultative status with the United Nations. Its membership consists of students, educators, researchers, professionals, and institutions.
• The Foreign Policy Association is a U.S.-based non-profit organization that aims to raise public awareness of international relations and foreign policy issues. Its Web site features job postings and a list of the top-ranked international relations and public policy graduate programs.
• The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) is the professional association of the United States Foreign Service and represents active and retired Foreign Service employees.

School Web Sites

The Web site of each school’s international relations, political science, or government department can be your first stop for learning about course offerings, degree requirements, admissions criteria, and much more. Take the time to browse around, and you may unearth a treasure trove of useful information. For example, try visiting the individual Web pages of each faculty member and current PhD candidate; many contain biographies, contact information, and links to published articles or books. Some courses have their own pages as well, featuring materials such as reading lists, syllabi, discussion forums, and lecture notes.

Your School or Alma Mater

Whether you are finishing up a master’s program or have completed your bachelor’s degree several years ago, investigate the resources your current or former school has to offer. Most colleges and universities provide counseling to students and alumni on professional development and graduate studies. Many have resource centers crammed with graduate school guides, brochures from specific programs, and networking databases.

Step 3: Narrow Down Your PhD Program List

After you’ve surveyed the field, try to pinpoint the international relations PhD programs that best suit your academic interests and career goals. Keep the following factors foremost in your mind as you methodically pare down your list.

Strong relationships between PhD students and their instructors are essential, far more than at the undergraduate level. As a candidate for a PhD in international relations, you can expect to spend a substantial amount of time with your advisor or team of advisors, particularly once you reach the dissertation phase. Before you commit several years of your life to a school and its faculty, get a preview of what you’re signing up for. Most international relations schools and departments let prospective students sit in on a graduate seminar or lecture. You should also feel free to contact potential advisors via e-mail before and during the application process.

Graduate students in international relations PhD programs receive funding from a range of sources, including stipends, federal loans, teaching fellowships, and scholarships. Departments put together funding packages for each prospective student, but you won’t know the details until you get accepted. However, you can ask the admissions office for basic information, such as how many years each program usually guarantees funding for PhD candidates in international relations. WorldWideLearn.com has extensive information about scholarships, loans, and other forms of financial aid. These links to funding for international relations study are also worth checking out:

• Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Fellowship Program
• The Institute for International Public Policy
• The National Endowment for Democracy Funding Database
• The U.S. Department of State

You should be aware of how the schools on your short list stack up, but keep in mind that the individual fit is often more important than prestige. Take a look at U.S. News & World Report , which has a category for top international politics programs at the graduate level. Foreign Policy magazine also regularly surveys international relations faculty at U.S. colleges and universities, publishing its own rankings of programs offering undergraduate, master’s, and PhD degrees in international relations.

Other Considerations

The bottom line is that you should be vocal about what you’re looking for. Don’t be too shy to reach out to current graduate students at each program that interests you; you can often find their contact information online. You may also want to consider these questions:

• What classes are offered that count toward the PhD in international relations?
• How long do students usually take to complete the PhD program?
• How many students are enrolled in the program?
• Where do recent graduates find jobs?
• Are experts in your sub-field on hand to serve as advisors?
• How many PhD students does each advisor work with?
• What’s special about the program?
• Will you be required to teach undergraduate courses?
• Is the department known for taking a particular political stance, and what is it?
• Does the school offer night classes, online courses, or online PhD programs?

Step 4: Apply to Become a Doctoral Student

When you’re down to a handful of universities, the time has come to start applying. Though the process and requirements vary from school to school, the following steps are the bare minimum.

Get the Right Credentials

If you don’t already have a master’s degree in international relations from a campus-based or online program, you need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college in order to apply for a PhD in international relations. While it doesn’t have to be in international relations, your college major should be relevant to the field.

Make Contacts

Get in touch with potential advisors at each school before you submit your application. E-mail professors who share your interests and area of specialization to let them know you plan to apply. Avoid the form letter trap by mentioning how much you enjoyed the professor’s latest article in a scholarly journal such as the Journal of International Affairs or the International Studies Quarterly , or the paper he or she presented at an academic conference you attended.

Take Standardized Tests

To apply to get your PhD in international relations, you need to take the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and submit your scores. International students must demonstrate their proficiency in the English language by passing the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

Ask for Recommendation Letters

Most schools require three letters of recommendation from former or current teachers who know you and your work. Ideally, your recommenders should teach courses on international relations or be members of the government or political science faculty. It’s always smart to provide each one with a copy of your academic resume and one or two papers you’re particularly proud of, not necessarily from that professor’s course.

Submit a Stellar Writing Sample

If you already have a master’s degree in international relations, you can submit a writing sample of several chapters from your master’s thesis or a paper you submitted to an academic journal. Otherwise, choose one substantial essay or several smaller papers you wrote for a course in or related to your desired area of specialization. Take some time to reread your sample, and make any necessary edits or updates.

Get Some Real-World Experience

The strongest applicants to PhD programs in international relations have experience working in the field, either as full-time professionals or as interns. If you don’t have a bona fide job or internship under your belt, highlight past study abroad and travel in your application. If you’re interested in getting your feet wet, here are some places to look for internships and other opportunities:

• Council on International Educational Exchange
• Public Policy Internship Program
• The American Foreign Service Association
• The Council on Foreign Relations

No matter where you get your PhD in international relations, it could pave the way for a long, rewarding, and influential career. In an increasingly global world, our future depends on forging connections that transcend borders, ideologies, industries, and systems. With a PhD in international relations, you could be a major part of these vital efforts.

• Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs, “Career Opportunities in International Affairs”
• Center for International Development at Harvard University, Thinking Global: A Guide to Studying International Development at Harvard and Beyond, 2004-2005
• Foreign Policy Association, “Top International Relations and Public Policy Graduate Programs”
• Foreign Policy , “Inside the Ivory Tower,” March/April 2009
• Institute for the Theory and Practice of International Relations at the College of William & Mary, “2008 TRIP Survey of International Relations Faculty in Ten Countries”
• Lehigh University Department of International Relations, “Careers in International Affairs”
• Lehigh University Department of International Relations, “The Field of International Relations”
• U.S. News & World Report , “Rankings of Graduate Programs: International Politics”
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American University International Relations Programs | Online American University International Relations Programs | Online American University International Relations Programs | Online

American University’s School of International Service (SIS) offers an online  Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)  degree and an online  Master of International Service (MIS) executive degree for experienced professionals . SIS graduate degrees equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a difference in our complex and interconnected world, whether in government, nonprofits, or business. American University’s School of International Service (SIS) offers an online  Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)  degree and an online  Master of International Service (MIS) executive degree for experienced professionals . SIS graduate degrees equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a difference in our complex and interconnected world, whether in government, nonprofits, or business. American University’s School of International Service (SIS) offers an online  Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)  degree and an online  Master of International Service (MIS) executive degree for experienced professionals . SIS graduate degrees equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a difference in our complex and interconnected world, whether in government, nonprofits, or business.

Admission and Program Information

Answer a few quick questions to determine if AU’s School of International Service is a good fit for you.

No GRE Scores Required.

• Scholarships Available — American University’s School of International Service has tuition scholarships of up to $15K available to students who are accepted to and enrolled in the upcoming cohort.
• Four Concentrations — Choose an area of focus that matches your professional interests. Concentrations include Global Security, International Development, International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, and United States Foreign Policy and National Security.
• Complete in 12–24 Months  — Working professionals can complete the online MIS program in as few as 12 months, and part-time students can complete the online MAIR program in 24 months.

Join American University’s Top-10 School of International Service

Now, more than ever, our world demands professionals who are motivated to effect positive international change. With a degree from American University’s School of International Service (SIS), you will build the skills to meet that demand.

Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., SIS is a full member of the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA). In 2018, SIS  international relations master’s degree  programs were  ranked No. 8 worldwide  by  Foreign Policy  magazine . ¹

Equip yourself to wage peace through international relations, policy development, and socially responsible business—explore our online degree programs today.

Degree Programs

Student Experience

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Scholarships Available

Applicants admitted to the upcoming cohort will be considered for scholarship awards of up to $15K

Download a Brochure!

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!

“Schools like American University’s School of International Service (SIS) were created to train students to become leaders in an uncertain world where complex problems do not respect national boundaries. Our mission is no less important today than it was decades ago.”

Tamar Gutner, MAIR Program Director

Online Degree Programs

In an increasingly interconnected world, American University’s International Relations Online programs allow you the opportunity to earn your master’s degree from anywhere. With our online master’s degree programs, you can build the specialized expertise, policy knowledge, and communications skill set to start creating a meaningful difference in your community and beyond.

As a student, you will enhance your expertise in international relations and foreign affairs and have opportunities to build a rich network of political and international connections without sacrificing your responsibilities at home.  GRE scores are not required to apply.

Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)

The online Master of Arts in International Relations program is designed for aspiring global professionals who want to build a strong foundational understanding of international affairs theory and practice.

Students cultivate the economic, statistical, and critical thinking skills needed to analyze cross-cultural communications and foreign policy.

Complete in 24 Months

Master of International Service (MIS) for Experienced Professionals

The Master of International Service is designed specifically for professionals and practitioners with seven or more years of experience. By learning alongside classmates with similar levels of experience and through an accelerated curriculum, students further their skills in their specific area of expertise and advance their leadership potential.

Students graduate prepared to lead high-level strategic initiatives in their organizations and stay at the forefront of their fields.

Complete in 12 Months

Full-time and with advanced standing status

Master of Science in International Relations and Business

Offered as a joint degree with the Kogod School of Business, the online international relations and business degree is designed for professionals who want to advance their understanding of international economic policy.

Course work and an international immersion will help you develop advanced business skills and understand how they relate to the global economy. You will graduate prepared to make strategic decisions that have global impact in private, public, or nonprofit sectors.

Complete in 18 Months

The MAIR and MIS programs offer an array of international affairs concentrations so you can take classes in your area of interest. Concentrations include:

Global Security

Examine the dynamics of peace, security, and war, and learn to prevent, manage, and mitigate conflicts in communities around the globe

International Development

Learn how politics, public health, sustainability, and economic growth affect development in countries and communities worldwide.

International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution

Develop a deeper understanding of the causes of global conflict, and learn negotiation tactics to end international disputes.

United States Foreign Policy and National Security

Study the underpinnings of global policy formation and explore how these strategies are executed.

“Being at American University allowed me the flexibility to balance my career with my education, but it also gave me the opportunity to qualify and obtain a more senior-level position to really effect change within the U.S. Air Force.”

Kiara Colon-Torres, MAIR ‘19

Immersion and Capstone Requirements

To complete each of our degrees, you will be required to visit the American University campus in Washington, D.C., for a weekend-long immersion. The immersion includes networking with peers, faculty, and professionals in your industry; participating in skills institutes; and visiting government, foreign affairs, and development organizations.

Learn More About Immersions

Capstone Project

Each program concludes with a capstone that will require you to apply skills and knowledge gained throughout your courses. You may choose to either complete a Substantial Research Paper (SRP) or participate in a client-based team practicum project.

Are You Pursuing a PhD?

If you plan to pursue a PhD after earning your online master’s from SIS, we recommend completing the SRP capstone. The research provides a great segue to continue your international studies beyond graduation. 

Learn More About the Capstone

Online Program Admissions

SIS students are ambitious professionals who are motivated to make a difference through global policy, foreign services, and international affairs. If you’re looking for assistance with putting together your best application, it can be helpful to reach out to an admissions counselor at  1-855-306-2847  or [email protected], or attend one of our three types of virtual events:

• Application Strategy Webinar:  Review tips for completing your application and discuss the admissions process.
• Financial Aid Webinar:  Review financial aid options and tips for securing aid.
• Student Roundtable:  Meet current students and members of the admissions team and review our curriculum.

All of our events also include a live tour of our virtual classroom.

When Is Our Next Event?

Application requirements for both programs include:

• Completed online application form
• Current résumé/CV
• Statement of purpose
• Official transcripts from all academic institutions from which you earned credit
• Two letters of recommendation
• $55 application fee

To review specific application requirements, visit our respective program pages:

• MAIR Application Requirements
• MIS Application Requirements

Take the Next Step

Request information today to find how the School of International Service can help you meet your career goals.

Military Benefits for Students

Active-duty military members and veterans make up more than 30 percent of the International Relations Online student body—and SIS is committed to providing the convenience and flexibility to allow these students to earn their international relations master’s degree no matter where they’re stationed. Our program is a great fit for military service members and veterans for its:

• Skill-building  that applies in real time, including leadership, cultural competence, adaptability, and global perspective
• Networking  with like-minded service members and veterans for careers within and beyond the military
• Financial aid benefits , including the Yellow Ribbon Program

A Flexible Online Format

Our online programs are designed to maintain the same educational quality as our on-campus programs, with a curriculum that fits seamlessly into a busy schedule. Our flexible learning format includes:

Live, face-to-face video classes

Our videoconferencing technology allows you to see, interact, and debate with your peers and professors throughout class. Class sizes are kept to an approximate 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio to promote close collaboration.

Immersive coursework

Our coursework is intended to expand on in-class lessons with videos, quizzes, and Q&A sessions. Coursework can be completed weekly on your own time.

Interactive case studies

Our case studies allow you to translate concepts and skills learned in class to real-life situations. You will collaborate with peers to work through these projects together.

What Can I Do With an IR Degree?

At SIS, we offer two different master’s degrees online so you can advance your career starting at your current skill level—and move up in your desired sector.

Explore Careers in International Relations

With a foundation in international affairs and expertise in a specialized subsector, you will graduate equipped to enter or move up in your field. In each sector, your duties can include:

Private sector

Developing data-driven recommendations to support government officials and policymakers; providing consulting services on government relations, regulatory strategies, and corporate citizenship; and overseeing development projects in different countries

Public sector

Driving U.S. foreign policy; developing and managing assistance programs that promote peace, stability, and prosperity in different countries; and operating and assessing economic sanctions programs

Supporting democratic development programs, backstopping field teams, providing policy research support, and analyzing project performance in other countries

Connect With the SIS Alumni Network

Upon graduation, you’ll join 20,000+ alumni serving their communities around the globe. Whether you’re an aspiring foreign aid officer or public policy analyst, you can regularly tap into this powerful network of international professionals to connect and learn.

Explore Our Alumni Career Paths

Leverage SIS Career Services

At SIS, we want to help you achieve your career aspirations. To that end, we offer a variety of services, including career advisors, virtual and on-campus employer information sessions, and AU Handshake, a password-protected database of international affairs job and internship opportunities specifically for SIS students.

Explore SIS Career Services

SIS Faculty

Our faculty are active members in the international affairs and service communities.

Stephanie Fischer

Lead Faculty, Practicum in International Relations

Stephanie Fischer is an executive in residence at SIS. In the past, she has directed the Advisory Board Foundation’s child protection project in the Philippines, and she has led Cummins Inc.’s corporate social responsibility efforts in Mexico.

Tazreena Sajjad

Senior Professorial Lecturer, Global Governance

Tazreena Sajjad’s areas of expertise include transitional justice, refugees, forced displacement, post-conflict governance, gender and conflict, and social movements in South Asia. Prior to joining SIS, Dr. Sajjad worked in the Afghanistan program at Global Rights in Afghanistan and in the South Asia program at the National Democratic Institute (NDI).

Gordon Adams

Lead Faculty, U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security

Gordon Adams is a widely respected expert and author on defense and national security policy, the defense policy process, and national security budgets. He is consulted extensively by the nation’s media for comment on U.S. national security policy.

Staying Connected to Washington, D.C.

Attending a school that is based in Washington, D.C., offers a wealth of opportunity for international affairs and global policy professionals. Through our required immersions and other optional visits to campus, you’ll be able to network with professionals in your field and get advice from professors on how to gain introductions at your desired places of employment.

Studying on Campus

If you live close to American University’s campus but are earning your degree as an online student, you have the option to take up to a quarter of your courses in person. If the full-time on-campus program works better for your schedule, you can explore those degree options here:

¹ The Best International Relations Schools in the World – Foreign Policy magazine, 2018 ↑

15 Best Schools For International Relations

The field of international relations examines how nation-states (and NGOs) interact with each other. It encompasses areas like trade, history, war, diplomacy, foreign policy, security, and politics. As a practice and scholarly endeavor, international relations increased in significance following WWII. It remains important in our highly-globalized world. Today, international relations professionals work in governments, non-profits, and academia. Schools around the world offer international relations programs for those interested in a career. Here are 15 of the best schools:

Table of Contents

• The London School of Economics and Political Science (London, UK)
• Stanford University (Stanford, CA)
• Sciences Po (Paris, France)
• Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)
• George Washington University (Washington, D.C.)
• Tufts University (Boston, MA)
• University of Amsterdam (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
• Georgetown University (Washington, DC)
• Central European University (Vienna, Austria)
• Columbia University (New York, NY)
• Yale University (New Haven, CT)
• University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
• University of California – Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)
• University of Oxford (Oxford, UK)
• Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)

#1 The London School of Economics and Political Science (London, UK)

Programs offered: Undergrad, master’s, joint degrees, doctorate

The LSE has one of the largest and oldest international relations departments in the world. It has a wide range of program options, like a BSc, five MSc programs, and a research option designed as preparation for research work. Multiple joint degree programs are available, too, such as the BSc in International Relations and History; the BSc in Politics and International Relations; and the MSc in Theory in and History of International Relations. The MPhil/Ph.D. program requires students to produce a “substantial piece of work” meant to be published.

#2 Stanford University (Stanford, CA)

Programs offered: Major, minor, honors

The international relations program is available to undergrads as a major, minor, or honors program. Designed with an interdisciplinary approach, students learn how state and non-state actors interact in international politics. Topics include foreign policy, war, international security , international trade, human rights, and much more. IR majors need to complete 30 units of core courses while minors need 30 units, five of which need to be core courses. Qualified students in the honors program must conduct an independent research project with faculty guidance and complete a thesis. The Political Science major also offers an international relations track while the Global Studies division has three graduate programs (East Asian Studies, Latin American Studies, and Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies), which could be a good fit for future IR professionals.

