The United States offers 18 International Relations programmes across 15 universities at various degree levels, making it one of the most geographically and institutionally diverse markets for this field. Institutions include Yale University, Dartmouth College, Texas A&M University, Indiana University Bloomington, and Stony Brook University — ranging from Ivy League research universities to large public institutions.
Tuition is approximately €54,000 per year, reflecting US private and out-of-state public university pricing. US International Relations programmes typically combine political theory, foreign policy analysis, economics, and regional studies, and graduates pursue careers in diplomacy, policy research, international organisations, and global business.
Washington & Jefferson College's Conflict and Resolution Studies (CRS) Program offers a dynamic, interdisciplinary approach to understanding conflict and exploring pathways to resolution. This program, grounded in liberal arts, encourages students to critically examine the complexities of conflict, recognizing that some conflicts can foster innovation and growth, while others may lead to division and harm. Through its coursework, the program delves into interpersonal, intergroup, and societal conflicts across various cultures. Students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze the root causes of conflict and to develop ethical, justice-centered solutions. With a focus on leadership, problem-solving, and global perspectives, this major prepares students to effectively navigate and address conflicts in an increasingly complex world.
The Program in Globalization Studies and International Relations (GLI) aims to foster globally-minded students and future leaders. This interdisciplinary major provides a comprehensive education, empowering students to understand the complexities of their world through various perspectives. It helps students see how different issues are connected and how globalization is shaping the world today. Graduates of the GLI program are prepared for a wide range of career opportunities, making them invaluable in an increasingly interconnected global landscape. The program encourages students to develop a deeper understanding of international affairs and global trends.
The History and International Studies department offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with majors in History or International Studies. The History major provides a strong academic foundation for students interested in law school, graduate studies in humanities or social sciences, seminary, museum work, or secondary education. It emphasizes critical reading, creative thinking, thorough research, and effective writing. The International Studies major offers an interdisciplinary approach, providing a broad liberal arts education with a focus on global issues. Students gain knowledge of foreign cultures and can concentrate on specific geographic regions. This program is ideal for those pursuing graduate studies or careers in non-governmental organizations, preparing them for an increasingly interconnected world.
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in International Relations program at New York University (NYU) is designed for students aspiring to make a significant impact on the global stage. Whether you aim to work in government, non-governmental organizations, the private sector, or pursue further academic study, this program provides the foundational knowledge and skills for a career in international affairs. The program offers a variety of concentrations, allowing you to tailor your studies to specific regions or thematic areas of interest. NYU's location in New York City, a global center for diplomacy and international organizations, offers unique opportunities for hands-on learning and networking. The program encourages an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise from across the university to provide a comprehensive understanding of complex global issues.
The International Studies Minor offers a cross-disciplinary approach to understanding global issues. You will explore topics such as international relations, development economics, global health, environmentalism, and world languages and cultures. This minor is designed to provide a well-rounded understanding of complex international forces and prepare you for a globalized world and workforce. The program provides personalized support to help you tailor your academic path and find relevant internship and program opportunities. The curriculum is structured around thematic courses, ensuring you gain diverse perspectives on global challenges.
The International Studies major at Maryville University provides a comprehensive liberal arts education focusing on global issues across politics, culture, religion, art, and social policy. This program encourages students to explore diverse areas of interest within an international context. A key component of the degree is a mandatory study abroad experience and the completion of a foreign language course, designed to deepen your understanding of the world.
The Master of Arts in Studies (M.A.S.) program at Yale's Jackson School of Global Affairs offers a focused course of study for students seeking to deepen their understanding of global issues. The program is designed for individuals who aim to pursue careers in international affairs, policy, or related fields. While the program does not offer fellowship funding, students have access to various avenues for financial support, including loans and on-campus employment opportunities.
The Master of Global Affairs (MGA) is a non-thesis master's degree designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to address complex global challenges. The program focuses on developing leadership, communication, and research abilities to formulate policy recommendations in the international arena. Students will learn to apply quantitative skills to data analysis, understand real-world international public policy development through internships, and assess the social responsibilities of various global actors. The MGA degree aims to foster innovative solutions for emerging global issues. The program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, with at least 30 graduate-level credit hours taken at Rice University. A significant component of the MGA is a mandatory Graduate Field Internship, providing practical experience in international public policy. Students must also complete a capstone project and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.67. The curriculum is structured to allow for specialization in one of three areas: International Political Development, International Political Economy, or International Security.
The Master of International Affairs (MIA) is a 48-credit, non-thesis program designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge for successful careers in government, non-governmental organizations, or the private sector. The curriculum is taught by a multidisciplinary faculty with extensive scholarly and professional international experience. The program includes a core curriculum of five courses, a summer internship or intensive language and cultural study, and a three-course specialization in each of two selected areas of concentration. The core curriculum covers international politics, the global economy, research methods, and American foreign policy. A mandatory capstone course involves students working in groups on a research task for a real-world client, culminating in a written report and oral briefing.
The Master of International Affairs (M.I.A.) program at Penn State's School of International Affairs (SIA) is an interdisciplinary degree designed to provide students with hands-on instruction and professional development opportunities. The program allows you to tailor your master's degree to your specific academic and career aspirations. You will learn from distinguished faculty within a research-intensive university environment and benefit from a small classroom setting.
This joint-degree program, offered by the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs and the Yale School of the Environment (YSE), provides a cross-disciplinary approach to understanding environmental issues. Students will gain insights into the scientific, political, and economic dimensions of international resource management and environmental challenges. The program allows students to earn two distinct master's degrees by reducing the total study time by one year.
The Global Security and Competitive Statecraft graduate certificate at Arizona State University provides students with in-depth knowledge and practical insights into contemporary global security challenges. This online program focuses on emerging trends in military and technological innovation, geopolitical competition, and the evolving global political and economic landscape. Students will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities that shape modern national statecraft and international security. This certificate is designed for professionals and graduate students seeking to enhance their expertise in security studies. It offers a unique and forward-thinking curriculum developed and taught by a blend of university scholars and high-level practitioners, including government officials, military strategists, and policy leaders. The program aims to equip graduates with critical skills to analyze and address complex security problems from a practical perspective.
Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) is a historic liberal arts college founded in 1781, located in Washington, PA. The college emphasizes ethical leadership, professional readiness, and inclusive communities. W&J offers a customized and intellectually engaging student experience designed to develop professionals of integrity who can lead in a changing world. The college's motto is 'Adapt & Thrive,' encouraging students to think critically, discover opportunities, and prepare for future success.
There are 18 International Relations programmes offered across 15 US universities.
Institutions include Yale University, Dartmouth College, Texas A&M University, Indiana University Bloomington, and Stony Brook University, among others.
Tuition is roughly €54,000 per year; scholarships and assistantships are available at many institutions to reduce this cost.
Yes, US universities actively recruit international students; requirements typically include academic transcripts, standardised test scores (SAT/ACT for undergrad, GRE for grad), and English proficiency.
Apply through each university's admissions portal or the Common App for undergraduate degrees, submitting transcripts, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation.