Best Bachelor's Degrees in International Relations

Students can study international relations at all academic levels, including associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. These programs are usually referred to as international relations degrees, however alternate titles include global studies and international studies. Students may also find international studies offered as a concentration within related degree programs such as political science.

Associate Degrees in International Relations

An associate degree in international relations program is designed to give a broad introduction to the field of international relations. These programs are typically two years long and serve as an entry into the field. Students may study the basic areas of interest in the field, including history, foreign languages, and economics. These programs are intended to prepare a student for further study in the field.

Bachelor's Degrees in International Relations

A bachelor's degree in international relations is a multidisciplinary degree that prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities depending upon their interests. Students study a variety of topics including history, economics, international relations, area studies, anthropology, foreign languages, and political science. These programs are designed to be highly customizable, with a number of possible concentrations and foci for students to choose from based on their interests.

Master's Degrees in International Relations

Master's degree programs offer students the opportunity to hone the skills and knowledge gained through a bachelor's degree to a higher standard. These programs are usually aimed at professionals in the field with at least a few years of experience who would like to gain further skills and advanced credentials. These degrees may be offered as Master of Sciences or Master of Arts programs. Like bachelor's degrees, these programs are usually highly customizable depending on student interests and skillsets.

Doctoral Degrees in International Relations

Ph.D. in International Relations programs offer students the opportunity to pursue advanced instruction in their specific area of focus. Students complete two to three years of graduate-level coursework than an individual doctoral dissertation on a topic of their choice. These programs are designed for professionals with substantial experience in the field, who want to expand their preexisting credentials and skills.

Certificates in International Relations

Certificate programs in international relations are designed to supplement a student's degree program. These programs are designed for students who may specialize in another field who wish to add international relations expertise to their own skills and qualifications. These programs may be highly focused on a specific area of the field, such as international business, international politics, or intelligence and security.

1. SUNY College at Geneseo

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,927	65%	80%	84%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

2. Florida State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6,517	36%	83%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

3. James Madison University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12,206	77%	84%	62%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

4. George Mason University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12,564	87%	71%	74%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

5. University of Mary Washington

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$13,270	75%	65%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

6. University of Nevada-Reno

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,184	88%	61%	88%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

7. Eastern Washington University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7,526	96%	54%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

8. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11,154	77%	71%	75%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

9. University of Georgia

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12,080	45%	87%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

10. California State University-Chico

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7,806	72%	67%	76%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

11. University of Iowa

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,606	83%	72%	85%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

12. University of New Hampshire-Main Campus

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$18,879	84%	76%	90%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

13. William & Mary

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$22,922	38%	90%	56%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

14. State University of New York at New Paltz

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,502	45%	77%	82%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

15. Brigham Young University-Provo

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$5,790	67%	78%	71%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

16. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$13,691	70%	86%	65%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

17. University of Maine

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11,438	90%	57%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

18. Ohio State University-Main Campus

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11,084	54%	86%	79%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

19. Saint Cloud State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,656	90%	48%	94%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

20. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$18,450	76%	71%	73%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

21. Florida International University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6,565	58%	63%	90%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

22. University of Delaware

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$14,280	71%	81%	88%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

23. University of Virginia

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$17,935	24%	95%	57%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

24. San Francisco State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7,266	67%	57%	77%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

25. Kennesaw State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6,456	75%	46%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

26. Marshall University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,412	87%	49%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

27. Grand Valley State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$13,180	83%	67%	87%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

28. East Tennessee State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,259	86%	50%	95%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

29. University of North Georgia

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$5,229	81%	38%	88%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

30. Kent State University at Kent

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10,602	86%	62%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

31. Middle Tennessee State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,070	94%	47%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

32. Texas State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10,581	81%	54%	76%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit our ranking methodology page.

Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Students in an international relations program may choose a concentration to focus their course of study. Concentrations are either regional or thematic. A regional concentration is focused on a specific geographic region, such as East Asia, Latin America, Africa, etc. A thematic concentration is focused on a topic or idea, rather than a region, such as economics, foreign policy, or conflict and diplomacy.

Students studying international relations follow a broad curriculum, with many opportunities to customize and specialize their own course of study. These degrees typically require a core set of classes common to all students that are then supplemented with courses from a student's chosen specialization as well as general education and elective requirements. Foreign language study is also a key component of an international relations curriculum.

Common courses in an international relations curriculum may include:

Global History	A broad overview of world history with a focus on how states and cultures interact with one another
Diplomacy	A basic introduction to the theory and practice of diplomacy
Global Economics	An introduction into macro or microeconomic theory and how it relates to international relations

Sources; School websites

Students are frequently encouraged and, in some cases, required to complete a study-abroad experience as a part of their curriculum. Study-abroad programs come in a variety of forms, giving students a flexible set of options depending on their academic interests and goals. These programs can range in length from a few weeks to an entire semester-long. Study-abroad programs can also have a variety of subjects. Some may simply be studying the same courses and curriculum offered by the student's own university at an institution in a foreign country or a specific subject-focused program, while others are intensive language-focused programs.

A bachelor's in international relations generally requires 120 credit hours or about four years of study to complete. These hours may be split between the core curriculum, general education, and elective courses. Students may be able to complete their course of study faster by completing summer or online courses, or an associate degree at a community college prior to beginning their bachelor's program.

