If you're considering studying international affairs in college, keep reading to discover the top undergraduate institutions for this field!
International relations, which involves the study of government and policy across nations, is a great choice for those looking to think critically about the world and the relationships between all of its players. Based on criteria like acceptance rate and tuition, we’ve hand-picked the best colleges for international relations for students wanting to grow their careers in this field.
While many colleges in the U.S. offer an international relations program or curriculum, not all of them can be the best. The schools recognized as the best undergraduate global relations schools are listed below.
Ranking first on the list of best colleges for global relations is Georgetown University. Located in Washington, D.C. in proximity to many U.S. federal government buildings, including the White House, Georgetown has made a name for itself as the go-to school for all things international relations, government, politics, and more.
Founded in 1919, the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown is the oldest school of international affairs in the United States and features a wide array of majors and concentrations for undergraduates, including:
Regardless of the undergraduate program that you choose to pursue at Georgetown, rest assured that all the programs offered have strong ties to global and international affairs within the curriculum and feature a faculty of experts.
Second on the list of best colleges for global relations is the prestigious and iconic Ivy League family member Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut.
Yale is known for its specialties in many different subjects, including international and global affairs. International and global affairs studies take place at the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs, which was recently rebranded and opened.
The school offers an undergraduate major in Global Affairs that features an interdisciplinary curriculum and a capstone project in the fall term of senior year. The project consists of a "unique public policy project on behalf of a real client," with the student traveling to the client's location for the project's duration.
Ringing true to Yale's reputation of competitive admissions, the school aims for 50 students per graduating class within the Global Affairs program.
In addition to the Global Affairs program, Yale has recently introduced a five-year joint Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science - Masters in Public Policy program. Admission to the program is limited strictly to Yale students, with prospective students encouraged to apply in the second term of their junior year.
Coming in third place on our list of the best colleges for global relations is Brown University. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, Brown is an Ivy League school that offers these programs through its undergraduate concentration in International and Public Affairs.
Brown offers an interdisciplinary approach to their curriculum, and provides three different tracks:
Students also have the unique opportunity to focus their studies on a particular country and region regardless of their chosen track.
When you think of Stanford University, words like "STEM," "science," and "mathematics" come to mind. But did you know Stanford has one of the best global relations programs in the nation?
Located in sunny Stanford, California, the university offers an undergraduate major/minor program in global relations that focuses on the following subjects:
Many Stanford global relations graduates go on to pursue postgraduate degrees in law, international policy, business, journalism, and political science.
The University of Southern California (more commonly known as USC), located in Los Angeles, California, is fifth on our list of best colleges for global relations. These programs take place at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences.
USC's international relations curriculum aims to “combine scholarly research and practical experience to generate new knowledge in government and politics." To further support this principle, the undergraduate Global Relations program at USC offers three separate international relations-related programs:
The variety of programs makes USC a natural choice for those looking to specialize in a specific topic involving global relations.
Next on our list is yet another member of the Ivy League family - the University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Global relations at UPenn takes an interdisciplinary approach, and the program is recognized for its selectivity and commitment to excellence.
The school offers a global relations major and minor program, as well as an undergraduate certificate in Global Human Rights, for students at UPenn who want to take their IR education one step further.
Next on our list is yet another member of the Ivy League family - the University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Global relations at UPenn takes an interdisciplinary approach, and the program is recognized for its selectivity and commitment to excellence.
The school offers a global relations major and minor program, as well as an undergraduate certificate in Global Human Rights, for students at UPenn who want to take their IR education one step further.
The world-class global relations program at Tufts University gets the number 7 spot on our list. It is commonly referred to as "an international relations powerhouse." Located in Boston, Massachusetts, the school offers an undergraduate IR program that includes eight semesters of secondary language training and six different concentrations:
You may recognize Johns Hopkins University as a leading medical school in the U.S., but you should also know that it is home to an incredible international relations program. Located in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins IR students are often recognized for their "firm understanding of economics and their deep expertise in international relations."
The institution offers an undergraduate major in IR and two dual degrees as well as several specialized certificates for those looking to supplement their undergraduate IR education. They are as follows:
Students who undergo the undergraduate global relations track are expected to pursue a specialization of a linguistic, thematic, or regional focus, with many different options to choose from.
Another college that ranks high in global relations is George Washington University, also located in Washington, D.C. Classes take place in the Elliott School of International Affairs, which is home to over 22,000 alumni worldwide.
The school offers a large variety of undergraduate options in the field of global relations, allowing prospective students to specialize in their interests:
For the best global relations program in the Midwest, look no further than Washington University in St. Louis, located in, you guessed it, St. Louis, Missouri. The school offers an International Affairs concentration as a part of its global studies undergraduate program, which has existed for over forty years.