#3 Sciences Po (Paris, France)

Programs offered: Concentrations, 2-year master, 1-year master, dual degrees

Sciences Po’s Paris School of International Affairs offers four ways to study international relations. Concentrations are available to all PSIA students. Students can choose by region (African Studies, the Americas, Asian Studies, etc) or theme ( diplomacy , human rights, global risks, etc). With the 2-year master’s, students have seven choices within the international affairs field, including international security, international development, and international energy. The accelerated 1-year master’s is for candidates with an undergrad degree and at least five years of full-time professional experience. The dual degree program is offered in partnership with four French universities and 10 international universities.

#4 Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)

Programs offered: Undergrad and graduate

The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs offers a multidisciplinary liberal arts major. Students take courses on a wide range of topics such as economics, sociology, politics, and more. There are five main graduate programs: Master in Public Affairs; Master in Public Policy; Ph.D. in Public Affairs; a joint degree program in Social Policy; and the HMEI-STEP Fellowship program. Graduate students can also get certificates in health and health policy; urban policy; or science, technology, and environmental policy. The Master in Public Affairs program offers an international relations concentration.

#5 George Washington University (Washington, D.C.)

Programs offered: Majors, master’s, dual-degree, joint-degree, graduate certificates

The Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University offers multiple degree programs for students interested in international relations. There are five bachelor’s programs (including a B.A. in International Affairs, B.S. in International Affairs, and a minor in International Relations), 12 master’s degree programs (including international affairs, global communication, and international studies), and graduate certificates. The school also offers dual-degree, joint-degree options, and accelerated programs for mid-career professionals.

#6 Tufts University (Boston, MA)

Programs offered: Undergrad, master’s, doctorate

Tufts offers an interdisciplinary B.A. in international relations, which provides students with a solid background in history, politics, international economics, war, and more as they apply to international relations. The Fletcher School also offers part-time/full-time master’s in Global Affairs, Global Business Administration, Law and Diplomacy, and more. The Ph.D. program in International Relations is best for students with at least 2 years of professional experience.

#7 University of Amsterdam (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Programs offered: Bachelor’s and master’s

The university doesn’t offer a dedicated international relations undergrad degree, but students getting the Political Science degree will be introduced to international relations. The master’s program (which earns students an MSc in Political Science) covers peace and security, human rights, environmental issues, and much more from a global perspective. It relies on interdisciplinary insights and approaches in the international relations field. The Political Science: International Relations program is two semesters with a total of 40 weeks of courses.

#8 Georgetown University (Washington, DC)

Programs offered: Majors, minors, certificates, and graduate degrees

Georgetown’s Walsh School of Foreign Service offers eight majors related to international relations, such as global business, international economics, international political economy, and international politics. The school also offers minors and certificates in areas like diplomatic studies or regional studies, as well as master’s degrees in foreign service, security studies, and more. The Department of Government also offers a Ph.D. program in international relations . The program’s core strengths include international security, international political economy, and methodology.

#9 Central European University (Vienna, Austria)

Programs offered: Master’s and doctorate

CEU offers a full-time MA program in international relations, which can be completed in 1 or 2 years. The 2-year program is meant for graduates of three-year undergrad programs intending to pursue doctorates. In both tracks, students receive a big-picture view of international relations with a “close focus” on essential elements . Elective courses are divided into three modules: international relations theory and international law; international political economy and development; and international political sociology and history. Class size is small with no more than 20 students. The school also offers a Ph.D. in Political Science with an international relations track. Concentrations in security studies, international political economy, and political and IR theory are available.

#10 Columbia University (New York, NY)

Programs offered: Majors, master’s, and Ph.D.

For students wishing to study international relations at Columbia, their best bet is to go through the Political Science department, which has undergrad programs, master’s programs, and a Ph.D. program. Areas of focus include international security policy; international finance and economic policy; and human rights and humanitarian policy. There’s also a master’s program in Political Science, which has the option of an international relations concentration. The Ph.D. program in political science requires students to first get the MA, then the M.Phil. at Columbia. The School of International and Public Affairs also offers a master’s of international affairs.

#11 Yale University (New Haven, CT)

Programs offered: Major, master’s, joint degree

The Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs is Yale’s home for international relations. Undergraduates can get a B.A. in global affairs, which allows for flexibility when choosing coursework. The school also offers a master’s in Public Policy in Global Affairs (the M.P.P.), which is a small program with just 35 students in each class, as well as the master of advanced study (M.A.S.) in global affairs, which is a 1-year program for mid-career professionals. The Jackson School also has a joint degree program where students can earn an M.P.P. in Global Affairs and the relevant degree (M.B.A., J.D., M.F.S, etc) from one of four other Yale professional schools.

#12 University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)

Programs offered: Majors, joint B.A./M.A.

This school offers an undergrad program in Global Studies, which includes international relations. Students must study abroad for at least one quarter and become proficient in a foreign language. The Political Science major is also an option for students studying international relations. For those interested in a different kind of program, the university allows qualified students to pursue a joint B.A./M.A. in International Relations . It’s provided through the Committee on International Relations and is the first graduate program of its kind.

#13 University of California – Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)

Programs offered: Undergrad, doctorate

The Political Science major is a good choice for students interested in international relations. Coursework varies from large lectures to small seminars. There are six main requirements, including choosing a specialization, so students should choose the international relations subfield. UC Berkley also has a Ph.D. program in Political Science, which consists of coursework, examinations, and dissertation research and writing. Students will need to pass one exam in a major subfield, like International Relations, as well as a second exam in any subfield.

#14 University of Oxford (Oxford, UK)

The University of Oxford’s main international relations programs are graduate programs through the highly-ranked Department of Politics and International Relations. Students can earn an MSC in Political Research Theory or Politics Research. The MPhil is a 21-month program that blends theoretical and conceptual training with methodology training and original research. The DPhil program takes 3-4 years of full-time study or 6-8 years of part-time study.

#15 Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)

Programs offered: ALB, ALM, and graduate certificate

Harvard University does not have a dedicated international relations program for undergrad majors (the government major is the closest thing), but the Harvard Extension School’s Division of Continuing Education has three options. The Bachelor of Liberal Arts (ALB) in international relations is designed for students around 32 years old who work full-time. The Harvard Extension school also offers a 12-course master’s degree (ALM) in international relations, where students develop analytical skills and build knowledge and understanding of global issues like poverty , human rights, armed conflict, and more. They also have the option of obtaining a certificate in social justice, international security, or nuclear deterrence. The 4-course graduate certificate provides an understanding of international cooperation, conflict, foreign policy, and more.

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PhD Political Science and International Studies

By distance learning.

For 2024-25 £4,778 FT (UK) £21,360 FT (International Students) More Fees and funding details.

• Request a prospectus
• Course details
• Entry Requirements
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The Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS) offers a vibrant and inclusive research culture.

POLSIS has established itself as a centre of excellence in political science, political economy, comparative politics, political theory, international, international relations theory and security and conflict. Our research is concentrated around various research groups and research clusters which carry out a series of collaborative research activities.

Our distance learning PhD in Political Science and International Studies offers the opportunity to conduct original research under the guidance of academic supervisors, leading to an 80,000 word thesis, for those unable to live and work on campus on a regular basis. You will take a number of research training modules in your first year and may attend further courses offered by the Department or the University that enhance your personal discipline-specific and transferable skills.

Distance learning does present challenges and applicants need to have a high capacity to work independently and in a disciplined fashion to pursue their research goals. However, supervisory teams are there to support students in acquiring the skills and knowledge to complete a thesis. In addition, you will be able to participate in an active research environment through a range of online and hybrid events.

Distance learning students are usually expected to attend one-week visit to the University (it is possible to request an exemption due to extenuating circumstances such as work commitments of caring responsibilities, for example). This visit will take place at the start of your studies during the College’s induction week (which usually takes place in the last week of September). This is a fantastic opportunity to attend a range of training sessions and networking events and meet your peers and supervisory team in person. The College of Social Sciences will make a generous contribution to your accommodation and travel. Your School will write to you to confirm the arrangements of your visit once you have confirmed your offer. Distance Learning students are not required to attend the University for the remainder of their studies but are welcome to visit at their own expense.

POLSIS is part of the School of Government, one of the leading UK and international centres for governance, politics, international development, and public management. As one of the largest Schools of Government, in the United Kingdom, it is home to more than 80 full-time academic staff, more than 1,200 undergraduate and taught postgraduate students, and more than 70 doctoral researchers.

The School of Government offers much more than a degree. As a doctoral student here, you have the opportunity to take part in a wide range of research events with staff and other doctoral students, including a PGR Colloquium and departmental speaker series. In addition, an individual training plan is drawn up to meet the needs of each student, covering coursework and skills development. As such, completing this research degree will cultivate specialist knowledge in your field and professional skills for a range of career settings. 

We are able to supervise a wide range of topics, in line with the research interests of our staff. We are particularly interested in receiving applications on themes that fit with our research groups:

• Asian Politics
• British Politics
• European Studies
• Gender and Feminist Theory
• International Relations and Security Theory
• Parties, Voters and Elections
• Political Economy
• Political Theory

Applications to study for a research degree on either a full- or part-time basis are welcomed. 

Further information

• POLSIS Doctoral research page
• Guidance on preparing a research proposal
• Doctoral Research Scholarships and funding

Tricia Thomas Doctoral Research Student Administration Tel: +44 (0)121 414 3497, Email:  [email protected]

PhD by Distance Learning 2024-2025

Uk students.

• £4,778

International students (Band D)

• £21,360

Learn more about fees

Scholarships and studentships

Scholarships may be available, please contact the Department directly.

International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government. Explore our postgraduate funding database

The Postgraduate Student Loan has increased its maximum loan amount to £12,167 (for 2023/2024 entry). For more detailed information visit our Postgraduate funding page .

For more information visit studenthelp.bham.ac.uk .

How To Apply

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Our Standard Requirements

Applicants for the distance learning PhD must provide evidence of prior research experience and/or training suitable for their intended programme of study. When they apply, they are expected to consult with their supervisor who can assess their skills, background and capacity to undertake independent study at a distance. Besides formal qualifications, a key factor determining whether the Department decides to accept a candidate for either degree is the quality of his or her research proposal and its relevance to our own interests. Successful completion of a research thesis demands a high level of self-discipline, motivation and commitment to the subject of research. Great importance is placed on work experience, when relevant. Please contact the Department for more details. Learn more about entry requirements .

International Requirements

Holders of a Licence, Diplome, Diplome d'Etudes Superieures, Diplome d'Ingenieur or a Diplome d'Architecte from a recognised university in Algeria will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of one of these qualifications will normally be expected to have achieved a score of 15/20 for 2:1 equivalency or 13/20 for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Argentinian university, with a promedio of at least 7.5, may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent

A Bachelors (Honours) degree from an accredited Australian higher education institution may be considered for admission to a Masters degree.   Applicants with 3 year Bachelors with distinction from a recognised university, can be considered for admission to a Masters degree.

Holders of a Diplom, a Diplomstudium/Magister or a three-year Bachelors degree from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 2.5 for 2:1 equivalency or 3.0 for 2:2 equivalency, or a high-scoring Fachhochschuldiplom (FH) from a recognised Austrian Fachhochschule, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Students with a good 5-year Specialist Diploma or 4-year Bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan, with a minimum GPA of 4/5 or 80% will be considered for entry to postgraduate taught programmes at the University of Birmingham.

For postgraduate research programmes applicants should have a good 5-year Specialist Diploma (completed after 1991), with a minimum grade point average of 4/5 or 80%, from a recognised higher education institution or a Masters or “Magistr Diplomu” or “Kandidat Nauk” from a recognised higher education institution in Azerbaijan.

 Holders of a bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Bahrain will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a Bachelors (Honours) degree of three years duration, followed by a Masters degree of one or two years duration from a recognised university in Bangladesh will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Students with a Bachelors degree of at least four years duration may also be considered for postgraduate study. Degrees must be from a recognised institution in Bangladesh.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0-3.3/4.0 or 65% or above for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 2.6-3.1/4.0 or 60% or above for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Students who hold a Masters degree from the University of Botswana with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (70%/B/'very good') will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Please note 4-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a Diploma of Higher Education. 5-year bachelor degrees from the University of Botswana are considered equivalent to a British Bachelor (Ordinary) degree.

Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

A Licenciatura or Bacharelado degree from a recognised Brazilian university:

• A grade of 7.5/10 for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement
• A grade of 6.5/10for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement

Holders of a good Bachelors degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Diploma za Zavarsheno Visshe Obrazovanie (‘Diploma of Completed Higher Education’), a pre-2001 Masters degree or a post-2001 Bachelors degree from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 5 out of 6, mnogo dobur/’very good’ for 2:1 equivalence; or 4 out of 6, dobur/’good’ for 2:2 equivalence; will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students with a minimum average of 14 out of 20 (or 70%) on a 4-year Licence, Bachelor degree or Diplôme d'Etudes Superieures de Commerce (DESC) or Diplôme d'Ingénieur or a Maîtrise will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Holders of a bachelor degree with honours from a recognised Canadian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A GPA of 3.0/4, 7.0/9 or 75% is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1.

Holders of the Licenciado or equivalent Professional Title from a recognised Chilean university will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD study will preferably hold a Magister degree or equivalent.

Students with a bachelor’s degree (4 years minimum) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. However please note that we will only consider students who meet the entry guidance below.  Please note: for the subject areas below we use the Shanghai Ranking 2022 (full table)  ,  Shanghai Ranking 2023 (full table) , and Shanghai Ranking of Chinese Art Universities 2023 .

需要具备学士学位（4年制）的申请人可申请研究生课程。请根据所申请的课程查看相应的入学要求。 请注意，中国院校名单参考 软科中国大学排名2022（总榜） ，  软科中国大学排名2023（总榜） ，以及 软科中国艺术类高校名单2023 。  

Business School    - MSc programmes (excluding MBA)  

商学院硕士课程（MBA除外）入学要求

School of Computer Science – all MSc programmes 计算机学院硕士课程入学要求

College of Social Sciences – courses listed below 社会科学 学院部分硕士课程入学要求 MA Education  (including all pathways) MSc TESOL Education MSc Public Management MA Global Public Policy MA Social Policy MA Sociology Department of Political Science and International Studies  全部硕士课程 International Development Department  全部硕士课程

  All other programmes (including MBA)   所有其他 硕士课程（包括 MBA）入学要求

Please note:

• Borderline cases: We may consider students with lower average score (within 5%) on a case-by-case basis if you have a relevant degree and very excellent grades in relevant subjects and/or relevant work experience. 如申请人均分低于相应录取要求（5%以内），但具有出色学术背景，优异的专业成绩，以及（或）相关的工作经验，部分课程将有可能单独酌情考虑。
• Please contact the China Recruitment Team for any questions on the above entry requirements. 如果您对录取要求有疑问，请联系伯明翰大学中国办公室   [email protected]

Holders of the Licenciado/Professional Title from a recognised Colombian university will be considered for our Postgraduate Diploma and Masters degrees. Applicants for PhD degrees will normally have a Maestria or equivalent.

Holders of a good bachelor degree with honours (4 to 6 years) from a recognised university with a upper second class grade or higher will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised university will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good Diploma Visoko Obrazovanje (Advanced Diploma of Education) or Bacclaureus (Bachelors) from a recognised Croatian higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 4.0 out of 5.0, vrlo dobar ‘very good’, for 2:1 equivalence or 3.0 out of 5.0, dobar ‘good’, for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.  Holders of a good Bacclaureus (Bachelors) from a recognised Croatian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 4.0 out of 5.0, vrlo dobar ‘very good’, or a Masters degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree(from the University of the West Indies or the University of Technology) may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. A Class II Upper Division degree is usually equivalent to a UK 2.1. For further details on particular institutions please refer to the list below.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Masters degree or Mphil from the University of the West Indies.

Holders of a good four-year government-accredited Bachelors degree from a recognised Higher Education college with a minimum overall GPA of 3 out of 4 for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 2.75 out of 4 for 2:2 equivalency; or a good four-year Bachelors degree (Ptychio) from a recognised University, with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 5.5 for 2:2 equivalency; will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a good Bakalár, or a good pre-2002 Magistr, from a recognised Czech Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, velmi dobre ‘very good’ (post-2004) or 2, velmi dobre ‘good’ (pre-2004), for 2:1 equivalence, or 2.5, C, dobre ‘good’ (post-2004) or 3, dobre ‘pass’ (pre-2004) for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Bachelors degree/Candidatus Philosophiae, Professionbachelor or Eksamensbevis from a recognised Danish university, with a minimum overall grade of 7-10 out of 12 (or 8 out of 13) or higher for 2:1 equivalence, or 4-7 out of 12 (or 7 out of 13) for 2:2 equivalence depending on the awarding institution will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of the Licenciado or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Ecuadorian university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 70% or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Magister/Masterado or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Licenciado with excellent grades can be considered.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Egypt will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4 for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8 for 2:2 equivalency. Applicants holding a Bachelors degree with alternative grading systems, will normally be expected to have achieved a 75% (Very Good) for 2:1 equivalency or 65% (Good) for 2:2 equivalency. For applicants with a grading system different to those mentioned here, please contact [email protected] for advice on what the requirements will be for you.

Holders of a good Bakalaurusekraad from a recognised university or Applied Higher Education Institution with a minimum overall grade of 4/5 or B for 2:1 equivalency or 3/5 or C for 2:2 equivalency, or a good Rakenduskõrgharidusõppe Diplom (Professional Higher Education Diploma), will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with very good grades (grade B, 3.5/4 GPA or 85%) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

Holders of a good Ammattikorkeakoulututkinto (AMK) (new system), an Yrkeshögskoleexamen (YHS) (new system), a Kandidaatti / Kandidat (new system), an Oikeustieteen Notaari or a Rättsnotarie, a good Kandidaatti / Kandidat (old system), a professional title such as Ekonomi, Diplomi-insinööri, Arkkitehti, Lisensiaatti (in Medicine, Dentistry and Vetinary Medicine), or a Maisteri / Magister (new system), Lisensiaatti / Licenciat, Oikeustieteen Kandidaatti / Juris Kandidat (new system) or Proviisori / Provisor from a recognised Finnish Higher Education institution, with a minimum overall grade of 2/3 or 3-4/5 for 2:1 equivalence or 1-2/3 or 2.5-3/5 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good three-year Licence, License Professionnelle, Diplôme d'Ingénieur/Architecte Diplômé d'État, Diplôme from an Ecole Superieure de Commerce / Gestion / Politique, or Diplome d'Etat Maitrise of three years duration or a Maîtrise from a recognised French university or Grande École will be considered for postgraduate taught study.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a minimum overall grade of 13 out of 20, bien, for 2:1 equivalency, or 11 out of 20, assez bien, for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Holders of a good three-year Bachelor degree, a Magister Artium, a Diplom or an Erstes Staatsexamen from a recognised university, or a good Fachhochschuldiplom from a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences), with a minimum overall grade of 2.5 for 2:1 equivalency, or 3.0 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students from Germany who have completed three years of the Erstes Staatsexamen qualification with a grade point average (GPA) of 10 from the first six semesters of study within the Juristische Universitätsprüfung programme would be considered for entry onto LLM programmes.  Students from Germany who have completed the five year Erstes Staatsexamen qualification with a grade point average (GPA) of 6.5 would be considered for entry onto LLM programmes. 

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good four-year Ptychio (Bachelor degree) from a recognised Greek university (AEI) with a minimum overall grade of 6.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 5.5 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, or a good four-year Ptychio from a recognised Technical Higher Education institution (TEI) with a minimum overall grade of 7.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 6.5 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

4-year Licenciado is deemed equivalent to a UK bachelors degree. A score of 75 or higher from Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC) can be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 60 is comparable to a UK 2.2.  Private universities have a higher pass mark, so 80 or higher should be considered comparable to a UK 2.1, 70 is comparable to a UK 2.2

The Hong Kong Bachelor degree is considered comparable to British Bachelor degree standard. Students with bachelor degrees awarded by universities in Hong Kong may be considered for entry to one of our postgraduate degree programmes.

Students with Masters degrees may be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Alapfokozat / Alapképzés (Bachelors degree) or Egyetemi Oklevel (university diploma) from a recognised Hungarian university, or a Foiskola Oklevel (college diploma) from a recognised college of Higher Education, with a minimum overall grade of 3.5 for 2:1 equivalency, or 3 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a Bachelors degree of three or four years in duration from a recognised university in India will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved 55% - 60% or higher for 2:1 equivalency, or 50% - 55% for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Either: A four-year Bachelors degree (first class or very good upper second class)

Or: A three-year Bachelors degree (first class) from recognised institutions in India.

For MSc programmes, the Business School will consider holders of three-year degree programmes (first class or very good upper second class) from recognised institutions in India.

For entry to LLM programmes, Birmingham is happy to accept applications from 3 or 5 year LLB holders from India from prestigious institutions.

Holders of the 4 year Sarjana (S1) from a recognised Indonesian institution will be considered for postgraduate study. Entry requirements vary with a minimum requirement of a GPA of 2.8.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Iran with a minimum of 14/20 or 70% will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate taught programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Iraq will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency, or 2.8/4 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Israel will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 80% for 2:1 equivalency or 65% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good Diploma di Laurea, Licenza di Accademia di Belle Arti, Diploma di Mediatore Linguistico or Diploma Accademico di Primo Livello from a recognised Italian university with a minimum overall grade of 100 out of 110 for 2:1 equivalence, or 92 out of 110 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold the Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies, Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Students with a Bachelor degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for entry to a postgraduate Masters degree provided they achieve a sufficiently high overall score in their first (Bachelor) degree. A GPA of 3.0/4.0 or a B average from a good Japanese university is usually considered equivalent to a UK 2:1.

Students with a Masters degree from a recognised university in Japan will be considered for PhD study. A high overall grade will be necessary to be considered.

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Jordan will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Students who have completed their Specialist Diploma Мамаң дипломы/Диплом специалиста) or "Magistr" (Магистр дипломы/Диплом магистра) degree (completed after 1991) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of 2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, will be considered for entry to postgraduate Masters degrees and, occasionally, directly for PhD degrees.  Holders of a Bachelor "Bakalavr" degree (Бакалавр дипломы/Диплом бакалавра) from a recognised higher education institution, with a minimum GPA of  2.67/4.00 for courses requiring a UK lower second and 3.00/4.00 for courses requiring a UK upper second class degree, may also be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/50

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Kuwait will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good pre-2000 Magistrs or post-2000 Bakalaurs from a recognised university, or a good Postgraduate Diploma (professional programme) from a recognised university or institution of Higher Education, with a minimum overall grade of 7.5 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 6.5 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Lebanon will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a score of 16/20 or 80% for 2:1 equivalency, or 14/20 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Libya will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 70% for 2:1 equivalency or 65% for 2:2 equivalency. Alternatively students will require a minimum of 3.0/4.0 or BB to be considered.

Holders of a good Bakalauras (post 2001), Profesinis Bakalauras (post 2001) or pre-2001 Magistras from a recognised university with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalency, or 7 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Bachelors degree or Diplôme d'Ingénieur Industriel from a recognised Luxembourgish Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20 for 2:1 equivalence, or 14 out of 20 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees (70-74% or A or Marginal Distinction from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 60-69% or B or Bare Distinction/Credit is considered comparable to a UK 2.2).

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Malaysian institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum of 3.0) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from a recognised Higher Education Institution with a minimum grade of 2:1 (Hons) for UK 2:1 equivalency, or 2:2 (Hons) for UK 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (Honours) from a recognised institution (including the University of Mauritius) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2:1).

Students who hold the Licenciado/Professional Titulo from a recognised Mexican university with a promedio of at least 8 will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.

Students who have completed a Maestria from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a Bachelors degree, licence or Maîtrise from a recognised university in Morocco will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a score of 15/20 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency, or 13/20 for 2:2 equivalency.

Students with a good four year honours degree from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham. PhD applications will be considered on an individual basis.

Holders of a Bachelors (Honours) degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Nepal will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Students with a Bachelors degree of at least three years duration plus a Masters degree may also be considered for postgraduate study. Degrees must be from a recognised institution in Nepal.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.2/4.0 or 65%-79% average or higher for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 60%-65% for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Dutch university, or Bachelors degree from a recognised Hogeschool (University of Professional Education), or a good Doctoraal from a recognised Dutch university, with a minimum overall grade of 7 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 6 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Students who hold a Bachelor degree (minimum 4 years and/or level 400) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0

Holders of a good three-six-year Bachelorgrad, Candidatus Magisterii, Sivilingeniø (siv. Ing. - Engineering), "Siviløkonom" (siv. Øk. - Economics) degree from a recognised Norwegian education institution with a minimum GPA of B/Very Good or 1.6-2.5 for a 2.1 equivalency, or a GPA of C/Good or 2.6-3.2 for a 2.2 equivalency; will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Oman will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years in duration from a recognised university in Pakistan will be considered for postgraduate taught study. Students with a Bachelors degree of at least three years duration followed by a Masters degree of one or two years duration, or holders of a two year Bachelors degree and a two year Masters degree in the same subject, may also be considered for postgraduate study.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 2.8-3.0/4.0 or 65% or above for 2:1 equivalency, or a GPA of 2.6/4.0 or 60% or above for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

A two-year degree followed by a three-year LLB will count as a full Bachelors degree.

All qualifications must be from recognised institutions. For further details on recognised institutions, please refer to Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in the Palestinian Territories will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3/4 or 80% for 2:1 equivalency or a GPA of 2.5/4 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.    

Holders of the Título de Licenciado /Título de (4-6 years) or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Paraguayan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Grades of 4/5 or higher can be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  The Título Intermedio is a 2-3 year degree and is equivalent to a HNC, it is not suitable for postgraduate entry but holders of this award could be considered for second year undergraduate entry or pre-Masters.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría / Magister or equivalent qualification, but holders of the Título/Grado de Licenciado/a with excellent grades can be considered.

Holders of the Bachiller, Licenciado, or Título Profesional with at least 13/20 may be considered as UK 2.1 equivalent.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Título de Maestría or equivalent qualification.

Holders of a good post-2001 Licencjat / Inzynier (Bachelors degree), or a pre-2001 Magister, from a recognised Polish university, with a minimum overall grade of 4.5/4+ out of 5, dobry plus ‘better than good’ for 2:1 equivalence, or 4 out of 5, dobry 'good' for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Licenciado from a recognised university, or a Diploma de Estudos Superiores Especializados (DESE) from a recognised Polytechnic Institution, with a minimum overall grade of 16 out of 20, bom com distinção ‘good with distinction’, for 2:1 equivalence, or 14 out of 20, bom ‘good’, for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Qatar will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good Diplomă de Licenţă, Diplomă de Inginer, Diplomă de Urbanist Diplomat, Diplomă de Arhitect, Diplomă de Farmacist or Diplomã de Doctor-Medic Arhitect (Bachelors degree) from a recognised Romanian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 7 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a good Диплом Бакалавра (Bakalavr) degree with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 from recognised universities in Russia may be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes/MPhil degrees. 

Students who hold a 4-year Bachelor degree with at least 16/20 or 70% will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in the Saudi Arabia will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Students who hold a Maitrise, Diplome d'Etude Approfondies,Diplome d'Etude Superieures or Diplome d'Etude Superieures Specialisees will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. A score of 14-15/20 or Bien from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a score of 12-13/20 or Assez Bien is considered comparable to a UK 2.2

Students who hold a Bachelor (Honours) degree from a recognised institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 3.5/5.0 (or a score of 60-69% or B+) from a well ranked institution will be considered for most our Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees with a 2:1 requirement.

Students holding a good Bachelors Honours degree will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a good three-year Bakalár or pre-2002 Magister from a recognised Slovakian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 1.5, B, Vel’mi dobrý ‘very good’ for 2:1 equivalence, or 2, C, Dobrý ‘good’ for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Holders of a good Diploma o pridobljeni univerzitetni izobrazbi (Bachelors degree), Diplomant (Professionally oriented first degree), Univerzitetni diplomant (Academically oriented first degree) or Visoko Obrazovanja (until 1999) from a recognised Slovenian Higher Education institution with a minimum overall grade of 8.0 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 7.0 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. 

Students who hold a Bachelor Honours degree (also known as Baccalaureus Honores / Baccalaureus Cum Honoribus) from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (70%) or a distinction (75%).

Holders of a Masters degree will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a Bachelor degree from a recognised South Korean institution (usually with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average 3.0/4.0 or 3.2/4.5) will be considered for Masters programmes.

Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study on an individual basis.

Holders of a good Título de Licenciado / Título Universitario Oficial de Graduado (Grado) /Título de Ingeniero / Título de Arquitecto from a recognised Spanish university with a minimum overall grade of 7 out of 10 for 2:1 equivalence, or 6 out of 10 for 2:2 equivalence, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Special or Professional Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in Sri Lanka will be considered for postgraduate taught study.

Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved 60-74% or a CGPA 3.30/4.0 or B+ for 2:1 equivalency, or 55-59% or a CGPA 3.0/4.0 or B for 2:2 equivalency depending on the awarding institution.  

Holders of a good Kandidatexamen (Bachelors degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelors degree) from a recognised Swedish Higher Education institution with the majority of subjects with a grade of VG (Val godkänd) for 2:1 equivalency, or G (godkänd) for 2:2 equivalency, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes. Holders of a good Kandidatexamen (Bachelors degree) or Yrkesexamen (Professional Bachelors degree) from a recognised Swedish Higher Education institution with the majority of subjects with a grade of VG (Val godkänd), and/or a good Magisterexamen (Masters degree), International Masters degree or Licentiatexamen (comparable to a UK Mphil), will be considered for entry to postgraduate research programmes.

Holders of a good " Baccalauréat universitaire/ Diplom / Diplôme; Lizentiat / Licence; Staatsdiplom / Diplôme d'Etat" degree from a recognised Swiss higher education institution (with a minimum GPA of 5/6 or 8/10 or 2/5 (gut-bien-bene/good) for a 2.1 equivalence) will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised university in Syria will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved score of 70%, or ‘very good’ for 2:1 equivalency or 60%, or ‘good’ for 2:2 equivalency.  

Holders of a good Bachelor degree (from 75% to 85% depending upon the university in Taiwan) from a recognised institution will be considered for postgraduate Masters study. Holders of a good Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.  Most taught Masters programmes require a minimum of an upper second class degree (2.1) Students who have completed a Masters degree from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a good Bachelors degree from a recognised institution will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level. Holders of Bachelors degree from prestigious institutions (see list below) will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4.0 for 2:1 equivalency or 2.7 for 2:2 equivalency. Applicants with grades slightly below these requirements may also be considered for an offer if they have a relevant Bachelors degree, good scores in relevant modules, or relevant work experience.

Holders of a Bachelors degree from all other institutions will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.2/4.0 for 2:1 equivalency, or 2.8 for 2:2 equivalency.

Prestigious institutions: Assumption University Chiang Mai University Chulalongkorn University Kasetsart University Khon Kaen University King Mongkut University of Technology - Thonburi (known as KMUTT or KMUT) Mahidol University Prince of Songla University Srinakharinwirot University Thammasat University

Holders of a bachelor degree with honours from a recognised Caribbean and West Indies university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. 

Students with a Bachelors degree from the following universities may be considered for entry to postgraduate programmes:

• Ateneo de Manila University - Quezon City
• De La Salle University - Manila
• University of Santo Tomas
• University of the Philippines - Diliman

Students from all other institutions with a Bachelors and a Masters degree or relevant work experience may be considered for postgraduate programmes.

Grading Schemes

1-5 where 1 is the highest 2.1 = 1.75 2.2 = 2.25 

Out of 4.0 where 4 is the highest 2.1 = 3.0 2.2 = 2.5

Letter grades and percentages 2.1 = B / 3.00 / 83% 2.2 = C+ / 2.5 / 77%

Holders of a postdoctoral qualification from a recognised institution will be considered for PhD study.  Students may be considered for PhD study if they have a Masters from one of the above listed universities.

Holders of a Lisans Diplomasi with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0/4.0 from a recognised university will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.

Holders of a Yuksek Diplomasi from a recognised university will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in the UAE will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of a Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.  

Students who hold a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. Most Masters programmes will require a second class upper (2.1) or GPA of 3.5/5.0

Holders of a good four-year Bachelors degree/ Диплом бакалавра (Dyplom Bakalavra), Диплом спеціаліста (Specialist Diploma) or a Dyplom Magistra from a recognised institution, with a minimum GPA of 4.0/5.0, 3.5/4, 8/12 or 80% or higher for 2:1 equivalence, or a GPA of 3.5/5.0, 3.0/4, 6/12 or 70% for 2:2 equivalence, depending on the awarding institution, will be considered for entry to taught postgraduate programmes.

The University will consider students who hold an Honours degree from a recognised institution in the USA with a GPA of:

• 2.8 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:2 requirement 
• 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) for entry to programmes with a 2:1 requirement 

Please note that some subjects which are studied at postgraduate level in the USA, eg. Medicine and Law, are traditionally studied at undergraduate level in the UK.

Holders of the Magistr Diplomi (Master's degree) or Diplomi (Specialist Diploma), awarded by prestigious universities, who have attained high grades in their studies will be considered for postgraduate study.  Holders of the Fanlari Nomzodi (Candidate of Science), where appropriate, will be considered for PhD study.

Holders of the Licenciatura/Título or an equivalent professional title from a recognised Venezuelan university may be considered for entry to a postgraduate degree programme. Scales of 1-5, 1-10 and 1-20 are used, an overall score of 70% or equivalent can be considered equivalent to a UK 2.1.  Applicants for PhD level study will preferably hold a Maestria or equivalent qualification

Holders of a Bachelors degree from a recognised Vietnamese institution (usually achieved with the equivalent of a second class upper or a grade point average minimum GPA of 7.0 and above) will be considered for postgraduate study at Diploma or Masters level.  Holders of a Masters degree (thac si) will be considered for entry to PhD programmes.

Students who hold a Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 3.5/5.0 or a mark of 2.0/2.5 (A) will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees.   

Students who hold a good Bachelor Honours degree will be considered for Postgraduate Diplomas and Masters degrees. 

International Students

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

• by holding an English language qualification to the right level - IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band
• by taking and successfully completing one of our English courses for international students

Research within the School of Government is aligned to one of three departments and Institutes:

The Department of Political Science and International Studies (POLSIS)

Dr Columba Achilleos-Sarll Feminist and post/decolonial theory; the Women, Peace and Security agenda; civil society and advocacy; visual global politics.

Dr David Bailey Protest, critical political economy and contemporary capitalism

Dr Stephen Bates British politics; Parliamentary Studies (in comparative perspective or focused on the UK Parliament).

Dr Tendayi Bloom Noncitizenship; Statelessness; Migration governance. 

Dr Verena K. Brändle Digital democracy; social media and politics; European politics; border and migration studies; political communication

Dr Sarah Bufkin Racism and racialization; Black Atlantic political thought; Critical Theory; Cultural Studies.

Professor Peter Burnham Restructuring of the state in the global political economy; State theory and radical theories of IPE; Marx and contemporary Marxism; Economic policy and capitalist crisis.

Dr Mwita Chacha Regional integration; International cooperation; Politics of coups d’état; Public opinion.

Dr Licia Cianetti Democracy and institutional change; democratic regression; inclusion and exclusion from policymaking processes; cities and local democracy.

Dr Laurence Cooley Politics of deeply divided societies (especially Northern Ireland and Bosnia and Herzegovina); post-conflict power-sharing; politics of the census and identity categorisation.

Professor David Cutts Political and electoral behaviour; Party campaigning turnout; Civic engagement; Populist parties; Social media and politics. 

Dr May Darwich International Relations Theory and the Middle East; Foreign policies of Middle Eastern states; Identity politics in the Middle East; Security policies in the Middle East.

Professor David Dunn US foreign and security policy; Strategic and security studies, and diplomacy and statecraft.

Dr Rita Floyd Ethics of emergency politics, theories of security (especially securitization theory), the English school and environmental security.

Dr Guiditta Fontana Peace processes and war-to-peace transitions. The design of peace accords, Powersharing and Reform of cultural and educational institutions in conflict-affected societies. Multi-method research designs. Politics of Lebanon, Northern Ireland, North Macedonia.

Dr Emma Foster Environmental politics; gender/sexuality and international relations; gender/sexuality and international relations.

