Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in International Relations

A degree in the interdisciplinary field of international relations can prepare students for a variety of jobs in our increasingly interconnected world, whether they want to advance an already existing career or enter a new field with a global perspective. Using data from the U.S. Department of Education and our own ranking criteria, Study.com found the top eight online bachelor's degrees in international relations, each of which offers students the flexibility to complete their degree from anywhere in the world. These interdisciplinary programs combine coursework in political science, economics, history, and social sciences; many also offer experiential learning opportunities like internships and unique study abroad opportunities for online students.

1. Regent University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$18,620	86%	57%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

Regent University's B.A. in Government with an International Relations and Foreign Policy concentration offers students an online course of study informed by Christian values. The Virginia Beach, Virginia-based school extends its wealth of resources to online students with expanded hours for remote library access and live online chapel services. Students interested in human rights and international law can attend events organized by the Journal of Global Justice and Public Policy, a student-led academic journal published by the School of Law. Affordability is also stressed here - the Center for Global Justice's grant program offers financial assistance for students pursuing international internships in fields related to human rights.

2. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$13,988	76%	71%	%	No	Yes	AP Credits

At Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, Penn State's fully online branch, students pursuing a B.A. in International Politics can customize their course of study with tracks in International Relations, National Security, or International Political Economy as well as a variety of minors and undergraduate certificates. Students who want to engage with international perspectives can take virtual courses collaboratively taught by faculty from Penn State and international partner universities. The school offers a range of virtual student services, including virtual internships through the State Department, online career fairs, and career counselors who specialize in distance counseling. For nontraditional students, the Alpha Sigma Lambda national honor society offers scholarships to both full-time and part-time adult learners.

3. Florida International University

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

Miami-based Florida International University offers an online B.A. in International Relations through the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs taught by faculty specializing in Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Students broaden their experience by pursuing undergraduate certificates from over thirty programs focused on various regions, cultures, and other special interests within the field of international studies. Many students also double-major or minor in related fields, and those interested in a career in humanitarian service can join the Peace Corps Prep program. Online students are also eligible to join the Honors College, which provides personal advising and exclusive co-curricular opportunities.

4. Maryville University of Saint Louis

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$28,470	83%	71%	99%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

Maryville University of Saint Louis, Missouri offers a B.A. program in International Studies with small class sizes and an emphasis on world cultures rather than politics. To complete the experiential component of the program, students can choose between a traditional study abroad program, a virtual study abroad experience or an internship. Within six months of graduating, 96 percent of students land a job in their chosen field or enroll in a graduate degree program. Online students can qualify for Maryville University's Early Access program, which allows them to take graduate-level classes at a lower tuition rate and get a head start on a master's degree.

5. University of Central Florida

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6,368	44%	72%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida offers an online B.A. in International and Global Studies to students transferring from any on-campus program, and students attending one of their partner universities will readily find support to make the transfer. The program features a core of political science and international relations, which students can personalize with extensive foreign language study and a required minor in a related field, such as Religion and Cultural Studies or Diversity and Social Inequality. Faculty who have spent time abroad bring their cross-cultural professional experience to the coursework. The program admits students who are already living and working outside of the U.S., and options for either web-based or live video instruction offer flexible scheduling options for students anywhere in the world.

6. University of North Carolina Wilmington

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7,181	65%	72%	72%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

The B.A. in International Studies program at the University of North Carolina Wilmington has developed creative solutions for experiential learning, which are available to online students. Remote global internships offer students international work experience, and virtual education abroad allows students to take courses from multiple foreign universities at once. Classes taught by UNC Wilmington faculty have a maximum of 30 seats so that professors can offer their full support to online students. Students with an interest in the global economy may participate in virtual research presentations and roundtable discussions hosted by the university's Research Community in International Trade and Exchange.

7. Central Michigan University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12,833	70%	61%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The online B.S. in International Relations at Central Michigan University, located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, offers students opportunities to work and learn collaboratively with their peers. Professors in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration schedule chat sessions for their online students, and students study alongside refugees around the world in courses offered through the Global Classroom outreach program. Students may sign up for an Online Ally, an experienced Global Campus student who can help with online learning resources and study management techniques. For students with full-time jobs, compressed course scheduling and a planned experience credit option allow students to complete coursework around their career and even use on-the-job learning experiences for up to 30 hours of academic credit.