If you're looking to enhance your education while you're pursuing your undergrad, the global studies program offers a joint accelerated Bachelor/Master of Arts program in fields such as:
Nestled in the historic town of Princeton, New Jersey, Princeton University dates back to 1746. Recently, Princeton’s School of Public Affairs just celebrated 75 years of serving the nation and will be commemorating the milestone through school events.
As a student here, you'll be part of a program that takes a comprehensive approach to international and public affairs, weaving together disciplines like political science, economics, history, and languages.
Princeton offers a variety of degree options, from an undergraduate program to graduate programs, each equipping you with the analytical skills and cultural understanding necessary for a career on the global stage. Here are the reasons why Princeton is one of the best schools for education:
With an acceptance rate of just 4.50% and an average entry score of 1470–1560 SAT or 33–35 ACT, Princeton's competitive atmosphere pushes you to excel. The estimated cost of attendance may be steep at $86,700, but the investment in your education here promises a world-class foundation for your aspirations in global relations.
The vibrant San Francisco Bay Area is home to the University of California, Berkeley which has academic excellence that dates back to 1868. The program “focuses on the study of contemporary and historical problems in world politics, including in international security and international political economy.”
Anchored by the MIRTH seminar series, UCB uses diverse methodologies, including socio-historical analysis, quantitative empirics, experiments, neuroimaging, and formal modeling.
Berkeley's program is renowned for its comprehensive degree offerings, including undergraduate majors, and graduate degrees. Here's why it's counted among the best:
The university's commitment to intellectual inquiry and debate fosters a learning environment where you are encouraged to challenge the status quo and contribute to the global dialogue. UC Berkeley equips you with the tools to excel in your career and beyond.
The University of Chicago offers a graduate program called the Committee on International Relations (CIR). What sets it apart is an interdisciplinary approach that delves into the historical, political, and economic dimensions of global relations.
Students are encouraged to engage in rigorous coursework, research, and analytical skill development.
Why is the University of Chicago one of the best schools for global relations? Here are a few reasons:
The University of Chicago's commitment to fostering a comprehensive understanding of global matters makes it a top choice for students seeking a dynamic and engaging educational experience in the realm of world politics.
Situated in Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan supports students on the front line with impressive research and education opportunities. At U-M, the International Studies Major is a fully-developed learning opportunity that creates industry leaders in the field of politics.
The International Studies Major at U-M develops a comprehensive understanding of global matters through a curriculum that combines political science, economics, history, and languages.
Students must first meet these prerequisites before enrolling in the program:
Once enrolled, you’ll be encouraged to immerse yourself in hands-on learning experiences, which are integral to the curriculum. The university's strong connections to international organizations, and the wealth of research opportunities both in Ann Arbor and beyond, all contribute to a rich educational experience that prepares you for the complexities of international relations.
Whether you're aspiring to work in government, non-profits, or the corporate sector, U-M's International Studies Major program is designed to broaden your horizons and prepare you for a successful career on the global stage.
Duke University hosts an impressive faculty of staff who are committed to nurturing global leaders. With a history that dates back to 1838, Duke has evolved into a prestigious institution offering a range of degree types, including undergraduate majors, minors, and graduate programs.
As part of their political science department, an international relations student at Duke is immersed in a curriculum that balances political science, economics, history, and language studies.
This comprehensive approach equips you with the analytical skills and cultural understanding necessary for a successful career in diplomacy, international organizations, or non-governmental entities. Here's why Duke is among the best:
Duke's dedication to educating global leaders is evident in its vibrant campus life, rich with opportunities for you to engage with international issues and cultures. By choosing Duke, you're not just selecting a university; you're stepping onto a global stage, ready to make an impact on the world.
Located in Charlottesville, the University of Virginia (UVA) continues to develop industry leaders every year. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, UVA has a storied history that relates to the evolution of the United States itself.
As you explore the options for studying international relations, UVA's Global Studies major presents a compelling choice, offering degrees at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
Why is UVA among the best for international relations?
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1, you're guaranteed personalized attention and a collaborative learning environment. The program equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in the international relations sphere, whether in business, government, or non-profit sectors.
The University of North Carolina (UNC), with its rich history dating back to 1789, offers a comprehensive program for students looking to diversify their learning. Students “will apply core leadership skills to global concepts such as intercultural communication, economic development, international law, and conflict resolution.”
Students can look forward to a career in the following after graduating from UNC:
UNC has a commitment to upholding a global perspective among its students. Here, you'll immerse yourself in a curriculum that integrates political science, economics, history, and language studies, all designed to prepare you for a dynamic international career.
The program's highlights include:
At UNC, the focus is not just on academic excellence but also on creating global leaders equipped to address the world's most pressing issues. It's a place where your education will be both deep and broad, providing you with the tools to excel in the global arena.
Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Harvard University perpetuates its renown for excellence in higher education. With a storied history that dates back to 1636, it is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and has become synonymous with academic prestige.
As a student at Harvard, you can take part in one of two degrees:
Each is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of global issues. You'll have the opportunity to specialize in particular regions or explore pressing global challenges.