Dr Charlotte Galpin European and national identities; European public sphere and media; Euroscepticism, EU citizenship and social movements; The role of Germany or Britain in Europe; Brexit; Gender and feminist approaches to these topics.

Dr Julie Gilson Japanese foreign policy; East Asian regionalism and institutions; Asia-Europe and Japan-Europe relations; Civil society in Asia; Climate change and environmentalism in Asia.

Dr Ruben Gonzalez-Vicente South-South relations; Global China; the political economy of development, especially in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean; critical political economy; political geography. 

Dr Tim Haughton Contemporary politics of Central and Eastern Europe; Political campaigning; Party politics; Electoral politics.

Dr Laura Jenkins Feminist political theory; Contemporary political theory and British politics.

Dr Deema Kaneff Resources and Social Change; Postsocialist transformations and global capitalism; Property relations; Markets and moralities; Transnational migration, Social exclusion and inequalities. (Europe, Eastern Europe, Bulgaria and Ukraine)

Dr Peter Kerr British politics; State theory and theories of social and political change; UK party politics and party modernisation; Political leadership and governing strategies in the UK; Citizenship and political participation and political sociology. 

Dr George Kyris International conflict, conflict management and resolution; International organisations, especially the European Union; State recognition; Statehood and sovereignty; Secession; unrecognised/ de facto states.

Professor René Lindstädt American Politics; Political Institutions; Accountability; Representation; Legislative politics and institutions; Elections; Political methodology

Dr Huw Macartney International or Comparative Political Economy; Banking and financial market governance; Globalisation, and historical materialism. 

Dr Cerwyn Moore Political violence; international relations theory; Post-Soviet and post-communist security; Interpretive approaches to global politics and Chechnya.

Dr Richard North Any area of contemporary political philosophy, but particularly on justice and liberal and democratic political philosophy.  

Dr Julian Panke European Union Politics; European Neighbourhood Policy; German foreign policy and Eastern European foreign policies (Poland, Slovakia).

Professor Patrick Porter The interaction of power and ideas in the making of foreign and defence policy in the U.S. and U.K, and in shaping their conflicts, classical realism, strategic thought and great power diplomacy.

Dr Adam Quinn US ‘grand strategy’; American national identity; American foreign and security policy; Ideological contest in American politics (contemporary and historical). 

Dr Robert Ralston International Security; Civil-Military Relations; Grand Strategy.

Dr Richard Shorten Political theory, ideology, and rhetoric; fascism, Marxism and totalitarianism; reactionaries and conservatives; the political thought of Hannah Arendt, Albert Camus and George Orwell; intellectual politics of the Cold War.

Dr Asaf Siniver International mediation and conflict resolution; The politics, diplomacy and history of the Arab-Israeli conflict; The Israeli-Palestinian peace process; Contemporary US foreign policy and Foreign Policy Analysis. 

Dr Nicola Smith Gender and sexuality; Feminist political economy; Queer theory; Biopolitics; Body politics; Sex Work; Obesity; Austerity.

Dr Graham Timmins Areas related to the external relations and foreign policy role of the European Union with specific reference to EU-Russia and German-Russian relations.

Dr Tsering Topgyal Chinese foreign and security policy; Tibet and China’s Nationality Policy; Asia-Pacific security and politics; US-China relations; Sino-Indian relations and Security studies. 

Dr Sevasti-Eleni Vezirgiannidou International Environmental Politics; Climate change politics; Environment and trade negotiations; Environmental Regime effectiveness and compliance and The trade-environment debate.

Dr Marco Vieira Rising powers and global order; South-South political cooperation/identity/institutions, South American/Latin American politics; Brazilian foreign policy and International relations theory. 

Dr Yi Wang Memory politics; Nationalism and national identity; Contemporary China; International relations of East Asia; Political communication 

Dr Robert Watt Military History, power and networks, Small Wars/Insurgencies; Native American History & Politics.

Professor Mark Webber NATO; transatlantic relations; European security; American, Russian and British foreign policy; Theories and practices of security

Dr Mark Wenman Continental philosophy; Contemporary political theory; The philosophy of the social sciences; The history of political thought.

Professor Nicholas Wheeler Trust-building between adversaries, especially nuclear armed states; Nuclear weapons and proliferation. 

Professor Kataryna Wolczuk Politics of Russia and post-Soviet countries; EU’s Eastern policy, Russia’s policy towards the post-Soviet states; Regional integration in the post-Soviet space; Nationalism and national identities (across Europe and Eurasia).

Professor Stefan Wolff -  Ethnic conflict, civil war, post-conflict state-building; Geopolitics and great-power rivalry; Central Asia, South Caucasus, Eastern Europe, Western Balkans, Middle East & North Africa.

Dr Christalla Yakinthou Conflict transformation, particularly post-settlement; Transitional justice both in theory and practice, and transitions in the MENA region; The relationship between constitutional design and transitional justice; Power sharing, Cypriot, Lebanese, and Tunisian politics and conflicts and the right to truth in international law and practice, and issues around enforced disappearance and missing people during conflict.

Dr Sotirios Zartaloudis European Union politics and policies; Migration in Europe; European politics; Discourse

The International Development Department (IDD)

Dr Sameen A. Mohsin Ali Bureaucratic politics; politics of development, donor engagement, and public sector reform; public health, especially with regard to vaccination; politics of South Asia (especially Pakistan)

Dr Philip Amis Urbanisation; Urban policy; Poverty and housing.

Not currently accepting new PhD supervision applications 

Dr Danielle Beswick UK development policy, including parliamentary scrutiny and public engagement in this; UK Africa relations; The UK Conservative Party and development; Politics, identity and security in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Rwanda; Knowledge exchange between universities and legislatures.

Dr Brock Bersaglio The political ecology of biodiversity conservation, wild meat (including food sovereignty), and zoonotic disease in eastern/southern Africa; anti-, post- and settler colonial development studies

Dr Adrian Campbell Public and local government reform, especially in transitional states. 

Professor Nic Cheeseman  Elections and democratization; The formation of a social contract in new democracies; Power-sharing and the politics of inclusion; Populism and strategies of political mobilization; African political thought. 

Dr David Cobley Disability-inclusive approaches to development, especially in the areas of poverty reduction, livelihood development, inclusive education and disaster risk reduction.

Dr Niheer Dasandi Politics of international development and foreign aid; development and human rights; politics of climate change and health; foreign policy and development  

Dr Jonathan Fisher Authoritarianism and authoritarian rule; (in)security and conflict; international politics of aid and peacekeeping; particular interest in sub-Saharan Africa.

Professor David Hudson Politics of leadership and coalitions; public opinion, survey analysis, and experiments; migration decision making; network analysis.

Professor Paul Jackson Conflict and post-conflict reconstruction; security sector reform and international intervention; combatants, politics and social reintegration; peacebuilding; economic development.

Dr Chris Lyon Politics of development; political theory; democracy, participation, decentralisation; social justice; development ethics

Professor Heather Marquette The politics of development and foreign policy; Corruption, kleptocracy and organised crime; Anti-corruption/counter-organised crime strategies and interventions

Dr Claire McLoughlin State legitimacy; The politics of public service delivery; The role of ideas in development.

Dr Emeka Njoku Critical security studies; Terrorism and counter-terrorism; Nonprofit organisations; conflict-related gender/sexual violence; State-civil society relations; peacebuilding.

Professor Fiona Nunan Renewable natural resource governance, management and livelihoods in low- and middle-income countries, especially fisheries and coastal ecosystems and community-based or collaborative governance.

Dr Martin Ottmann Political economy of civil war and development, including peace processes and negotiated settlements; Power-sharing, resource redistribution, elections, and political trust after war. PhD applications relying on advanced statistical research methods, mixed-methods designs, and modern methods of causal inference are particularly welcome. 

Dr Emily Scott Humanitarianism, health, and migration; international organisation (IOs) and international non-governmental organisations (INGOs); state-society relations, particularly in the Middle East; conflict and security; localization and the international politics of aid.

Dr Merisa Thompson Feminist political economy; food and agrarian studies; the politics of gender and development; histories of colonialism, particularly the Caribbean.

Dr Kailing Xie Contemporary Chinese society, Gender and reproductive politics, the politics of nation-building; Civil Society; governance beyond the state; collective memory and emotions; Chinese diaspora;feminist epistemologies and methodologies.

Department of Public Administration and Policy (DPAP)

Dr Koen Bartels Social innovation; Democratic innovation; Public encounters; Urban governance; Action research; Interpretive policy analysis; Communication; Practice theory; Relational public policy and administration.

Dr Karin Bottom   The role of small parties; Comparative politics; Policy analysis; Elections and quantitative methodologies.

Dr May Chu Risk regulation; Collaborative governance; Food safety and sustainability

Dr Abena Dadze-Arthur Transfer and brokering of knowledge across cultural and institutional boundaries. Decolonizing, transforming, and indigenising approaches to public management and governance. The scientific study of subjectivity (Q Methodology)

Dr Stephen Jeffares Projects that draw on social media data to understand change or controversies in public policy. 

Dr Timea Nochta Networks in governance and policy; Complexity; Smart cities, digitalisation and e-government; Climate change and net zero; Network analysis; Mixed methods

Dr Louise Reardon Multi-level governance; Policy networks; Agenda setting; Policy change; Policy implementation; Transport policy; Wellbeing and quality of life; Smart cities. 

Dr Philip Whiteman Policy implementation studies; Central and local government relations; Regulation of local government; Local authority corporate management scrutiny; Public sector performance, procurement and efficiency; Public consultation and participation; Organisation dynamics. 

You will contact your supervisor approximately monthly (every 2 months for part-time students) over the course of your study. Supervisors are experienced in managing the research process and are chosen to complement your area of interest. You will discuss your research with a panel annually. The panel is chaired by an experienced researcher from the department, and includes your supervisor and another member of staff. It provides an important opportunity to present progress on your research and to have a wider discussion about your work.

Your supervisor will read and comment on drafts of your thesis before it is finally submitted. An external and an internal examiner (who will not be your supervisor) will then examine it, and will meet with you for a viva. They will judge whether your thesis demonstrates:

• Knowledge of the relevant academic literature
• Skill in use of research methods
• Independent investigation
• Clear presentation of information
• Arguments presented in a coherent and appropriate form

The requirement for PhDs is that the work is an original contribution to knowledge that is worthy of publication.

If I gain a postgraduate research degree in this area, what are my career prospects?

Birmingham’s Political Science and International Studies graduates develop transferable skills that are useful in many occupations. These include familiarity with research methods; the ability to manage large and diverse quantities of information; the ability to organise information in a logical and coherent manner; judging and evaluating complex information; and making reasoned arguments, both orally, in tutorials and presentations, and in written work. There are many careers where a political science and international studies degree is useful and past graduates have entered areas including commercial management, finance, administration, politics, and even the armed forces. Some of our PhD graduates also continue onto successful careers in academic research and teaching.

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PhD in International Relations

Engage in problem-driven research with a truly global focus

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in International Relations trains scholars to conduct cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research across key areas of international affairs and political science. A combination of in-depth hands-on fieldwork and comprehensive theoretical study enables Fletcher's PhD students to uncover the meaningful questions that ultimately shape both their future research and their careers.

Developing tomorrow's thought leaders

With approximately 50 students engaged in coursework or research, the PhD program is an integral and vibrant component of the Fletcher community. Working alongside our world-renowned faculty, Fletcher doctoral candidates acquire the theoretical and practical skills needed to produce research that will help shape future discourse on international relations. After completing their degrees, graduates go on to successful high-level careers in academia and research, and in the non-profit, government, and private sectors.

Fletcher’s PhD candidates come from around the world, bringing perspectives and experiences that inform their research and goals.  Get to know their stories and learn how they plan to shape the future of international affairs.

After completing their degrees, doctoral graduates go on to successful high-level careers in academia and research, and in the non-profit, government, and private sectors.  They make their impact on an array of fields, often maintaining a presence in both academia and practice.

Fletcher PhD students move through three program phases on their way from admission to graduation. They start with classes, arranged within a structured curriculum that still allows significant flexibility in course selection. When their class requirements are complete, students take comprehensive exams, and then move on as PhD candidates to research and write a dissertation.

Shaping Your PhD Through Coursework

In shaping their curriculum, students start with a primary field of study, through which they develop a depth of expertise unique to their interests. The primary fields of study that support PhD studies are:

• Comparative and Regional Studies
• Gender and Intersectional Analysis
• Human Security and Humanitarian Affairs
• International Business
• International Development and Environmental Policy
• International Security

Students build on their primary field of expertise by developing a breadth of foundational knowledge in a second field of study, which can be any of the  fields offered at Fletcher  or might be a self-designed field. Regardless of their choice of field, all students also pursue foundational courses in international relations theory and in research methodology. The two fields of study later become the basis for comprehensive exams.

Students seeking additional opportunities to individualize their studies may cross-register for up to a quarter of their classes at another graduate school at Tufts University or at Harvard University.

Students who have received their master's degree at another institution generally pursue twelve courses at Fletcher, with limited opportunities to have prior coursework applied to their degree. Those who possess a MALD generally pursue an additional four courses, for a total of twenty courses for the two degrees.

Demonstrating Knowledge Through Comprehensive Examinations

Students demonstrate mastery of their subjects through comprehensive examinations, composed of a written exam in each of the two fields of study and an oral exam that integrates the material from the two areas. Students generally sit for their comprehensive examinations within a year of completing their coursework.

Developing and Writing a Dissertation

Once they have passed their comprehensive exams and achieved PhD candidacy, students move on to propose, research, and write a dissertation. The completed dissertation should bear evidence of independent research and constitute a substantial contribution on the subject. When the dissertation is complete, the PhD candidate participates in a public oral defense of the dissertation.

Additional Graduation Requirements

In addition to the steps detailed above, students in the PhD program:

• Demonstrate proficiency in a second language.
• Submit a master's thesis for evaluation by a Fletcher faculty member. This could be a master's thesis written prior to enrollment at Fletcher, or a thesis written during the first year at Fletcher.

Length of Time Required to Receive the PhD

Once they have completed their coursework, PhD students generally take about five years to complete the degree, but the exact time varies according to the scope of each candidate's research, the amount of time devoted to PhD studies, and the time needed to research and write the dissertation.

Professional Development Opportunities

Fletcher's Office of Career Services  works with PhD students interested in a career in international relations practice. Our graduates have pursued careers at a wide range of institutions and organizations. For those focused on the academic job market, Fletcher offers support at a variety of levels. Fletcher faculty and the Office of Career Services support job candidates with career advice, professional development, and general assistance.

To develop teaching skills, students can participate in Tufts University’s three-week summer intensive  Graduate Institute for Teaching  and then to co-teach a class with a faculty mentor. Many students have also developed and taught classes in the University’s  Osher Institute  or  Experimental College .