8. University of Massachusetts-Boston

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$14,613	76%	49%	86%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

The B.A. in Global Affairs at UMass-Boston, taught exclusively online by faculty specializing in global environmental policy and conflict resolution, offers experiential learning through semesters abroad in Ecuador and Northern Ireland as well as international and domestic internship opportunities. This program is the only bachelor's degree offered by the Department of Conflict Resolution, Human Security, and Global Governance. Students can gain insight into research and career paths within the field by attending online presentations from master's students or virtual forums and panels with faculty and guest scholars. Third- and fourth-year students can apply for remote summer practicums within the masters' programs to develop conflict resolution and peace-building skills.

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

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

Many international relations degree programs encourage students to concentrate on a specific thematic area of study. Other programs may provide students with an opportunity to select a regional concentration that focuses on a particular geographical region or culture. By declaring a concentration, students can narrow their academic focus to align with their career aspirations.

Bachelor-level curriculums tend to vary by school; however, many programs allow students to concentrate on variations of the following study tracks:

• Peacekeeping
• Global Development
• Comparative Politics
• National Security
• International Law

Undergraduate international relations curriculums tend to provide a multidisciplinary approach to investigating several political, global, historical, economic, and social perspectives on a global scale. Typically, students can anticipate devoting the first two years of their bachelor's degree programs to general education requirements (for example, the requirements to fulfill an associate degree), with the second half of their curriculums devoted to core requirements related to international relations and additional electives.

Students in bachelor's degree programs for international relations can expect to take variations of the following courses:

• Comparative Politics
• International Relations
• American Foreign Policy
• Latin American Politics
• Global Terrorism

Comparative Politics

This course is designed to provide students with a foundational study of governmental and political perspectives, concepts, and comparative analysis. Students may exam several governmental and representative constructs and procedures, as well as the various functions of government in today's societies.

Latin American Politics

Students concentrating on Latin American studies may take the Latin American Politics course, which is designed to provide an examination of regional political systems, economic development, and regimes in Latin American countries. Additional course topics may include a study on authoritarianism and democratization, as well as international interferences into Latin American affairs.

Global Terrorism

This course typically provides an analysis of domestic and international terrorism, including social and ideological perspectives and the religious, economic, and political implications that drive individuals and groups to commit terroristic acts. Students may examine historical terrorism events and case studies to gain an understanding of the types of terrorism, terrorism networks, motives, and counterterrorism tactics.

Full-time students enrolled in online bachelor's degree programs for international relations typically graduate in about four years; part-time students may finish their programs in about five years. However, several factors may further determine program lengths; for example, whether a student chooses to partake in summer course offerings or internships.

Because international relations degrees are foreign affairs-focused programs, students may also opt to study abroad for a semester or more. Additionally, some bachelor-level international relations programs offer accelerated degrees or dual degrees, in which curriculums may be longer than the average undergraduate program but take less time than a graduate degree program. Students in accelerated or dual degree programs typically culminate their studies with a master's degree.

When choosing a school and program for a degree in international relations, students will want to consider several different factors. For example, while online programs are typically more cost-effective than campus-based programs, a student's full-time or part-time status could ultimately determine added costs and program durations.

Additionally, students should compare international relations programs to weigh how different curriculums could potentially help them leverage their degrees in their chosen career paths. To do this, students should investigate the different courses that are offered, as well as concentration options.

Other criteria to consider when deciding on an international relations school and program are whether programs require that students complete a language component, internships, and other practical training to enhance their job prospects upon graduating. Additionally, students may wish to explore available programmatic study abroad options while they work towards obtaining their international relations degree.

Furthermore, students should visit their school's website to review accreditation information. Students that intend to apply for federal financial aid or scholarships and grants must attend a nationally-recognized accredited school. We will explore accreditation in further detail in the next section.

Colleges, universities, and programs may receive accreditation by nationally-recognized accrediting organizations for meeting high academic standards through exemplary curriculum and instruction, as well as providing its students with various professional and academic resources. In most instances, students seeking federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants must attend an accredited higher education institution.

Although there are some degree programs that receive specialized accreditation, there is no programmatic accreditation available for international relations degree programs. Instead, students should seek schools that have obtained regional accreditation from accrediting organizations like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). In addition, many distance learning schools and programs are accredited through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

For additional information regarding a school's accreditations, students can visit their college's website or search the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP).