Accreditation is a measure of the quality and reliability of a university and its programs. Accreditation is overseen by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These organizations oversee regional accreditation organizations that provide accreditation to the universities in their regions. These include the New England Commission of Higher Education, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools among others.

Attending an accredited program is an important qualification for federal financial aid, and many jobs and internships require a degree from an accredited university to be eligible for consideration.

Students interested in a career with the foreign service of the U.S. government should take the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT). This exam is administered by the U.S. Department of State and tests candidates' readiness for the rigorous and demanding roles within the foreign service. Passing the FSOT is an essential first step for seeking employment with the State Department's Foreign Service.

Students who wish to pursue careers as translators or interpreters may seek the American Translator's Association certification. This professional certification is not necessary for employment as a translator but can enhance a student's credentials and qualifications, opening up more opportunities for them.

There are many factors for students to keep in mind when choosing an international relations degree program. These include concentrations and courses offered, study-abroad opportunities, location, and cost.

Students should always remember what they want to get out of their program of choice. Are you interested in international diplomacy? Or business? Or are you more intrigued by global development and the environment? Look at the concentrations and courses offered by perspective programs to try and determine which is the best fit for you, which will best help you achieve your goals. You can also look for any study-abroad opportunities that a program offers to see if any interest you.

Students should also keep in mind location and cost. International relations degrees are offered by both private and state schools so tuition costs may vary widely. Prospective students should think about out-of-state and in-state tuition costs as well as scholarships and other funding opportunities when choosing a program.

A degree in international relations opens up career opportunities in a wide range of fields, including government, business, and nonprofits. Students may find careers in international commerce, journalism, and diplomacy. The skills learned in an international studies degree program overlap heavily with a history degree, and there are many similar careers in history and international studies.

How to Become a Foreign Service Officer

Salary	$88,544

Source, Payscale

Foreign service officers represent the government of the United States in countries around the world. They serve as diplomats in embassies, consulates, and other posts. They provide essential services to American citizens traveling and working abroad and support American interests overseas.

Work as a foreign service officer can be exciting and demanding. The first step to beginning a career in the foreign service is to complete a bachelor's degree program, a degree from an accredited university is an essential requirement. Those wishing to pursue a career in foreign service should also look for ways to increase their relevant job experience. This can be done through internships, volunteer work, or other forms of employment. The State Department's Pathways program is designed to help students and recent graduates gain the experience and skills necessary to succeed.

After completing their studies and gaining additional experience interested candidates can take the FSOT to determine their qualifications for the foreign service. The FSOT tests applicants on 13 key areas that the State Department has identified as critical to a successful foreign service officer: Composure, Information Integration, and Analysis, Experience and Motivation, Initiative and Leadership, Judgement, Cultural Adaptability, Objectivity and Integrity, Resourcefulness, Working with Others, Planning and Organization, Written Communication, Oral Communication, and Quantitative Analysis.

How to Become a Translator or Interpreter

Salary	$51,830

Source, Bureau of Labor Statistics

Translators and interpreters are employed in all manner of settings. They work in schools, hospitals, government offices, and all varieties of businesses. Government translators work for local, state, and federal government agencies providing translation services and assistance. In the global economy knowledge of foreign languages is a crucial and highly sought-after skill, with employment expected to grow by over 20% in the next decade according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The most critical qualification for an interpreter or translator is knowledge of a foreign language and English, with the ability to translate from one to the other. The American Translators Association offers certifications in over 20 languages to help translators demonstrate their competence. Translators can gain experience through freelance work, internships, and volunteering. As their skills and experience grow, they can move up to more sensitive and better-paying positions.

There are several forms of financial aid available to students pursuing a degree in international relations. Students may apply for federal student aid or work-study programs, universities may offer their own program-specific scholarships or grants, or students might seek out third-party scholarships or internships to help cover the costs of tuition and fees.

The first step to gaining financial aid is to complete the online FAFSA application. The FAFSA uses tax return information to determine a student's qualification for need-based financial aid. In order to qualify for federal financial aid a student must be enrolled in an accredited university or program. FAFSA information is also used by universities and third-party aid providers to determine financial eligibility if that is a requirement for aid awards.

Most universities have their own scholarship and grant funds for students. These can be financial need-based or merit-based scholarships. Students should make sure to check out their university's website for financial aid information. In international studies, students should also look for specific scholarships related to their field of study. Some schools offer scholarships for students who are pursuing studies focused on particular regions or topics of study. Students may also find scholarships intended to support study-abroad opportunities based on their concentrations.

Students can also consider applying to third-party scholarships, such as the Boren Scholarship program. This program supports study-abroad for students interested in working for the federal government after graduation.

Foreign Policy Association	An organization dedicated to promoting awareness and engagement of foreign policy within the United States. They host conferences and networking events, as well as offering continuing education opportunities for professionals in the field.
International Economic Development Council	A non-profit organization supporting the work of economic developers around the world. They publish the Economic Development Journal and support professional development opportunities for their members.
International Studies Association	The ISA supports research and education in the field of international studies through conferences, publications, and grants. Membership in the association provides opportunities for professional development, research funding, and free access to ISA's multiple online journals.