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This field of study or specialization is sometimes called Doctorate in International Relations. It is the only fully online PhD program in diplomacy organized by an international intergovernmental organization and officially used by active diplomats over 4 continents. Alumni, students and faculty include current and former ambassador, minister, counsellors, etc. . Note: For information about our Online Master Degree in Sustainable Development and Diplomacy (EUCLID MSDD), please . Note: For information about our Online MBA in International Organizations (EUCLID MBAIO), please . Note: For information about EUCLID as an institution, including Participating States, scholarship programs, inter-institutional agreements and accreditation, please . This degree program is distance-based only. EUCLID's Doctorate in Diplomacy and International Affairs represents 90 US credits (120 ECTS) of coursework beyond the Bachelor's. In practice, students may enter the DDIA with a relevant Master's degree, complete 30 to 35 US credits of core doctoral courses, followed by the actual writing of the dissertation in 5 phases. The resulting thesis should be a publishable book offering a clear contribution to the field and establishing the author as a subjet-matter expert. Among the suggested areas of focus are: Program Brochure and Admission Requirements For more information on a specific point, please contact the Admissions Office. Applicants must have a Master’s degree or its international equivalent, issued by an institution listed in the latest edition of the UNESCO-IAU handbook. Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required and will be tested. Students are expected to be in position to dedicate 10 to 15 effective hours of study on a weekly basis. Curriculum / Program Courses or "Roadmap" EUCLID Online Doctorate in Diplomacy (Diplomatic Studies) courses (from EUCLID database): International Academic Writing (Doctorate) Argumentation and Critical Thinking Diplomacy: Theory and Practice International Law and Treaty Law (1) International Relations + Fifty Key Thinkers in IR International Conflicts: Theory and History International Organizations I DDIA Thesis 1/5 Bibliography + Outline DDIA Thesis 2/5 Draft DDIA Thesis 3/5 Completed Draft DDIA Thesis 4/5 Editing DDIA Thesis 5/5 Final Review   Elective Courses : International Academic and Professional Paper Writing International Negotiations Diplomacy and Religion / Inter-Religious Diplomacy Diplomacy, Oil & Energy Diplomatic History Module European Law International Politics: Enduring Concepts and Contemporary Issues Economic Development Foreign Service, Careers in International Affairs Careers in International Affairs Multilateral Diplomacy (United Nations) A Guide to the World Bank Diplomatic Protocol and Immunities World War II: A Military and Social History History of Russia: From Peter the Great to Gorbachev History of the United States, 2nd Edition United States and the Middle East: 1914 to 9/11 For more information Faculty Profiles Institutional and Programmatic Accreditation About EUCLID: Institutional Background     : A treaty-based organization with international liaison and representative offices in New York / Washington DC, Montpellier (France), Berlin (Germany) International Headquarters: Bangui, C.A.R.; Banjul, The Gambia Email: Faustin Touadéra, PhD (Mathematics; Lille, France) - - - | - - - - | - | - - - Participations / Memberships Online Master in Energy Online Master in International Public Administration Online Master in Mediation and Conflict Resolution Online MBA Global Entrepreneurship Online MBA Islamic Finance Professional Certification in Islamic Finance: Certified Islamic Finance Professional Fake emails and Scam Warning SAIS is #2 in Latest Foreign Policy Rankings Kenyan president speaks at sais during state visit, usaid administrator samantha power speaks at the hopkins bloomberg center, secretary of state antony j. blinken delivers brzezinski lecture at sais, how will you shape the future. There has never been a more exciting time to study international relations at a graduate school with a proven reputation for producing influential, innovative, and accomplished graduates. Search by areas of expertise Explore by degree type What degree level are you looking for, how much work experience do you have, how long do you expect to pursue your studies. Explore our career outcomes Strategically Located in DC, Europe, and China Washington DC SAIS Europe Hopkins-Nanjing Center 400+ Think Tanks Just steps from organizations that shape the world. 175 foreign embassies, residences, chanceries, and diplomatic missions. 40+ Student Nationalities Bologna, Italy: gateway to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East 14 students per class on average 100% Students Receiving Scholarships Oldest university partnership between China and US 120K+ volumes housed in top collection on international affairs Student Stories The Profound Impact of a SAIS Education Washington, D.C. provides an excellent setting for the study of international relations, offering access to influential thought leaders, policymakers, and media organizations that drive public discourse on global issues. Our school's main campus is at the center of one of the most iconic and vibrant areas of Washington, D.C. Learn from world-class scholars and practitioners renowned for their expertise, influence, and extensive networks. Everyone Becomes Connected One Way or Another The city of Bologna consistently ranks in the top 10 European cities for quality of life. Bologna is a convenient base for securing internships and employment in major capitals across the continent, where our alumni network is well-represented. Bologna, Italy offers a strategic gateway to the rest of Europe and to neighboring regions such as North Africa and the Middle East. Nanjing Feels Like a Second Home The city of Nanjing is the capital of Jiangsu province, former capital of six Chinese dynasties, and just over one hour from Shanghai by train. Tree-lined streets, historic buildings, and nearby mountains make Nanjing one of the most livable cities in China. Hopkins-Nanjing Center students form lasting ties and extensive networks to support one another throughout their careers. Student activities provide social, cultural, and academic opportunities to understand China from a perspective beyond the classroom. The Hopkins-Nanjing Center recently celebrated its 30-year legacy as a preeminent Chinese and American institution. The HNC and its graduates have been at the forefront of efforts to build constructive relations between the US and China for over three decades. Advance Your Career Our global careers team has a proven track record for connecting talented students with rewarding career opportunities. LEARN FROM THE BEST: UNPARALLELED STUDENT EXPERIENCES Johns Hopkins SAIS hosts top policy makers and global leaders. Our faculty experts maintain close connections with other international affairs research scholars, practitioners and thought leaders around the world. These networks provide SAIS students with unparalleled learning opportunities inside the classroom and out, preparing them for remarkable success as they help meet the world’s most pressing challenges. SAIS Came Top of the List Beyond The Classroom SAIS Students Explore the Battle of Britain in International Staff Ride SAIS Europe Students Make Study Trip to Georgia HNC-in-the-World Initiative Goes to Southeast Asia Event Recaps Hopkins-Nanjing Center Commencement 2024 Graduate School Princeton School of Public and International Affairs General information, program offerings:. Joint Degree Director of Graduate Studies: Graduate program administrator:. The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) offers a distinctive curriculum that strikes a careful balance between theory and practice. Graduate students spend time developing analytical skills and acquiring a substantive knowledge about the world's most important domestic and international issues. The School has a diverse faculty representing a wide range of disciplines and expertise, with 20 affiliated research centers and programs. The School's resources enable students to earn graduate degrees without incurring indebtedness, thereby making it more feasible to pursue careers of public service in the public and nonprofit sectors. Graduate Programs The principal graduate program of the school is a two-year curriculum leading to the degree of Master in Public Affairs (M.P.A.). Students can earn a dual degree in public affairs and law (M.P.A./J.D.) after four years of study at SPIA  and a collaborating law school. The School also offers a dual degree in business (M.P.A./M.B.A) with the Graduate School of Business at Stanford University.  The School also has a graduate program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in public and international affairs, as well as a one-year Master in Public Policy (M.P.P.) for mid-career professionals. Additional departmental requirements Ph.D. – sample of written work, 25 page maximum. Applicants are required to select an academic subplan when applying. MPA– Course list. 4 page policy memo. Applicants are required to select a field when applying. MPA – J.D. – Course list. 4 page policy memo. 2 page joint degree statement. Applicants are required to select a field when applying. MPA - MBA – Course list. 4 page policy memo. 2 page joint degree statement. Applicants are required to select a field when applying. MPP – 4 page policy memo. Applicants are required to select a field when applying. Mid-career professionals are required to have a minimum of 7 years’ experience. MPA and MPP - Must have 3 letters of recommendation: preference for 1 professional letter, 1 academic reference letter, and 1 letter from a faculty member, administrator, or professional who can comment on the applicant's commitment to public service.   Program Offerings Program offering: ph.d., program description. The purpose of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs' doctoral program is to train top-quality researchers in critical areas of public policy.  It offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs in two research clusters: Security Studies; and Science, Technology and Environmental Policy (STEP).  The goal is to enroll eight students per year in the program, with four in each research cluster. Core courses and individual requirements are determined by the faculty in each cluster. Both clusters require advanced politics and econometrics training for social science research.  A student in the STEP cluster must take at least eight courses in the first two years, and a minimum of three courses must come from within SPIA or from science or engineering departments, selected with approval of the primary adviser and the faculty coordinator of the STEP Ph.D. cluster.  A student in the Security cluster takes 12 courses during the first two years.  All students are required to maintain an overall grade average of 85 (B) or higher to remain in the Ph.D. program.  Full requirements are available on the SPIA website. Additional pre-generals requirements Writing Requirement Students are required to complete an original research paper of publishable quality. General exam The examination covers two fields identified by the student in consultation with a faculty committee and includes two written components.  Students in both clusters may be required to complete an oral examination, depending on their performance on the written components. Students are expected to complete all parts of the general examination by the end of the second year. Qualifying for the M.A. The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree is normally an incidental degree on the way to full Ph.D. candidacy and is earned after a student successfully completes all coursework and the general examination.  It may also be awarded to students who, for various reasons, leave the Ph.D. program, provided that the M.A. requirements have been met. A six-hour teaching assignment (precepting), usually following the general examination, is required. Post-Generals requirements A written research prospectus is required. Dissertation and FPO After a candidate successfully completes the general examination and defends the written prospectus, the Ph.D. program committee approves entry into the dissertation phase of the program.   The student prepares a dissertation for review by the faculty. Departmental acceptance of the dissertation qualifies the candidate for the final public oral examination.  The Final Public Oral (FPO) examination is required by University regulations, and is conducted after the dissertation has been recommended for acceptance by the School. The Ph.D. is awarded after the candidate’s doctoral dissertation has been accepted and the FPO examination completed. Program Offering: M.P.A. The Master in Public Affairs (M.P.A.) offers rigorous preparation for international and domestic policy careers. This two-year, full-time residential program cultivates among its students and graduates a lasting commitment to public service. Through its core curriculum and a wide variety of elective courses, students learn analytical skills that address the political, economic, quantitative, behavioral and normative aspects of complex policy problems.  Each M.P.A. candidate selects a policy field in which to specialize from the school’s four fields of concentration: international relations, international development, domestic policy, and economics and public policy. Students may also earn a joint degree in public affairs and law (M.P.A./J.D.), or in public affairs and business (M.P.A./M.B.A.). Certificate programs offer additional areas of specialization in fields such as health policy; science, technology, and environmental policy (STEP); and urban policy. Significant financial aid resources are dedicated to enable SPIA students the opportunity to receive graduate degrees without incurring loan indebtedness and to launch them into public service careers in the public and nonprofit sectors. Students must complete 16 full-term courses in an approved plan of study, attaining an overall average in the 16 courses of 80 or better. The overall average includes actual grades in courses taken Pass/D/Fail. The curriculum of the M.P.A. program includes seven required core courses that address skills and techniques needed for the systematic study of public policy problems. The courses cover political analysis, quantitative methods, and economic and behavioral analysis.  Additional requirements Policy Workshops Graduate policy workshops are a unique part of the SPIA graduate curriculum. Policy workshops provide students with an opportunity to use the analytical skills they have acquired in the first year in the program to analyze complex and challenging policy issues, usually for real clients. Each workshop consists of about 10 students who work in teams to evaluate a policy challenge. The workshops emphasize policy implementation, and it is this emphasis that distinguishes them from regular courses. The goal of the workshops is to understand a policy issue in great depth and to make policy recommendations that are both creative and realistic, given the relevant institutional and political constraints. Policymaking in Diverse Societies half-term course All students must take at least one half-term course that focuses on policymaking in diverse societies during the two-year course of study.  A list of pre-approved courses will be made available to students each academic year. Required summer course in Race, Power and Inequality  All students must take a summer course (SPI 500) Race, Power and Inequality which precedes all other core courses and is integrated into the four-week summer program. This is a for-credit half-term course, with mandatory PDF grading. Integrated Policy Exercise (IPE) In late January, before spring semester courses begin, first-year M.P.A. students are required to take part in a policy project called the Integrated Policy Exercise, or IPE. The IPE requires students to apply the skills they acquired in the fall term core courses. They are given briefing materials to review in advance and are then required to submit a comprehensive memo in response to a set of specific policy questions. The IPE is a trial run for the first-year qualifying examination (QE1). Qualifying Examination 1 (QE1) In early May, at the end of the second semester, students are required to take the QE1, a graded exercise that closely parallels the IPE. The QE1 requires an integrated use of all the analytical skills acquired in the first-year core curriculum. Qualifying Examination 2 (QE2) Second-year students are required to take and pass a second qualifying exam (QE2) in their chosen field of concentration at the end of the second year. Internship  Students must successfully complete an internship approved by the Internship Committee. Program Offering: M.P.P. The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs offers a one-year Master in Public Policy (M.P.P.) degree for mid-career professionals who are rising leaders in international and domestic public policy.  This residential program is designed for mid-career professionals with seven or more years of public service experience in government agencies or nonprofit organizations in the United States and abroad. The M.P.P. program provides rigorous training in economic, behavioral, political, and organizational analysis. Students may also choose to specialize and earn a certificate in one of the following: health and health policy (HHP); science, technology, and environmental policy (STEP); or urban policy (UP). To qualify for the degree, M.P.P. candidates must successfully complete eight courses. A typical M.P.P. program of study will include a specialization in one of the school’s four fields of concentration: International Relations International Development Domestic Policy Economics and Public Policy All M.P.P. students begin with a six-week summer program that includes intensive courses in microeconomics and statistics, and a policy analysis and leadership seminar. The summer program is designed to enhance students’ preparation for graduate-level courses. The seminar aims to introduce them to the approaches they will encounter in SPIA courses during the academic year, while also helping them get to know their peers and refine their learning objectives for the year. Program Offering: Joint Degree Some students may wish to combine the School's program in public affairs with study for a degree in a related professional field. A joint M.P.A.-J.D. degree program that combines public affairs with the study of law is offered in cooperation with the law schools of New York University, Columbia, Stanford, and Yale. On occasion, joint programs with other law schools have been approved by the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs and the cooperating law school. The joint program shortens the time involved in obtaining the two degrees and makes possible an effective combination of the several disciplines involved in public policy analysis. Participating students spend five semesters at the cooperating law school and three semesters at SPIA, thus reducing by two semesters the normal time required to earn the two degrees. Enrollment in the joint program requires a separate application and admission to each school. For a small number of exceptionally strong candidates, the School will accept applications for a joint program that combines public and international affairs with the study of business administration. Proposals giving a detailed rationale for such a joint program must be submitted at the time of application. At this time, Stanford’s Graduate School of Business is the only cooperating business school. A joint degree programs will normally shorten by one semester the length of time required to complete each of the individual programs. Amaney A. Jamal David S. Wilcove Director of Graduate Studies Elke U. Weber Director of Undergraduate Studies Susan L. Marquis Gary J. Bass Roland J. Benabou Alan S. Blinder Carles Boix Charles M. Cameron Miguel A. Centeno Christopher F. Chyba Alin I. Coman Janet M. Currie Rafaela M. Dancygier Navroz K. Dubash Pascaline Dupas Kathryn J. Edin Christopher L. Eisgruber Aaron L. Friedberg Filiz Garip Noreen Goldman Bryan T. Grenfell Gene M. Grossman G. John Ikenberry Harold James Seema Jayachandran Jennifer L. Jennings Henrik J. Kleven Ilyana Kuziemko David S. Lee Frances E. Lee John B. Londregan Denise L. Mauzerall Nolan McCarty C. Jessica E. Metcalf Atif R. Mian Helen V. Milner Sanyu A. Mojola Eduardo Morales Andrew Moravcsik Layna Mosley Michael Oppenheimer Pietro Ortoleva Elizabeth L. Paluck Grigore Pop-Eleches Deborah A. Prentice Markus Prior Emily Pronin Laurence Ralph Stephen J. Redding Richard Rogerson Cecilia E. Rouse Aysegül Sahin Kim Lane Scheppele Eldar Shafir Jacob N. Shapiro Patrick T. Sharkey Stacey A. Sinclair Paul E. Starr Florencia Torche Zeynep Tufekci James Raymond Vreeland Keith A. Wailoo Leonard Wantchekon Mark W. Watson Ismail K. White Jennifer A. Widner Deborah J. Yashar Julian E. Zelizer Owen M. Zidar Associate Professor Elizabeth M. Armstrong Thomas Fujiwara Alexander Glaser Adam M. Goldstein Jonathan Mayer Jonathan F. Mummolo Anuj K. Shah Hye Young You Assistant Professor Benjamin H. Bradlow Pauline Carry Amelia M. Frank-Vitale Tanushree Goyal Naima N. Green-Riley John R. Grigsby Saad A. Gulzar Peter Henderson Aleksandra Korolova Karthik A. Sastry Maria Micaela Sviatschi Guadalupe Tuñón Andreas B. Wiedemann Associated Faculty Alison E. Isenberg, History Guy J.P. Nordenson, Architecture Lecturer with Rank of Professor Robert L. Hutchings Stanley N. Katz Professor of the Practice Heather H. Howard Lakshmi N. Balaji Frederick D. Barton Andrew Buher Zack Cooper Varun Gauri Jean B. Grossman Kerry M. Healey Razia Iqbal Gregory B. Jaczko Daniel C. Kurtzer Tom Malinowski Anastasia Mann Carol L Martin Timothy J. Nelson Deborah N. Pearlstein Juan C. Pinzon Kenneth Roth Thomas A. Shannon Arian M. Sharifi Alyssa B. Sharkey Nathaniel Zbaida Sam van Noort Visiting Professor Martin S. Flaherty Visiting Lecturer Eduardo Bhatia Brendan F. Boyle Martha B. Coven Barton D. Gellman Pallavi Gogoi Dee L. Mewbourne Mark A. Milley Teddy Nemeroff Steven Strauss For a full list of faculty members and fellows please visit the department or program website. Permanent Courses Courses listed below are graduate-level courses that have been approved by the program’s faculty as well as the Curriculum Subcommittee of the Faculty Committee on the Graduate School as permanent course offerings. Permanent courses may be offered by the department or program on an ongoing basis, depending on curricular needs, scheduling requirements, and student interest. Not listed below are undergraduate courses and one-time-only graduate courses, which may be found for a specific term through the Registrar’s website. Also not listed are graduate-level independent reading and research courses, which may be approved by the Graduate School for individual students. ENE 549 - Integrated Assessment Modeling for Climate Policy Making (also SPI 583) Pol 506 - qualitative methods (also spi 595), pop 507 - generalized linear statistical models (also spi 509), spi 500 - race, power, and inequality, spi 501 - the politics of public policy, spi 502 - psychology for policy analysis and implementation, spi 503 - management of non-profit organizations, spi 504 - policy issues and analysis of civil society, non-profits, and philanthropy, spi 505 - financial management in the corporate and public sectors, spi 506 - the sociology of organizations, spi 507b - quantitative analysis for policymakers, spi 507c - quantitative analysis for policymakers (advanced), spi 508a - econometrics for policymakers: applications (half-term), spi 508b - econometrics for policymakers (half-term), spi 508c - econometrics for policymakers (advanced), spi 508d - econometrics and public policy (accelerated), spi 511b - microeconomic analysis for policymakers, spi 511c - microeconomic analysis for policymakers (advanced), spi 512b - macroeconomic analysis for policymakers, spi 512c - macroeconomic analysis for policymakers (advanced), spi 515b - program and policy evaluation, spi 515c - program and policy evaluation: impact evaluation tools, spi 519a - negotiation, persuasion and social influence: theory and practice (also psy 528a), spi 521 - domestic politics, spi 522 - microeconomic analysis of domestic policy, spi 523 - legal and regulatory policy toward markets, spi 524 - the political economy of central banking, spi 525 - public economics and public policy, spi 527a - topics in domestic policy, spi 527b - topics in domestic policy, spi 527c - topics in domestic policy, spi 527d - topics in domestic policy, spi 528a - topics in domestic policy, spi 528b - topics in domestic policy, spi 528c - topics in domestic policy, spi 528d - topics in domestic policy, spi 528f - topics in domestic policy, spi 528g - topics in domestic policy, spi 529 - great leadership in historical perspective, spi 530 - values based leadership, spi 531 - identity, power, and policy, spi 533 - planning theory and process (also arc 535), spi 534 - land use policy and planning, spi 535 - planning methods, spi 537 - urban inequality and social policy (also soc 537), spi 538 - urban economics, spi 539 - urban politics and policymaking, spi 540 - urbanization and development, spi 541 - international politics, spi 542 - international economics, spi 543 - international trade policy, spi 544 - international macroeconomics, spi 547 - the conduct of international diplomacy, spi 548 - weapons of mass destruction and international security, spi 549 - national security policy, spi 550 - phd gateway in security studies, spi 552 - the politics of globalization, spi 555a - topics in ir, spi 555b - topics in ir, spi 555c - topics in ir, spi 555d - topics in ir, spi 555e - topics in ir, spi 555f - topics in ir, spi 556a - topics in