First-year students can enroll in college for international relations by visiting their prospective school's website and submitting the online application. Applicants may also have the option to apply using the Common Application which allows students to submit a universal application to multiple colleges at one time. Once the online application has been submitted (most colleges charge a nominal fee to do so), students must send in their SAT and/or ACT test scores, as well as official transcripts. Generally, students must be accepted into the university and complete general education requirements and prerequisites before they are considered for enrollment in the international relations program.

Transfer students typically must follow similar application guidelines, including filling out the online application and submitting test scores and official transcripts. Some colleges require transfer applicants to maintain a minimum grade point average (e.g., a 2.0 or 2.5) and have completed a number of credits to be considered for admission.

Depending on the school, other admissions criteria may include personal statements, essays regarding the student's interest in their chosen degree program, letters of recommendation, and an updated resume.

Students should contact an advisor at the college and/or international relations program to inquire about the admissions process and ensure that all required documentation is submitted by the subsequent deadlines.

Although licensure and certifications are not mandatory to work in most international relations careers, graduates may choose to pursue credentialing to stay abreast of industry trends and further validate their field expertise. For example, the Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) credential is available through the National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE) for professionals and students who work or aspire to work in international trade. To obtain the CGBP, candidates must pass a 165-question exam that covers several business-related, management, trade, and marketing concepts from a global perspective.

Additionally, professionals may choose to obtain the Certified Conflict Manager (CCM) credential through the Management and Strategy Institute (MSI). The CCM is designed to teach candidates how to mitigate and resolve conflicts in a diplomatic, decisive, and just manner and may be ideal for individuals who work in human resources, large corporations, small businesses, or consulting. To receive their certification, candidates must study for a comprehensive exam that covers many topics, including how conflicts evolve, negotiation tactics, how to avoid conflict, and third-party interventions.

Although there are several international relations careers that require a higher degree, such as political analyst or immigration lawyer, graduates with bachelor's degrees in international relations can typically apply their learning to government, nonprofit, corporate, education, and media fields.

Individuals with undergraduate international relations degrees usually gain transferable skillsets throughout their program; for example, a comprehensive background in global affairs, economics, geographies, history, and international politics. Additionally, many individuals study another language in their programs and gain problem-solving, negotiation, critical thinking, communication, and writing skills.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2019, the following bachelor-level international relations careers had a median salary of:

• Mediators: $63,930
• Human Resources Specialists: $61,920
• Interpreters and Translators: $51,830
• Reporters and Journalists: $46,270
• Archivists, Curators, and Museum Workers: $49,850

How to Become a Mediator

Students in international relations programs may take several courses that investigate international conflicts and negotiation tactics, potentially preparing them for careers as mediators. Generally, mediators are neutral third parties who facilitate discussions between disputing parties in an effort to reach a mutual agreement. Typically, meetings with mediators are held outside of a courtroom at private offices. Occasionally, mediators may travel to meet with the disputing parties at an offsite location.

Mediators tend to have many skill sets, such as critical thinking, decision-making, interpersonal skills, listening, and reading and writing. It is crucial that mediators maintain an observational approach to meetings and not allow their personal feelings on matters to obstruct the mediation process.

According to the BLS, the job outlook for mediators is expected to increase by eight percent (2019-2029), however, individuals with law backgrounds tend to have better employment prospects.

How to Become an Interpreter or Translator

Because international relations students typically are typically required to study another language throughout their programs, graduates may decide to pursue careers as interpreters (working primarily in spoken language or sign language) or translators (converting written texts and other materials into another language). Interpreters and translators work in just about every field, including education, government, nonprofit, business, and healthcare; while some professionals are self-employed.

Interpreters and translators usually have several competencies, such as the ability to concentrate, cultural sensitivity, as well as reading, writing, and listening skills. Additionally, sign language interpreters should have dexterity skills with the ability to make rapid, accurate movements with their hands, arms, and fingers. Although licensure isn't necessarily required to work as an interpreter or translator (except for those who are employed at courthouses), some professionals may decide to seek certification to showcase their language proficiencies and be eligible for career advancement.

According to the BLS, the job outlook for interpreters and translators is expected to increase by 20 percent (2019-2029).

Students may obtain online or campus-based international relations degrees at every level of study (associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate). There are also several certificate programs available in niche subject areas related to global affairs and diplomacy. We will explore many of these options in greater detail below.

It should be noted that enrolling in distance learning programs may provide students with opportunities to gain other marketable competencies that could benefit them in various international relations careers, such as self-discipline, time management, and organizational skills, as well as technical proficiencies.

