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If you’re interested in studying international relations in college, read on to learn about the best undergraduate colleges for international relations!
International relations, which involves the study of government and policy across nations, is an optimal choice for those looking to think critically about the world and the relationships between all of its different players.
Before you commit to a college, it's important to make sure you know the schools that offer the best international relations programs. Based on criteria like acceptance rate and tuition, we’ve hand-picked the best of the best for students wanting to grow their careers in international relations.
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 international relations schools are listed below.
Ranking first on the list of best colleges for international 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 studying international relations., 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 international relations experts.
Second on the list of best colleges for international relations is the prestigious and iconic Ivy League family member Yale University, located in New Haven, Connecticut.
Yale is known for 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 international relations is Brown University. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, Brown is an Ivy League school that offers an international relations program 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 hear the phrase, "Stanford University," words like "STEM," "science," and "mathematics" may come to mind. But did you know Stanford has one of the best international relations programs in the nation?
Located in sunny Stanford, California, the university offers an undergraduate major/minor program in international relations that focuses on the following subjects:
Many Stanford international relations graduates go on to pursue postgraduate degrees in law, international policy, business, journalism, and political science. If you find yourself asking, “What are the best colleges for international relations?” then Stanford should be at the top of that list.
Coming in fifth on our list of best colleges for international relations is the University of Southern California (more commonly known as USC), located in Los Angeles, California. International Relations programs at the University of Southern California 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 International 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 international relations.
Next on our list is yet another member of the Ivy League family - the University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. International relations at UPenn takes an interdisciplinary approach and the program is recognized for its selectivity and commitment to excellence.
The school offers an international 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 international relations program at Tufts University gets the number 7 spot on our list of the best colleges for international relations. 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 international 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 international 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 international relations, allowing prospective students to specialize in their interests:
For the best international 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 international relations education while you're pursuing your undergrad, the global studies program offers a joint accelerated Bachelor/Master’s 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 an international relations 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 international relations
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 international 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 international relations 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 international relations careers and beyond.
The University of Chicago is a dominant force in the field of international relations. With a storied history that dates back to its founding in 1890, this well-known institution has long been synonymous with excellence in higher education.
The University of Chicago offers a graduate program in international relations 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 international 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 international 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.
Nestled in the vibrant town of Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan (U-M) 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 in international relations, 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:
Why is UNC considered one of the best for international relations? The answer lies in its 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 international relations 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 an international relations student at Harvard, you can take part of 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 relations?
This combination of resources, faculty, and a dynamic curriculum ensures that Harvard's graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of international relations.
As one of the leading schools for international relations, MIT continues to bolster 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 international relations courses. Some of the top reasons to study here are:
Some of the international relations programs at MIT include:
Studying international relations 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, NYU 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 international relations program at NYU blends 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 international 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.
Still have questions about the best colleges for international relations? Below, we've listed some answers to students' most popular questions about international relations and the best colleges surrounding them.
The best schools for the study of international relations include:
Any of these schools listed above will provide a stellar education in international relations, featuring a strong curriculum taught by a world-class faculty.
While some schools offer international relations as a major, additional majors that may integrate international relations include political science, government, criminal justice, economics, or public policy studies.
Majoring in international relations is a good idea if you're passionate about civics, relationships between nations, government policy, and more.
It's a school of thought that will help strengthen your critical thinking and analytical skills, while enhancing your writing and interpersonal communication skills. Because of this, it's also a great option if you plan to attend law school or any other postgraduate study afterward.
Once you've completed your undergraduate degree in international relations, you will have gained the ability to think critically and logically about issues surrounding nations and governing and have adopted a problem-solving mindset alongside it.
When it comes to considering what to do afterward, the sky is the limit. Many undergraduate international relations students have gone on to continue their studies in IR or political science graduate programs, go on to law school, or have gained employment in the government and political space.
Of course, with your potential, whatever you decide to do once you graduate is up to you!
If you know that you want to major in international relations in college, there are some steps you can take to strengthen your chances of acceptance.
You should aim to take several history, social sciences, and writing classes in high school to help strengthen your writing and persuasive skills. Also, consider taking micro and macroeconomics classes to help further develop your logic and reasoning skills.
International relations primarily focuses on the interactions between nations, including their governments, policies, and diplomacy. This field delves into understanding the complexities of global politics and how countries navigate relationships in a constantly evolving world order.
In contrast, international studies programs take a broader approach by examining various aspects of global issues beyond just diplomatic relations. It encompasses the study of economics, culture, history, sociology, and other relevant disciplines to gain a comprehensive understanding of the interconnectedness between nations.
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 international 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 on which college and international relations program 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!