ir, spi 556b - topics in ir (also las 566/pol 564), spi 556c - topics in ir, spi 556d - topics in ir (also pol 522), spi 556e - topics in ir, spi 556f - topics in ir, spi 556g - topics in ir, spi 558 - human rights, spi 559 - the rule of law, spi 561 - the comparative political economy of development (also pol 523), spi 562b - economic analysis of development, spi 562c - economic analysis of development (advanced), spi 564 - poverty, inequality and health in the world (also pop 564), spi 565 - social determinants of health (also pop 565/soc 565), spi 566a - topics in health (also pop 566), spi 568 - economics of health in developing countries, spi 571 - topics in development, spi 571a - topics in development, spi 571b - topics in development, spi 571c - topics in development, spi 571d - topics in development, spi 572 - topics in development, spi 572a - topics in development, spi 572b - topics in development, spi 572c - topics in development, spi 574 - making government work, spi 576a - topics in regional and country studies, spi 576b - topics in regional and country studies, spi 581a - topics in economics, spi 581c - topics in economics, spi 582a - topics in economics, spi 582b - topics in economics, spi 582c - topics in economics, spi 582f - topics in economics, spi 585a - topics in step, spi 585b - topics in step, spi 585c - topics in step, spi 586a - topics in step, spi 586b - topics in step (also eeb 516), spi 586d - topics in step, spi 586e - topics in step, spi 586f - topics in step (also cos 586), spi 588 - extramural summer research project, spi 589 - methods in science, technology, and environmental policy, spi 590a - economic perspectives on inequality (half term), spi 590b - politics of inequality and redistribution (half-term) (also pol 598), spi 590c - sociological studies of inequality (half-term) (also soc 571), spi 590d - psychological studies of inequality (half-term) (also psy 590), spi 590s - workshop in social policy, spi 591 - policy workshops, spi 591a - policy workshop, spi 591b - policy workshop, spi 591c - policy workshop, spi 591d - policy workshop, spi 591e - policy workshop, spi 591f - policy workshop, spi 591g - policy workshop, spi 591h - policy workshop, spi 592 - policy workshops, spi 593 - policy analysis: selected topics (half-term), spi 593a - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593b - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593c - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593d - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593e - topics in policy analysis (half-term) (also soc 585), spi 593f - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593g - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593h - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593i - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593j - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593k - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593l - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593m - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593n - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593o - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593p - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593q - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593r - topics in policy analysis (half-term) (also pop 593r), spi 593s - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593t - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 593z - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594 - policy analysis: selected topics (half-term), spi 594a - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594b - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594c - topics in policy analysis (half-term) (also pop 594c), spi 594d - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594e - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594f - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594g - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594h - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594i - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594j - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594k - topics in policy analysis (half term), spi 594l - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594m - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594n - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594o - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594p - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594q - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594r - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594s - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594t - topics in policy analysis (half-term) (also pop 594t), spi 594u - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594v - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594w - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594x - topics in policy analysis (half-term), spi 594y - topics in policy analysis (half-term) (also ene 594), spi 595b - phd seminar: qualitative research design (also pol 509), spi 597 - public policy approaches to health and health care, spi 598 - epidemiology (also pop 508), spi 599 - extramural public policy fellowship. International Relations Undergraduate The Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree is designed for industry professionals with years of work experience who wish to complete their degrees part time, both on campus and online, without disruption to their employment. Our typical student is over 30, has previously completed one or two years of college, and works full time. Students enrolled in the Master of Liberal Arts program in International Relations will gain critical insight into today’s pressing global issues and a deep understanding of the factors influencing relationships between nation-states and supranational organizations. College of Professional Studies Global studies and international relations. Prepare for internationally focused positions in the U.S. or abroad with our practical, interdisciplinary and interactive Master of Science Degree in Global Studies and International Relations. In today’s increasingly interconnected world, global corporations, nonprofits, and governments have an increasing need for leaders with deep analytical, research, and cross-cultural skills. Our Master of Science in Global Studies and International Relations prepares students for internationally focused positions in the U.S. and abroad to take on the complex challenges formed by modern globalization.  Our unique interdisciplinary program concentrates on both global studies and international relations, allowing students to gain one comprehensive degree. Classes focus on real-world fieldwork such as analyzing the investment portfolios of developing nations, staging mock debates, crisis management, and the art of speechwriting for top embassy officials—preparing you for leadership roles in international organizations and areas like consulting, nonprofit management, business and industry, education, foreign service, or banking.  With students coming from more than 24 countries and over 34 states and faculty with decades of experience working as ambassadors, foreign service officers, diplomats, and more, there are rich opportunities for discussion and debates on international perspectives. More Details Unique features. Unique interdisciplinary degree that applies theory to practice:  Gain expertise in global studies and international relations in one comprehensive degree. The curriculum is designed to give you an understanding of both subjects, with class assignment examples taken from the workplace, such as policy analysis and speechwriting.   Accomplished faculty with decades of experience:  Take courses taught by distinguished policymakers, former ambassadors, diplomats, foreign service advisors, and more. Opportunity to participate in a virtual International Field Study Experience : Serve as an international consultant for global organizations on a current challenge they’re facing. Present your findings in a virtual working session. Tailor your degree to your career goals:  Focus on the industry or skill set that most interests you with one of four concentrations: Diplomacy, Conflict Resolution, International Economics and Consulting, or Global Health and Development. You’ll also choose one of the globe’s six major regions to focus your area of study.   Flexible learning formats:  With courses offered 100% online, on campus in Boston or Seattle, or a combination of online and on campus, you can complete your degree without putting your life on hold.  Join an international network:  Take advantage of a wide international network made up of classmates, faculty, and dedicated alumni. Other experiential learning opportunities:  You’ll have the option to participate in co-ops, capstone projects, and internships at the United Nations, U.S. Department of State, Pathfinder International, Human Rights Watch, Charity Water, Refuge Point, and many more. Participate in the Diplomacy Lab: Explore real-world challenges while contributing to the policymaking process in conjunction with the US State Department. What You'll Learn Specialized Knowledge:  Incorporate foundational global and intercultural knowledge, theories, research methods, and approaches to investigate global issues from government, private, and nonprofit viewpoints. Broad and Integrative Knowledge:  Frame and evaluate global challenges in international political, economic, security, or diplomatic areas in the selected region or concentration, drawing on perspectives and methods from diverse fields of study. Applied and Collaborative Learning:  Apply the advanced knowledge gained in the field of global studies to a practical challenge, articulate in writing the insights gained from this experience, and assess approaches, scholarly debates, or standards for professional performance applicable to the challenge. Civic and Global Learning:  Assess and develop a position on a contemporary social issue from a socio-historical perspective and from multiple viewpoints of the stakeholders. Experiential Learning:  Synthesize and transfer learning to new, complex situations within course work or beyond the classroom. Career Outlook Graduates have gone on to work in diverse areas such as international business, journalism, defense, international security, for NGOs or the UN, various embassies and consulates, and nonprofits around the world. Our international faculty and alumni are established in their careers and can serve as advocates during your job search. Northeastern’s renowned co-op and internship program allows you to gain hands-on work experience. Testimonials Jack dooley, college of professional studies, global studies, ms’18, kathleen h., program graduate, mariah walker, college of professional studies, global studies, ms’18, looking for something different. A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level. Program Costs Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships. How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements. Requirements Online application Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): Identify your educational goals and expectations of the program. Please be aware that Northeastern University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose. Professional resumé The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.) Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply. Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials. Admissions Dates Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term: Domestic Application Guidelines International Application Guidelines * *International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant. Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers. For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills. View curriculum Northeastern's signature experience-powered learning model has been at the heart of the university for more than a century. It combines world-class academics with professional practice, allowing you to acquire relevant, real-world skills you can immediately put into action in your current workplace. This makes a Northeastern education a dynamic, transformative experience, giving you countless opportunities to grow as a professional and person. Learn About Getting Real World Experience Our Faculty Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets. Richard Swanson, PhD Friedrich Lohr, MPhil Fiona Creed Bakyt Beshimov By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll be connected to students at our 13 campuses, as well as 300,000-plus alumni and more than 3,500 employer partners around the world. Our global university system provides you with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally and serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. Below is a look at where our Political Science and Security alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization. Where They Work Commonwealth of Massachusetts Fidelity Investments State Street Liberty Mutual Insurance What They Do Business Development Community and Social Services What They're Skilled At Public Speaking Microsoft Office Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin . Related Articles Top Global Studies Careers: Jobs and Salaries 7 International Business Careers That Are in High Demand What Can You Do With a Master’s in International Relations? --> Master's Save COMMITMENT DURATION TYPE   --> Certificate Save COMMITMENT DURATION TYPE   --> Master's Save COMMITMENT DURATION TYPE   --> Professional Doctorate Save COMMITMENT DURATION TYPE   There appears to be a technical issue with your browser This issue is preventing our website from loading properly. Please review the following troubleshooting tips or contact us at [email protected] . Create an FP account to save articles to read later. ALREADY AN FP SUBSCRIBER? LOGIN Downloadable PDFs are a benefit of an FP subscription. Subscribe Now Preferences Saved Articles Newsletters Magazine Archive Subscription Settings World Brief Editors’ Picks Africa Brief China Brief Latin America Brief South Asia Brief Situation report. Flash Points War in Ukraine Crisis in the Middle East U.S. election 2024 U.S. foreign policy Trade and economics U.S.-China competition Artificial intelligence Asia & the Pacific Middle East & Africa The China Challenge Ones and tooze, foreign policy live. Summer 2024 Issue Print Archive FP Analytics In-depth Special Reports Issue Briefs Power Maps and Interactive Microsites FP Simulations & PeaceGames Graphics Database Catalysts for Change Webinar: how to create a successful podcast, fp @ unga79, ai for healthy cities, her power @ unga79. This article was published more than 12 years ago The Top 10 International Relations Ph.D. Rankings Schools for the next generation of global intellectual heavyweights.. These rankings are part of the Teaching, Research, and International Policy (TRIP) survey , conducted by Paul C. Avey, Michael C. Desch, James D. Long, Daniel Maliniak, Susan Peterson, and Michael J. Tierney. All additional information provided was added by Foreign Policy and is not part of the survey results. 1. Harvard University Admitted class size: 14-26 Average time to graduate: 5-6 years Funding: All admitted students considered for fellowships, amounting to full/partial tuition and stipends Star professors: Robert Bates, Jeffry Frieden, Stephen M. Walt Website : http://www.gov.harvard.edu/graduate-program 2. Princeton University Admitted class size: 40 Average time to graduate: 5 years, minimum Funding: Full tuition funding for four years, including living stipends Star professors: Robert Keohane, Uwe Reindhart, Anne-Marie Slaughter, Website: http://wws.princeton.edu/ 3. Stanford University Admitted class size: 12 Average time to graduate: N/A Funding: Full tuition and living stipend provided Star professors: Francis Fukuyama, Stephen Krasner, Condoleezza Rice Website : http://politicalscience.stanford.edu/ 4. Columbia University Admitted class size: 20 Average time to graduate: 5-7 years Funding: Guaranteed five-year fellowship , including living stipends Star professors: Jagdish Bhagwati, Robert Jervis, Jeffrey Sachs Website: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/polisci/index.html 5. Yale University Admitted class size: 23 Average time to graduate : 6.7 Funding: Guaranteed funding for five years . The first four years of tuition are guaranteed, followed by a university dissertation fellowship Star professors: Bruce Ackerman, David Cameron, Bruce Russett Website: http://www.yale.edu/polisci/index.html 5. University of Chicago Admitted class size: 15-20 Average time to graduate: N/A Funding: Full tuition, plus $21,000 for five years, including $3,000 summer funding Star professors: John Mearsheimer, Robert Pape 7. University of California/San Diego Admitted class size: 15-20 Average time to graduate: 5-6 years Funding: Guaranteed for four years, followed by teaching assistantships Star professors: Peter Gourevitch, Larry Krause, Susan Shirk Website: http://irps.ucsd.edu/programs/phd-in-political-science-and-international-affairs-phd/ 8. University of California/Berkeley Admitted class size: 18-26 Average time to graduate: 5-6 years, including 1 year of field research Funding: Five years of funding via fellowships, research, and teaching assistantships, (contingent on California residency) Star professors: Barry Eichengreen Website : http://polisci.berkeley.edu/ 9. University of Michigan/Ann Arbor Admitted class size: 12-17 Average time to graduate: 4-6 years Funding : Five years of funding , including a fellowship for the first year Star professors: Paul Courant, Kenneth Lieberthal Website: http://www.lsa.umich.edu/polisci/ 9. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Admitted Class Size: 7-11 Average Time to Graduate: 5-6 years Funding: Five years of funding, including nine-month stipends Star professors: Daron Acemoglu, Barry R. Posen, Daniel Posner Website: http://web.mit.edu/polisci/academic-programs/graduate/phd.shtml The Best International Relations Schools in the World The latest ranking of the top 50 IR programs for undergraduates, master's, and Ph.D.s. International Relations Theory Doesn’t Understand Culture The main schools of thought still cling to an outdated understanding of how civilizations work. America’s IR Schools Are Broken There’s a lot of innovation on the surface, but the rot runs deep. Here’s how to fix it. Sign up for Editors' Picks A curated selection of fp’s must-read stories.. You’re on the list! More ways to stay updated on global news: By submitting your email, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and to receive email correspondence from us. You may opt out at any time. Oversupply Begins to Bite in China Russia hits military institute and nearby hospital in missile attack, the arctic great game won’t be won in u.s. shipyards, why hezbollah is rich and lebanon is poor, russia’s burevestnik is no wonder weapon, editors’ picks. 1 Oversupply Begins to Bite in China 2 How the Russian Establishment Really Sees the War Ending 3 Russia’s Burevestnik Is No Wonder Weapon 4 Why the EU Should Never Be a Military Actor 5 How the Hundred Years’ War Explains Ukraine’s Invasion of Russia 6 The Arctic Great Game Won’t Be Won in U.S. Shipyards China Brief: Oversupply Begins to Bite With EVs, Solar Tech Russia's deadly missile attack on ukraine, putin defies icc arrest warrant with mongolia trip, why hezbollah is rich and lebanon is poor, burevestnik/skyfall: what to know about russia's new nuclear cruise missile, more from foreign policy, how the russian establishment really sees the war ending. An inside look at what Russia expects—and doesn’t—in a cease-fire with Ukraine. Trump’s Foreign-Policy Influencers Meet the 11 men whose worldviews are shaping the 2024 Republican ticket. The Murky Meaning of Ukraine’s Kursk Offensive A short-term success doesn’t necessarily have any long-term effects. Inside the White House Effort to Prevent a Coup in Guatemala Kamala Harris’s team helped deliver an overlooked foreign-policy win. How the Hundred Years’ War Explains Ukraine’s Invasion of Russia Sign up for World Brief FP’s flagship evening newsletter guiding you through the most important world stories of the day, written by Alexandra Sharp . Delivered weekdays. Other subscription options, academic rates. Specialty rates for students and faculty. Lock in your rates for longer. Unlock powerful intelligence for your team. 30 Best Online International Relations Masters Ready to find your ideal master's program. www.mastersprogramsguide.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. Never before have we lived in such a small world. Communication around the world is at our fingertips. It’s not hard to understand that being fluent in negotiating international relations is key for today’s professional. The online master’s in international relations is one of the most popular online master’s degree programs. Study in areas such as diplomacy, conflict resolution, or global health. Whatever you choose, a graduate degree in International Relations prepares professionals to work in almost any sector. That includes government, non-profits and NGOs, and major corporations, just to name a few. From security to education. Business to development. You’ll be able to access all kinds of career opportunities. But a graduate level degree is a necessity in the field. Let’s take a look at how an international relations degree can open countless doors for you. Related: Popular Online Master’s Degree So how did we choose the best schools international relations programs? To start, we used our Master’s Programs Guide Program Core Methodology . We also looked for programs that offered a “wow” factor. That includes things such as: membership in the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA) unique program concentrations or academics immersion experiences that enhance the degree program We have searched the world wide web to find the best of the best. Partake of the fruits of our labor! If you’re ready to find the best degrees in international relations , you’re in the right place. Keep reading to learn more! See Also: Best Online History Master’s Degree Programs 30 Best Masters in International Relations #1. northeastern university. You’ll find an excellent international relation degree here. It’s at the College of Professional Studies at Northeastern University . This MS in Global Studies and International Relations degree program is online. It is ideal for students who are looking for a part-time or full-time program in one and a half to two years. The MS degree offers five cutting-edge concentration options in: Global Health and Development Conflict Resolution International Economics and Consulting Global Student Mobility The curriculum provides a solid foundation with classes such as: Global Literacy, Culture, and Community Peace and Conflict Students also participate in regional studies courses of their choice. You will take electives in areas like: Public Policy Human Rights Research Methods in International Affairs Economic Development International Law and International Relations Working with Nongovernmental Organizations There is also a final capstone in areas like : a Case Study in Global Studies the International Field Study Experience See Also: Top 50 Highest Paying Masters Degrees #2. American University American University’s School of International Service (SIS) is a member of APSIA. It has two online degrees available as part of their International Relations Online program. The AU School of International Service offers the online Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR). There is also the online Executive Master of International Service (MIS). The 39-credit hour AU Online MAIR degree is ideal for students new to the field of international relations. The 30-credit hour AU Online MIS degree asks that students have seven or more years in the field. Both degrees offer five AU International Relations Online concentration options in: Global Security United States Foreign Policy and National Security International Development International Negation and Conflict Resolution Social Enterprise There are even AU International Relations Online weekend immersion experience options. These allow distance students to attend face-to-face seminars. They can meet with their professors and potential employers, and network with their peers. See Also: 40 Fastest Online Master’s Degree Programs #3. Troy University The Graduate School at Troy University is one of the best. It provides an online Master of Science in International Relations (MSIR) degree program. It is through TROY Online . The 36-credit hour Troy MSIR degree program offers core courses such as: International Political Economy Theory & Ideology of International Relations You’ll cover a range of topics in this master’s degree. It will give you the essential skills you need to make a positive impact in global governance. Classes help you develop critical thinking skills through exploring topics such as: Research methods in international relations International law and global governance Economic development and foreign affairs Foreign policy Arms control and armed conflict International security Students can choose from three concentration emphasis areas: Global Studies National Security Affairs Regional Affairs The MSIR program is offered online through TROY Online. It can be accessed on the Troy main campus. There are several military locations in the U.S. and in Asia. Online Troy students will find their distance education experience enhanced by the “toolbox of resources” provided for their support. This international affairs master’s degree caters to the military community. TROY for Troops is one of many resources available to help online students succeed and gain the essential skills they need to make a positive impact. #4. Arizona State University The School for the Future of Innovation in