Online Associate Degrees in International Relations

Online associate degrees in international relations aim to provide foundational knowledge in several historical and current global issues, negotiation tactics for relationship-building between foreign entities, foreign policy, and a broad understanding of various governmental and non-governmental institutions.

Associate degrees usually comprise 60 credits of general education courses, such as college-level writing, reading, math, and science; in addition to core international relations topics and electives. Typically, online associate degrees take about two years to complete and result in an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) in International Relations or a similar program, such as Global Studies or Political Science.

Students with associate-level degrees in international relations often seek entry-level employment in various governmental and non-governmental fields or continue their studies in a four-year bachelor's degree program.

Online Master's Degrees in International Relations

An online master's degree in international relations offers an advanced study of current and future global discords with an emphasis on real-life crisis management. Students enrolled in these graduate programs may enhance their knowledge of historical events, peacekeeping, and international law, as well as explore economics, communication, terrorism, and the exchange of goods on a global scale.

To enroll in a master's degree program, students must hold a bachelor's degree in international relations or a related subject area. Online master's degree programs are usually 30 to 36 credits and may take approximately two years to complete. Students may be required to complete a thesis/dissertation and defense or capstone project to culminate their studies. Depending on the school, some programs also allow students to gain field experience and other practical training to prepare them for advanced, foreign-focused careers upon graduating.

A master's degree in international relations may lead to several leadership roles in government, nonprofit organizations, consulting, business, banking, or education. Typically, students can expect to graduate with a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Arts (MA) in International Relations or a similar subject.

Online Doctoral Degrees in International Relations

An online doctorate in international relations is the highest level of scholarship students can achieve, leading to distinguished careers as diplomats, researchers, post-secondary teachers, and other leadership roles.

An online doctoral curriculum usually consists of about 45 to 60 credits of rigorous coursework and may take about three to five years to complete, although requirements tend to vary by school. Oftentimes, doctoral candidates need to fulfill additional programmatic criteria, such as teaching apprenticeships, practical training, language proficiency requirements, examinations, and a thesis/dissertation and defense.

A doctorate in international relations is typically a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), or, for students pursuing a law degree, a Juris Doctor (J.D.). Some doctoral candidates may pursue similar degrees in public policy or international studies where students may be able to customize their degrees to hone in on specific areas of foreign studies.

Online Certificates in International Relations

Online certificates in international relations are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels and aim to equip students with new or improved skill sets, as well as allow them to seek career advancement or prepare them for a career change. There are several certificate options for students who have pursued or are currently pursuing international relations degrees, including several niche subject areas related to the field.

Typically, certificates in international relations consist of 12 to 18 credits and may take about a year to complete. Examples of online international relations certificate program titles include Terrorism Studies, Government Agency Administration, Spanish for Business and the Professions, Counterintelligence, Intelligence Analysis, and Cybersecurity.

Students who need assistance paying for college may be eligible for federal or state financial aid, scholarships, or grants. To determine how much federal financial aid they qualify for, students can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Eligibility requirements include proof of citizenship or eligible noncitizen status, the ability to demonstrate financial need, and attendance at an accredited college or university.

Students may also search for and apply for scholarships and grants online, some of which may be offered according to school, degree program, volunteer activities, and geographical regions. Additionally, students may be eligible for employer tuition reimbursement programs through their workplace, work-study programs, or military/veteran benefits.

For further assistance on how to pay for college, students can visit their school's financial aid office to discuss tuition fees, financing, FAFSA, and other scholarship opportunities with a representative.

David E. Albright Memorial Scholarship

The David E. Albright Memorial Scholarship is available to distance learning students at the University of Indiana who are majoring in a program within the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies. Students should have an interest in and commitment to international studies, have a minimum grade point average of 3.5 and submit the online application and supplemental materials. One winner will be selected to receive a $1,000 award to apply towards tuition and other academic expenses.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship is available to undergraduate students with financial needs who wish to study abroad. To be eligible, applicants must be U.S. citizens with superior academic standing, must be receiving or will be receiving a Federal Pell Grant throughout their study abroad program, and have been accepted or are applying to a credit-bearing study abroad program.

Applicants must submit an online application, transcripts, and two essays, as well as an application certification signed by the student's financial aid advisor and study abroad advisor.

Selected winners may receive award amounts that range from $100 to $5,000 based on the financial needs of the student. Awards are typically further determined by the duration of the study abroad program, program costs, and the content of the application materials themselves.