Why is Harvard among the best for international studies?
This combination of resources, faculty, and a dynamic curriculum ensures that Harvard's graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of global relations.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology continues to equip students with successful careers not long after graduation. With a current academic staff of 1,089, there is no shortage of industry professionals to mentor and learn from.
This private institution enlists the best of the best in various global relations courses. Some of the top reasons to study here are:
Some of the programs at MIT include:
Studying at MIT is no doubt an excellent idea. With MIT on their college resume, graduates often find themselves in successful careers.
Since its establishment in 1886, the New York University has continuously delivered its promise of “preparing generations of global leaders.” The International Relations Program opens doors to a world of understanding, collaboration, and evocative experiences.
Rooted in academic excellence, the programs at NYU blend theoretical knowledge with practical skills, providing a comprehensive understanding of the complexities that define today's interconnected world. The distinguished faculty members bring a wealth of expertise, hailing from diverse backgrounds such as political science, economics, history, and sociology.
NYU’s location in the city of Manhattan serves as a prime example of international relations, more than just a general sense of the term. New York is one of the busiest states in the world, so where better to study the interconnectedness of different nations?
NYU includes three different global relations programs:
With so many opportunities to develop a comprehensive understanding of international relations, NYU provides students with a sense of relief in their career development.
Choosing the right college for an international relations degree is a must for setting yourself up for success in this dynamic field.
To find out which college best meets your goals, take our free college selection quiz. This tool allows you to curate your large list to just a few options.
Here are some key factors to consider when building out your international relations college list.
Look for universities with highly-ranked international relations programs that offer a diverse range of courses and concentrations aligned with your interests. Top programs often have faculty actively engaged in research, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities.
Prioritize colleges that facilitate international experiences through study abroad programs, internships, and partnerships with organizations worldwide. Hands-on global exposure is invaluable for developing cross-cultural competencies and real-world experience.
Proficiency in multiple languages is a significant asset in the international relations arena. Evaluate the language offerings at each college and consider programs that allow you to minor or double major in a critical language.
Strong alumni networks and robust career services can open doors to internships, mentorship, and job opportunities in government agencies, non-profits, and multinational corporations. Attend college fairs and connect with current students to gauge these resources.
While not the primary factor, consider the location of the college and its proximity to embassies, think tanks, and international organizations for potential internships and networking. Also, factor in the overall cost of attendance and available financial aid.
When searching for your top IR college, make sure you match or exceed the minimum GPA, SAT, and ACT requirements. Many schools operate on a holistic admissions approach but match these scores to help your application stand out even further.
Remember, the best colleges for international relations aligns with your academic goals, interests, and future career aspirations in international relations. Thorough research and campus visits can help you make an informed decision.
If you still need help deciding on what college you should apply to, book a free consultation with one of our counselors. They have the inside knowledge to help you strategize the best game plan for your future in international relations.
Take it from Wei, who got accepted to Washington University in St. Louis:
"I really appreciated how the entire Quad Education team provided guidance that helped me take my applications to the next level but never tried to change my writing style or the essence of what I wanted to portray. They made the application process enjoyable and even helped me learn more about myself that I will carry with me beyond college. I am so thankful to Quad Education for all of the amazing guidance and would highly recommend working with them!"
Still have questions about the best colleges for global relations? Below, we've listed some answers to students' most popular questions and the best colleges surrounding them.
Some of the best colleges for international relations include:
These schools offer rigorous curricula taught by esteemed faculty, providing students with a deep understanding of global affairs, diplomacy, foreign policy, and international development.
Several majors complement an international relations degree well:
Double-majoring or adding a minor in one of these fields can broaden your perspective and skill set for a career in international affairs.
Majoring in international relations can be an excellent choice for students interested in:
However, the major requires strong writing, critical thinking, and quantitative abilities. Prospective students should carefully evaluate their interests and aptitudes.
An international relations degree prepares graduates for a variety of careers:
Many graduates also pursue advanced degrees in international affairs, public policy, business, or law to specialize further.
To prepare for an international relations program, high school students should focus on:
Taking rigorous coursework, maintaining a strong GPA, and demonstrating interest in global affairs through activities can strengthen your application.
International Relations is a subfield focused on:
International Studies takes a broader, multidisciplinary approach examining:
While overlapping, IR is more concentrated on state-level politics, while IS analyzes diverse forces shaping the modern world.
If you’re passionate about pursuing undergraduate relations, you’ll first have to choose a school to attend and study international relations at, which can be difficult. Many different schools offer global relations programs that are unique to one another. By listing the best ones above, we hope that we've brought you some clarity and insight into which college is right for you.
Any choice of program listed in this article is a great pick, but keep in mind that choosing a college can be a very personal decision. Make sure that you take the time to do your research and select the school that's right for you. We wish you the best of luck!
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