Society at ASU offers students a “transdisciplinary” approach to education. You’ll gain essential skills and be able to access ongoing development opportunities with the online MS in Global Technology & Development degree program. The 30-credit hour program provides cutting-edge coursework. Core international relations courses include: Technology and the International Political System Development in Zones of Conflict Urban and Environment Planning Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology These international relations courses are all online through ASU Online. The MS in Global Technology & Development degree (GTD) mirrors the on-campus program. There is added flexibility. The same ASU School for the Future of Innovation in Society faculty teach the classes. The level of research and work they share in their collective experience is beyond compare. An optional concentration is available online for the degree. Students can choose to focus their MS in GTD with a Concentration in Applied International Development (AID). Those who opt to specialize are able to access specific GTD-AID online student resources as well. #5. Arizona State University The College of Health Solutions at ASU provides a 100% online Master of International Health Management (MIHM) degree program. The ASU online MIHM degree is ideal for professionals who want to “develop solutions to global challenges and generate social impact in health and health care.” This international relations master’s degree is a 30-credit hour program. Students engage in two required core classes in international affairs: Health Care Management and Finance Comparative Heath Care Systems They can choose one of four tracks in: Health Informatics Quality Improvement in Health Care Health Economics Hospital Management Each track requires four specific courses. All coursework is taught in virtual classrooms. This is by either the esteemed, research-based ASU College of Health Solutions faculty or the faculty of the University of New South Wales. Distance education doesn’t mean a solitary experience, however. All online students have access to ASU Online Student Support & Services . You’ll be able to access extensive opportunities for ongoing development in international affairs. With this support, you can meet any career goals you have. Whether you want to work as an intelligence analyst, a foreign service officer, or even in international security, this program is a great choice. #6. Johns Hopkins University You will find another great masters of international relations at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Here, professionals can pursue an online Master of Applied Science in Global Health Planning and Management. The Johns Hopkins online MAS degree is a part-time, 50-credit hour program. In this masters international relations degree, students will gain an “overview of the basic components of global or international health.” They’ll also develop the ability to “develop sustainable solutions to advance health initiatives throughout the world.” Core international affairs courses include: Ethics in Global Health Practice Pharmaceutical Policy and Management in Low and Middle-Income Countries Non-Government Organizations and the Administration of Global Health Programs These are followed by the final Integrative Activity in international relations. This allows students to showcase the knowledge they have learned through a real-world project addressing global health issues. All courses are taught online in this interdisciplinary, part-time program. The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health faculty members are all “renowned experts in the field.” #7. Harvard University The graduate International Relations Degree program offered through Harvard Extension School is offered by one of the best schools in international relations . It allows distance students the opportunity to pursue an online degree from one of the most recognizable and renowned institutions in the nation. The Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies: International Relations degree at Harvard has twelve required classes. At least three courses must be engaged in on the Harvard campus. Students can choose between a thesis option or the capstone option. The curriculum offers unique and interesting class topics such as: Chocolate, Culture, and the Politics of Food Introduction to African Languages and Cultures through Social Engagement Human Migration and the US-Mexico Borderlands: Moral Dilemmas and Sacred Bundles in Comparative Perspective There are four advanced international relations certificates through Harvard Extension School: International Relations International Security Nuclear Deterrence Religions of the World Each certificate requires four courses and is online. #8. George Washington University A self-styled specialization awaits students of the Master of International Policy and Practice Online advanced degree (MIPP Online) at the GW Elliott School of International Affairs . Classes are presented via live sessions for this international relationship degree. Students can work together as peers. The GW MIPP Online degree program curriculum is rigorous and cutting edge. It is taught by faculty members who are current practitioners and experts in the international affairs industry. The 27-credit hour curriculum for this master of international relations has three core courses in: Strategic Leadership Seminar Leadership Capstone Economic Tools for Global Policy The remaining six classes are chosen by the student. This lets them construct a “ self-designed specialization” from a selection of “course offerings in security, development, and peace.” Students can choose from classes such as: Terrorism Today Ethics in Security Civil-Military Relations #9. Tufts University The Fletcher School at Tufts University offers an online Master of Global Business Administration (GBA) degree program . Students work through the 36-credit hour GBA program as a cohort. They can choose to complete the degree in just sixteen months on a full-time basis. Or they can take two years to complete the degree part-time. Two immersion residency experiences serve to enhance the academics. There is one on-campus (in which students work on a real-world “lab” project together). There is also one international location chosen for each cohort. The curriculum is divided into sections focused in: Business Foundations Global Context International Law Analytical Tools The online coursework includes classes like: International Strategy and Innovation The Politics of the Global Economy The Art of Business Communication All courses are taught by the accomplished Fletcher School faculty . Distance students are supported not just by the “professors are invested in your professional future.” They also access the extensive, additional resources and services available to the Tufts Online GBA student . #10. University of North Carolina at Greensboro You’ll find another one of the international relations best schools at the UNCG Bryan School of Business and Economics. These are provided by UNCG Online. The 30-credit hour UNCG MS in International Business (MSIB) degree program is a 100% online, “cross-cultural” and “hands-on” educational experience. Students are from all different backgrounds. So are the esteemed faculty members. Students learn “a wide variety of viewpoints and experiences to help better develop . . . intercultural skills.” Students work together on Global Project courses that integrate what has been learned in class with real-world experiences. The 42-credit hour online UNCG Online MBA Program offers core coursework such as: Economic Policies and Impact on Global Outcomes Global Business in Practice Creating and Sustaining Competitive Advantage #11. Johns Hopkins University The online Master of Arts in Global Security Studies at the Johns Hopkins Krieger School of Arts & Sciences is outstanding. This top master in international relations is built upon the “three pillars” of international security: military, economic, and energy and environmental. It is a multi-faceted degree program. The 36-credit hour Johns Hopkins online MA in Global Security Studies includes classes such as: Global Political Economy Energy, Security, and Defense Climate Change and National Security Students can choose to pursue one of two concentration options in either: Strategic Studies Energy and Environmental Security This international relations master is part of the Advanced Academic Programs at Johns Hopkins (within the Krieger School). The Global Security Studies program benefits from an extensive collection of Johns Hopkins faculty members. There are specific program resources for students in the program. #12. American Public University APU’s online Master of Arts in International Relations and Conflict Resolution degree program offers monthly start dates for exceptional flexibility. The 36-credit hour international relations masters program is housed within APU’s School of Security & Global Studies . It takes about two years to complete. Students can transfer in up to fifteen credit hours to further shorten the program. There are four concentrations in: Comparative and Security Issues International and Transnational Security Issues Peacekeeping The APU MA in International Relations and Conflict Resolution degree curriculum promises a focus on “industry trends to help ensure relevancy to today’s marketplace.” Core classes in international affairs include topics like: Introduction to Global Security International Organizations Conflict Analysis and Resolution: Theory and Practice All coursework is taught by the American Public University System faculty . They are scholars and practitioners in their respective fields. They are often called upon as experts of the industry. Online resources are plenty through APU Learning Online . Distance students have the support they need. #13.   Colorado State University-Global Campus CSU-Global’s online Master of International Management degree is a 36-credit hour online program. This degree is designed for professionals who desire to take on “leadership roles in multinational corporations and non-governmental organizations.” The core coursework covers topics such as: Business Strategy in the Global Economy International Trade Global Financial Management Students can choose from a multitude of concentration options. The most relevant specialization emphasis area is Global Management. The CSU-Global faculty have experience in the industry, as well as doctoral degrees. Students can be assured they are learning from experienced, engaged professors. #14. University of Nebraska Omaha The next program on our list of the best international relations degrees is located in the Department of Political Science in the UNO College of Arts and Sciences. The University of Nebraska at Omaha online Master of Science in Political Science degree with an International Affairs concentration takes two years to complete. The interdisciplinary 30-credit hour MS degree program provides students with a wide array of concentration electives. Choices include: International Relations of East Asia Gender and Global Politics Government and Politics of Great Britain International Development & Sustainability There is both a thesis and a non-thesis option. The same on-campus, award-winning UNO faculty teach all online coursework. Two optional Graduate Certificates are offered as add-ons for the MS program (or as individual advanced certificates for those not desiring a full MS degree):   the fifteen-credit hour Intelligence and National Security certificate the twelve-credit hour Global Information Operations certificate #15. Benedictine University Benedictine University’s online MBA in International Business is a comprehensive, 16-course, 64-credit hour program. It takes 22 months or as few as 16 months to complete. The Benedictine University MBA “Managerial Process” core courses consist of 52-credit hours. These are in topics such as: Ethics and Leadership in a Global Environment Strategic Management There are three core business courses. They cover: International Economics and Finance International Marketing Multi-Cultural Management The Benedictine Online MBA faculty have a wide range of experiences. Dedicated MBA resources are provided. There are also individualized services such as the “customized Curriculum Planner.” For these, each online MBA in International Business student is paired. #16. University of Houston, Victoria The UHV Global MBA is a 36-39 credit hour program for professionals who want to master “the business competencies, cultural skills, and global mindset” needed to thrive in the international relations industry. Students can pursue the degree on a part-time or full-time basis. The program takes just 12 months to complete. Most part-time students finish in eighteen months to two years. The coursework is comprehensive, and for a great deal of customization. Students can choose a general track or from one of six concentrations in: entrepreneurship economic development human resources management #17. University of Nebraska-Lincoln This international affairs master’s degrees provides the same online degree as the on-campus program. University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s online MBA is all online through University of Nebraska Online . The 48-credit hour MBA has a specialization in International Business. It offers required coursework in: Leadership in a Global Context International Finance Marketing and Globalization Electives are relevant as well. They include options such as: Multinational Financial Analysis Managing Rapid Growth and Change in Organizations This international relations master’s degree is in the UNL College of Business. The online MBA (called the MBA@Nebraska) takes eighteen months. The “world-class” and expert faculty members provide an engaging online environment. They are “extraordinarily responsive to student needs.” Distance education students need never feel solitary in their online learning academic experience. University of Nebraska Online is made up of the four UN campuses in Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha and the Medical Center. It provides lots of online student resources and services to help students succeed. #18. University of Arizona Arizona Online provides the University of Arizona’s MA in International Security (ISS) degree program. It is 100% online. The 36-credit hour program is housed within the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences’ School of Government and Public Policy. The UA Online MA in ISS degree program only has one course (the final Professional Colloquium capstone project course). All other courses are determined by the chosen focus area track. Choosing one or several of the tracks leads to a customized degree . Track options include: Violent and Non-Violent Conflict U.S. Foreign Policy Technology & Security Non-Traditional Security Threats, Latin America, Eurasia, and Global The course selections are vast. They include classes such as: How Terrorism Ends Dynamics of Civil Wars Gender as a Component of International Security The Politics of Energy Security #19. Virginia International University VIU Online has an online Master of Science in International Relations (called M of International Relations, or “MIR”) degree program. It is in the VIU School of Public & International Affairs. The online MIR degree has 36-credit hours of core coursework, concentration courses, and electives. Core courses cover topics like: International Economics & Trade Globalization Students have their choice of a concentration in International Economic Development or Business. Didn’t study political science or international affairs as an undergraduate? The MIR program requires prerequisite classes in: Comparative Government Introduction to Statistics English Composition and Rhetoric Academic Writing The MIR degree takes two years. All students culminate the program with an Advanced Research Project. #20. Norwich University The online Master of Arts in Diplomacy program at Norwich is a social science-driven degree. It is made up of 36-credit hours. Most students finish the program in 18 to 24 months. The program is completed with a week-long required on-campus residency. There are four concentrations options in: Cyber Diplomacy (with an additional choice of either the Policy track or the Technical track) International Commerce International Conflict Management International Terrorism Students take core courses in topics such as: Diplomacy in Communication Economics and the International System All students culminate the degree with their choice of either the thesis option or a final comprehensive exam. The expert Norwich faculty members serve both as professors and mentors. Since all online classes are capped at fifteen students. Each student receives the personal attention they need to find success. The Norwich Online MA in Diplomacy is the first program that was ever offered online at Norwich (since 1997). Students have found jobs in a variety of international settings and organizations. #21. Norwich University The Norwich University Online Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) degree program provides a unique approach for students to “explore the political, economic, and cultural issues impacting today’s global stage.” This is in preparation for a promising career in the “ever-changing international arena.” The 33-credit hour MAIR program allows students to become immersed in their choice of one of five relevant concentration areas: Cyber Diplomacy National Security Regions of the World All coursework is online. It is determined by the concentration. Courses range from topics like: World Politics—International Relations Cyber Policy The experienced, expert Norwich faculty are accessible. All online classes are capped at fifteen students. They provide rigorous coursework and mentorship to all online students. The MAIR program finishes with the week-long Culminating Campus Experience. A series of Norwich Infographics on International Relations presents cutting edge research and examinations of current issues in the field. #22. Nova Southeastern University There are five start dates in the NSU online MBA in International Business. It is located in the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business & Entrepreneurship . The online MBA is a 40-49 credit hour program. The classes cover topics like: Globalization and Emerging Markets Import/Export Principles and Practices Foundations of Global Business The NSU curriculum is taught by the expert faculty. They have a wealth of industry experience. There is an optional Nova Southeastern International Field Seminar is available for students who would like to experience firsthand global business practices in an immersive environment. The destinations are picked from global partnership universities for a unique and intimate trip. Past destinations have included: the Czech Republic South Africa Prospective MBA online students can attend NSU Huizenga College of Business Virtual Open House events to learn more about the program. #23. Texas A&M International University The online MBA in International Business at the TAMIU A.R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business is a rigorous, 30-credit hour program. It takes fifteen months. Six start dates are offered each year. Courses include topics in: Global Environments of Business International Logistics International Management The program is offered through TAMIU Online . Students have the benefit of online coursework provided by the recognized, expert, “multicultural faculty.” Other online international relations programs are also available: the TAMIU MBA in International Banking and Finance Online the TAMIU MBA in International Trade & Logistics Online Both of these degrees are also 30-credit hours. They take a little more than a year at an accelerated pace. All three programs share an MBA core curriculum. For students who do not have an undergraduate degree in business, TAMIU offers “prep-module courses.” These help them be better prepared for the MBA academics. #24. St. Mary’s University The 36-credit hour Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) degree is an interdisciplinary program. It pulls from “the disciplines of political science, history, anthropology, international law, sociology, and geography.” This is a non-thesis program offered all online. The St. Mary’s Online MAIR degree provides a multi-faceted curriculum. Core courses include: Ethical Issues in International Relations World Religions and International Affairs Two concentration options are also offered online. Students can choose from: Security Policy Sustainable Development and Conflict Transformation The International Relations (IR) Graduate Program consists of both the MAIR program and the twelve-credit hour St. Mary’s Academic Certificate Program in Conflict Transformation. This is also offered online. #25. University at Albany Students of UAlbany’s MA in International Education Management and Leadership will learn both from the rigorous curriculum and their professors’ expertise. The 30-credit hour MA degree is located in the UAlbany School of Education’s Department of Educational Policy & Leadership . Students take classes like: Cross Border Higher Education Seminar on Global Politics of Educational Quality Leadership for Cradle to Career Education Systems The practical, relevant UAlbany Online MA in International Education Management and Leadership degree curriculum is presented in an asynchronous format. Each student can access the coursework when it is most convenient for them. This flexibility does not equate a solitary experience, however. Students benefit from a community of student peers and robust relationships with their professors. Distance education students will find a “a wealth of resources” to help them be successful. #26. Liberty University Liberty University’s Helms School of Government provides the online Master of Science in International Relations. It is for students who want a graduate degree in international relations with a Liberty University Christian perspective. The 36-credit hour degree claims a “solid biblical foundation, advancing global diplomacy in the name of Jesus Christ.” Core courses cover topics like: Introduction to Geopolitics & International Diplomacy U.S. Foreign Policy & Sovereignty Issues Global Governance Three electives and a thesis culminate the degree. Students can finish in just eighteen months. There is a 24-credit hour, year-long Liberty School of Law online Master of Laws in International Legal Studies. There’s also the 45-credit hour, two-year Liberty School of Business online MBA in International Legal Studies . These provide students with a more legal-focused academic experience. All programs are online through Liberty University Online. This has a level of student support that is almost unparalleled. Resources and services such as the Liberty University Online Student Advocate Office . These are on hand to make sure that distance education students have the support they need to finish their online program. #27. University of Wisconsin, Whitewater The UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics Online MBA degree has an emphasis in International Business. This is a program that builds in its students a “cultural business intelligence and leadership” savvy. It helps the graduates enjoy a 100% placement rate. The UW-Whitewater MBA degree program has 36-credit hours. Students dedicate nine credit hours towards the emphasis area. Class choices include: Global Operations Management Multinational Business Finance All courses are taught by the same on-campus faculty member. The MBA program offers a good foundation in essential (“Common Body of Knowledge”) coursework.  Additional “Required Breadth” classes round out the degree. Topics include: Persuasion and Negotiation Strategies Social Responsibility of Business Ethics in the Marketplace Strategic Technology and Innovation Management #28. Northcentral University Students who want a master’s degree in just fifteen months will love the online Master of Education (MEd). It has a specialization in International Education at Northcentral University. This is a 30-credit hour program in the School of Education at NCU . The program boasts that all online professors come from “around the globe . . . with all faculty holding a doctoral degree.” Doctoral faculty members offer expertise along with “personalized mentoring” and a great deal of individualized attention to each student. This is under the Northcentral One-to-One Learning Model . Students are allowed five years to complete the degree. The NCU Online MEd in International Education degree program offers classes such as: International Organizations in Global Education Conflict Resolution in an International Context Globalization and Educational Change All students participate in the final MEd Capstone. This is a real-world culmination. All the material the student has learned will be utilized to produce a specialized issue. #29.  University of Georgia Here’s a master’s degree in international relations to consider! It’s ideal for the health and medical-oriented professionals who are interested in careers on a global scale. UGA’s College of Pharmacy has an online Master of Science for Regulatory Sciences program. The 39-credit hour MS in International Biomedical Regulatory Sciences program has both a thesis and a non-thesis option. Students take classes such as : Intro to Pharmaceutical, Biotechnology & Device Industries Process Control & Validation Developing Leadership Skills Students can access the  new UGA Institute for International Biomedical Regulatory Sciences . This is the only program of its kind that provides a focus on both medical and veterinary regulatory issues. The degree program is in response to the “rapid expansion of pharmaceutical and biomedical products.” It prepares “skilled regulatory science professionals to oversee the approval for new product lines and manage compliance with complex regulatory policies and procedures” on a global scale. The  UGA Regulatory Sciences faculty  have a diversity of research interests and experiences.   UGA Online Learning  provides all the support they need to be successful. #30.  Florida Atlantic University Florida Atlantic University’s has an Online MBA degree program with an International Business Specialization. Students can complete the program in less than two years. An “intensive” program, the Online MBA is located in the FAU College of Business. It has 40-46 credit hours. There are two foundation classes: Financial Accounting Managerial Finance It can be waived if taken in the previous five years. The curriculum  provides students with coursework such as: International Business Operations Cross-Cultural Management and Human Resources Managing Effectively in Emerging Market Economies The program uses a “balanced blend of case-studies, real-world examples and strong academic theories.” The “esteemed and experienced”  FAU College of Business faculty  provides students with engaging and relevant coursework. Related Rankings International relations: understand the field, the masters degree to change the world: international relations, 50 best online master’s programs that do not require the gre, 50 most popular online master’s degrees, top 40 online mba degree programs that don’t require the gmat or gre. Michael Templeton Managing Editor Kacey Reynolds Schedler Contributing Editor Master of Science in International Relations Learn more about lu. By submitting contact information through this form, I agree that Liberty University and its affiliates may call and/or text me about its offerings by any phone number I have provided and may provide in the future, including any wireless number, using automated technology. Message and data rates may apply. For additional information, text HELP to 49595 or 49596. You may opt-out at any time by sending STOP to 49595 or 49596. Visit for Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy . 15 colleges and schools 350+ degrees on-campus 600+ degrees online 20 NCAA Div. 1 Sports Learn to Lead in Global Governance in Our Master’s in International Relations Degree Online  The world is in need of compassionate, level-headed, and strategic thinkers to help solve global conflicts and encourage communities worldwide to work together. Liberty University’s 100% online Master of Science in International Relations degree is designed to give you insights into the ideological and practical motivations of global actors that impact international relations and governance. The field of international relations encompasses many fascinating topics in politics, law, and government so that you have the broad background needed to tackle complex global issues. As a pioneer in distance learning since 1985 and a Christian university recognized for its academic quality, affordability, and accessibility, Liberty fulfills its mission to Train Champions for Christ by equipping international relations experts to engage worldwide issues with Christ-like compassion and dedication to justice. Our international relations master’s degree is taught through the lens of a biblical worldview to prepare you for the challenges that will arise in your future career. Our curriculum is engrained in biblical principles so that you can be confident in your international relations training and your ability to lead with integrity. In as little as 1.5 years, you can develop the in-demand skills you need to further your career in international relations1.5 What Will You Learn in the Master’s Degree in International Relations? Global governance and the complexity of the overlapping authority structures Geopolitics and international diplomacy in an increasingly interconnected world International law, policy, and politics in contemporary society Comparative politics between different cultures and political systems Liberty’s 100% online master’s degree in international relations program is an excellent option if you enjoy traveling, politics, and communication. You will learn from professors with real-world experience who are excited about seeing you further your career and make a lasting impact in the world. Through an in-depth study of history, philosophy, governing structures, and processes, you can gain the knowledge to become a valuable asset in your global career. You may also be interested in exploring our master’s degree in government, political science, or law. Potential Career Options with a Master’s in International Relations Degree Foreign services or public affairs officer Global missions worker/director International business consultant International lawyer Master’s in International Relations Program Benefits As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out. Here’s what sets us apart: We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online graduate degree in international relations from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field. The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.  You can complete this master’s degree in international relations in 1.5 years. Master’s in International Relations Military Benefits Service is important to us, so whether you’re currently serving in the Armed Forces, have served, or are married to someone who serves, we’re here to serve you. Liberty’s military benefits are available to: Active duty service members of the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve/National Guard Veterans/retirees Spouses of service members and veterans/retirees Current Department of Defense employees We are proud to support you in your pursuit of a flexible and affordable online education by offering you the following benefits: Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course) 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences) Credit Hours Available Online 100% online, 8-week courses Transfer Credits Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total Next Start Date Sep 16, 2024 Accreditation Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC Areas of Interest Choose your area of Interest: Training Champions for Christ Liberty’s promise to you is an education that expertly brings knowledge and faith together. Here, education is designed around you. It connects you to people and opportunities that help you develop the skills and confidence you’re looking for. At Liberty, you’ll find the knowledge, experience, and mentorship you want to make your career — and life — a fulfilling one. Why Liberty Liberty University is not just another school. It is the realization of a dream, the product of thousands of prayers. It was built to invite students into a bigger, better story. Discover the Liberty difference for yourself. Scholarships When it comes to choosing a college, finances make a difference. That’s why at Liberty, we believe in offering you a top-notch education — that’s also affordable. Discover how Liberty can help you keep your college costs down. For residential students Online Discounts At Liberty University, we believe everyone should have an equal opportunity to pursue higher education, and it's our job to keep private education affordable. Explore the many ways a Liberty education can be an affordable one. For online students Academic Excellence Liberty University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, and certain programs have earned additional field-specific accreditation as well. 45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today Meet top uk universities from the comfort of your home, here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more. Verification Code An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify Thanks for your comment ! Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers. Online Courses / 10 Best Universities for Masters in International Relations Online  Updated on   Sep 2, 2024 The MA international relations program is an advanced degree program that will help you learn about international relations theory, foreign policy, global health, international laws, peace and conflict in regions, human rights, research methods and more. This degree program is for anyone wanting to enrol as a government administration consultant, defence national security research manager, intelligence officer, translator, ambassador, consultant, foreign news correspondent, etc. An online master’s in International relations is flexible, and more affordable than a regular degree. This blog covers some of the best online masters in International Relations. American University  Online masters in international relations  Arizona State University  Online Master of Arts in International Affairs and Leadership. Kings London College  online Masters in International Relations  Northeastern University  Global Studies and International Relations degree program  United Nations Institute for Training and Research online masters in international relations programs Liberty University online masters in international relations New England College  Online MA program  The University of Oklahoma  Online MA in Global Affairs Harvard Extension School  International Relations Master’s Degree  O.P. Jindal Global University M.A. in International Relations, Security & Strategy course This Blog Includes: American university , arizona state university , kings london college , northeastern university , united nations institute for traning and research, liberty university, new england college , university of oklahoma , harvard extension school , o.p. jindal global university. Learn about the American University ’s online masters in international relations programs  The American University provides an online Master of International Service (MIS) executive degree for professionals and a Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR) degree program. This degree program comprises 4 concentrations. This includes Global Security, International Negotiation, International Development, Conflict Resolution, UN Foreign Policy and National security. The MIS program can be completed in 12 months. On the other hand, part-time learners can complete the MAIR degree in 24 months. The University also provides scholarships up to $15K. Format  Online Credits  NA Accreditation  Middle States Commission on Higher Education  Fees NA (request information by visiting the official website) Website: https://ironline.american.edu/ Learn about the best countries to study MA International Relations Learn about the Arizona State University ’s Online Master of Arts in International Affairs and Leadership. Arizona State University offers another excellent online masters in international relations. This degree program comprises 10 classes, and each class is held for 7.5 weeks. You can obtain 30 credits after completing this degree. The curriculum includes 3 core courses, various electives and a capstone project. Some of the electives include Diplomacy – Preventing Genocide, Foreign Policy and National Security Law, etc. Format  Online Credits  30 Accreditation  Higher Learning Commission Fees NA Website: https://asuonline.asu.edu/online-degree-programs/graduate/international-affairs-master-degree/ Learn about the King’s London College online Masters in International Relations program The King’s College London offers a 100% MA in International Affairs. This degree program is flexible and provides student support. You can learn from world-leading academics in the area of defence and security. You can use the Virtual Learning Environment (KEATS) for the personalised learning experience. You can benefit from close instruction interaction, collaboration, and usage of services such as disability services without visiting the campus. Format  Online Credits  60/120/180 Accreditation  AACSB Fees £1,622 per module  Website: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-taught/courses/international-affairs-mapg-dippg-cert Learn about Northeastern University ’ s Global Studies and International Relations degree program  Northeastern University provides one of the finest online masters in international relations. This degree program can be completed either part-time or full-time. The program emphasises both international relations and global studies. Classes focus on real-world fieldwork like staging mock debates, speechwriting for top embassy officials, crisis management, etc. You can choose from 1 of the 4 concentrations available. That is Conflict Resolution, Diplomacy,  Global Health and Development, and International Economics and Consulting. Additionally, you can focus on one of the 6 major regions as your area of specialisation. Format  Online Credits  NA Accreditation  New England Commission of Higher Education Tuition fees $41.8K  Website: https://graduate.northeastern.edu/program/master-of-science-in-global-studies-and-international-relations-online-215/ Learn about the United Nations Institute for Traning and Research (UNITAR)’s online masters in international relations programs. The UNITAR offers you two degree options. You can either enrol in the online master’s degree in lifelong learning in international affairs and diplomacy (full-time) or the online master’s degree in lifelong learning in international affairs and diplomacy (part-time). These are UOC-Certified Master’s Degree programs. The degree is meant for government officials, diplomats, and students. The full-time degree program can be completed in 12 months, and the part-time program will take 24 months to complete. Format  Online Credits  NA Recognition  UOC certified  Fees $8,300.00 (full time), and $8,300.00 (part time) Website: https://unitar.org/courses-learning-events/individual-learners/master-degree-related-qualifications/master-international-affairs-and-diplomacy-and-related-qualifications Learn about Liberty University ’ s online masters in international relations. Liberty University offers one of the top-notch online MA in International Relations. This degree program is held 100% online and comprises 8-week courses. You can transfer up to 50% of the total degree. Moreover, you can choose between a thesis and a non-thesis track. Some of the featured courses include Global Governance, Introduction to Geopolitics and International Diplomacy, Comparative Politics, and  International Law, Policy, and Politics. Format  Online Credits  NA Accreditation  Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleg Fees $565/Credit full time and $275/Credit part time Website: https://www.liberty.edu/online/government/masters/international-relations/ Learn all about MA Polticial Science Degree Learn about the New England College ’ s International Relations, Online MA program  This online masters in international relations degree has a total of 36 credits that you need to complete. You can choose between a thesis or a capstone project at the end of the program. You can develop a knowledge of several subfields such as international security, international relations theory, comparative politics, and area studies. Apart from core courses, you are required to take up electives of 20 credits. Some of the options include Regional studies of Africa, regional studies of Europe, international security, terrorism, research methods, international organisations, etc. Format  Online Credits  NA Accreditation  New England Commission of Higher Education Fees NA Website: https://www.nec.edu/programs/international-relations-m-a Learn about the University of Oklahoma Online MA in Global Affairs below: The University of Oklahoma offers one of the best online masters in international relations. This degree program comprises 12 courses of 33 hours held over 24+ months. It provides an international perspective on global turbulence’s economic, social, and political dimensions. You can learn from expert faculty. Another major perk is that an international trip will be held (covered under the tuition fee except for meals and airfare expenses). Thus, you will get the opportunity to interact with your classmates. Format  Online Credits  NA Accreditation  Higher Learning Commission. Fees $12,270 per credit Website: https://www.ou.edu/online/programs/graduate/global-affairs Learn about the Harvard Extension School’s International Relations Master’s Degree Program. Credit: extension.harvard.edu The Harvard Extension School also provides an online master’s in international relations. However, this is a hybrid program (you need to attend 2 weekends or one 3-week summer course on campus ). The curriculum comprises 11 out of 12 courses. You can benefit from learning from expert instructors, personalised academic and career advising, paid research opportunities, a faculty-supported thesis or applied research project option, and a Harvard Alumni Association membership. Classes are held in a synchronous format.  Format  Hybrid Credits  NA Accreditation  New England Commission of Higher Education Fees $3,340 per course Website: https://extension.harvard.edu/academics/programs/international-relations-graduate-program/#outcomes Learn about the M.A. in International Relations, Security & Strategy course below: The O.P. Jindal Global University offers an excellent online masters in international relations via Coursera. You can enrol in this degree even if you don’t have any background in international relations or social sciences. You will get the benefit of learning from global experts, and will get the opportunity to submit a dissertation. The degree will take you around 24-36 months to complete. Format  Online Credits  NA Accreditation  NAAC Fees INR 4,50,000 total tuition fee Website: https://www.coursera.org/degrees/ma-international-relations-security-strategy-jgu No. There are no free online masters in international relations programs. All accredited institutions charge you fees for an Online MA degree. O.P. Jindal Global University offers one of the most affordable online Masters in international relations. This degree program is available via Coursera. The MA International relations online at Harvard Extension school is a hybrid program. Meaning you will have to visit on campus for 2 weekends or one 3-week summer course. However, this degree allows you to learn from expert instructors. You can get personalised academic and career advice and other benefits. Hope this blog provides you with all the important details. For more information about such courses, visit our online courses page . Related Articles  Blessy George Blessy George is a Content Marketing Associate at Leverage Edu, boasting over a year of experience in the industry. Her expertise lies in crafting compelling content tailored to online courses, making her a go-to source for those navigating the vast landscape of digital learning. In addition to online classes, she writes content related to study abroad, English test preparation and visas. She has completed her MA degree in Political Science and has gained valuable experience as an intern.She is known for her extensive writing on various aspects of international education, garnering recognition for her insights and contributions. Apart from her professional pursuits, Blessy is passionate about creative writing, particularly poetry and songwriting. Leave a Reply Cancel reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Contact no. * Leaving already? 8 Universities with higher ROI than IITs and IIMs Grab this one-time opportunity to download this ebook Connect With Us 45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today.. Resend OTP in Need help with? Study abroad. 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Have something on your mind? 309 IMAGES The 5 Best Online Doctorates in International Relations for 2021 2024 Best Online Masters in International Relations [Graduate Programs] 2024 Best Online Masters in International Relations [Graduate Programs] 15 Best International Relations Graduate Programs In 2022 2024 Best Online Masters in International Relations [Graduate Programs] 30 Best Masters in International Relations VIDEO General Linguistics MTSU True Blue Preview: International Relations Online PhD Programs International development MA in International Relations, Security, & Strategy OP Jindal Masterclass Is Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) Valid in India? fT. Dakshinamurthy COMMENTS The 5 Best Online Doctorates in International Relations for 2021 The 5 Best Online Doctorates in International Relations for 2021 Earning an Online Doctorate in International Relations from one of the top online schools listed below positions a person to move into top positions, whether in academics, diplomacy, trades, or any number of areas where nations and cultures intersect. Health and race questions are pivotal questions in 2021. These, along with ... International Relations Online Ph.D At Salve Regina University, our Ph.D. in international relations is offered online, connecting students around the world to our exceptional faculty and research opportunities. Decades of success with our master's program led us to develop the nation's first online doctoral program in international relations, providing flexible learning options for seasoned professionals. Best Online PhD in International Relations Discover premier online Ph.D. programs in international relations. Embark on a journey to understand global politics and diplomacy from the comfort of your home. PhD The School of International Service's (SIS) PhD in International Relations provides qualified and dedicated students with the training, knowledge, and experience necessary to pursue careers in the scholarly and policy worlds and to contribute game-changing solutions in international affairs as emerging thought leaders. Doctor of International Affairs (DIA) The Doctor of International Affairs is a practitioner's degree where students conduct applied research culminating in a doctoral thesis within their area of professional expertise. It is different from a traditional PhD, which requires comprehensive exams and is usually thought of as producing an original body of knowledge in preparation for ... School of International Service School of International Service. 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. International Relations Influence global affairs. Earn a PhD in International Relations with this professional doctorate from SIT Graduate Institute. Global Policy and Administration Programs Explore the best graduate programs in America for studying International Global Policy and Administration. Online PhD in International Relations and Global Development This EUCLID PhD program provides outstanding professional and academic preparation to its students for a successful career in academia and global knowledge leadership at the international, regional, national and local levels. Our alumni have been successful in securing employment and promotions in government service and international organizations. Online PhD in International Relations A PhD in international relations can pave the way for a career in shaping our world. Read this guide to choose an on-campus or online program. Visit WorldWideLearn.com today. International Relations Online Learn international relations, affairs, policy development, socially responsible business, and explore our online degree programs At American University. 15 Best Schools For International Relations Schools around the world offer international relations programs for those interested in a career. Here are 15 of the best schools: Table of Contents. The London School of Economics and Political Science (London, UK) Stanford University (Stanford, CA) Sciences Po (Paris, France) Princeton University (Princeton, NJ) George Washington University ... 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Online Doctorate in Diplomacy and International Relations This field of study or specialization is sometimes called Doctorate in International Relations. It is the only fully online PhD program in diplomacy organized by an international intergovernmental organization and officially used by active diplomats over 4 continents. Alumni, students and faculty include current and former ambassador, minister ... School of Advanced International Studies Discover how our flexible graduate programs will help you advance your globally-focused career in international relations at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. Princeton School of Public and International Affairs Program description The purpose of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs' doctoral program is to train top-quality researchers in critical areas of public policy. It offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Affairs in two research clusters: Security Studies; and Science, Technology and Environmental Policy (STEP). International Relations Graduate Students enrolled in the Master of Liberal Arts program in International Relations will gain critical insight into today's pressing global issues and a deep understanding of the factors influencing relationships between nation-states and supranational organizations. Global Studies and International Relations Our unique interdisciplinary program concentrates on both global studies and international relations, allowing students to gain one comprehensive degree. Classes focus on real-world fieldwork such as analyzing the investment portfolios of developing nations, staging mock debates, crisis management, and the art of speechwriting for top embassy ... 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Earning your online graduate degree in international relations from ... 10 Best Universities for Masters in International Relations Online The MA international relations program is an advanced degree program that will help you learn about international relations theory, foreign policy, global health, international laws, peace and conflict in regions, human rights, research methods and more. This degree program is for anyone wanting to enrol as a government administration consultant, defence national security research manager ... assignment essay homework paper phd report speech thesis