Best Online Master's Degrees in International Relations

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Anyone looking to advance their career or hoping to enter the field may be interested in pursuing an online master's degree in international relations. A master's degree can provide advanced training and knowledge in diplomacy and a deeper understanding of how different political systems around the world operate and interact. This expertise could lead to raises and higher earning potential, more confidence in performing job duties, and opportunities for added responsibilities. Studying online is generally highly flexible and allows students to access course materials when and where they choose.

How Long Does It Take to Earn an Online Master's in International Relations?

In general, an online master's in international relations can be earned in 12-18 months. This year to year-and-a-half of study includes the completion of core subject classes, electives relating to a specialization or concentration, and research and writing time for a final paper or capstone experience. Part-time students taking a lighter class load may take longer than usual to finish their degree. Online degree programs may have shorter, condensed terms of 8 or 11 weeks instead of the traditional 15-week on-campus semester.

Online master's degree programs in international relations seek to prepare students to understand and analyze a wide range of regional, national, and international issues that affect governments and their citizens. Master's programs generally consist of core courses that teach underlying theories, research and analysis skills, and other introductory information imperative for understanding more complex topics. After completing foundational classes, students may have the opportunity to specialize in an area of interest. Concentrations vary by university.

International Relations Foundational Courses

Foundation courses are classes required for all students by a degree program. As opposed to electives or concentrations, these courses are meant to lay a common framework of knowledge that paves the way for more advanced study. While class offerings vary from university to university, students studying a master's in international relations can expect to take classes relating to the following topics:

• Comparative politics
• Globalization
• Theories of international relations
• Research design and analysis
• Governance and international political systems

Many master's degrees in international relations culminate in a final research paper or capstone experience. This requires students to choose a specific topic of interest or issue to research, analyze, and write about. These scholarly works typically include a literature review prior to the student's own analysis.

International Relations Specialist & Elective Courses

Following the completion of foundational courses, students may wish to pursue deeper study of a particular area relevant to international relations. These concentrations provide specialized knowledge that could help students progress in their career or enter a new role. Some commonly offered specializations in international relations include:

• Conflict resolution
• National security
• International economics
• International security

Students may study specializations in the context of a specific regional focus such as Latin America, Europe, or Asia. Some concentrations may require proficiency in a language other than English.

Licensure & Certification in International Relations

While no standard licenses or certifications are required for careers in international relations, candidates in certain professions may need to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language to perform their job duties. For example, individuals hoping to enter the foreign service in the U.S. government must undertake an Oral Proficiency Interview which will rank their skills in speaking and reading from 0, meaning no proficiency, to 5, meaning functionally native.

Internationally, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is typically used to assess language skills. Individuals can take an official language exam to be classed as one of six levels between A1 and C2. The levels are as follows:

• A: beginner
• B: intermediate
• C: native-level proficiency

Admissions competitiveness varies by university but most require minimum standards and documentation to be eligible for consideration. Typically, an undergraduate GPA of at least a 3.0, completed application form, and official university transcripts, mailed or digital, are standard for most application packets. Depending on the institution, the following may also be requested:

• Application fee
• GRE scores
• Up to 3 professional or academic letters of reference
• Personal or goals statement
• CV/resume

International students may have to provide proof of English language proficiency through official test scores. They may also be asked to provide translated undergraduate transcripts that have been evaluated for U.S. degree equivalency.

Graduates of online international relations master's programs can pursue careers in a variety of settings including the public or private sectors. They may work in either a national or international context. For those interested in careers in history and international studies, graduates may wish to seek employment as a diplomat or broadcast news analyst. Jobs focusing on marketing or sales on a global level may fall under the title of international manager and would allow international relations graduates to apply their knowledge of intercultural communications and diplomacy to business practice. Due to the flexibility of the field, there is often a need for individuals with training in international relations across a diverse range of fields including the media, finance, human rights, law, and global security.

Job Outlook for a Master's in International Relations

Both the job and salary outlook for jobs for those with a master's degree in international relations are positive. Living in an increasingly interconnected world means continued demand for professionals who understand politics, culture, law, and business in a global context. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 6% job growth for all political scientists between 2019-2029. This will add 400 jobs to a relatively small field. During the same period, financial analysts will see a growth of 5% which will add 26,800 jobs.

The salaries for those with a master's in international relations degree vary for a number of positions. As of February 2021, PayScale.com estimated the following average annual salaries for these jobs related to international relations:

• Foreign affairs officer: $90,500
• Policy analyst: $59,504
• Government affairs director: $97,511

How to Become a Diplomat

Diplomats work overseas for the government and can also be referred to as foreign service officers. They are typically responsible for affairs related to diplomacy, such as resolving conflicts, providing services to citizens abroad, and promoting US culture and values abroad. They can also have the following five titles depending on specific duties:

• Political officer
• Management officer
• Economic officer
• Public diplomacy officer
• Consular officer

Diplomats need at least a bachelor's degree, but as the application and selection process is highly competitive, those with a master's or higher may have an edge over other candidates. Interested individuals should ideally have experience abroad through travel, study, work, or volunteering; demonstrate foreign language skills; and have strong oral and written communication and cultural sensitivity.

According to the U.S. State Department, foreign service officers with a master's degree and no experience will start at $64,487. For each year of experience, employees will be given a pay raise equivalent to the next step in their pay grade.

How to Become a Political Scientist

Political scientists research and analyze events and issues pertinent to international affairs. They may produce original published research or political theories. They can work within non-governmental organizations (NGOs), nonprofit think tanks, advisory boards, or the federal government. Most political scientists have a minimum of a master's degree with a background in international relations and political science and a strong grasp of current events and global issues. International relations students who have the opportunity to choose a specialization may find concentrations related to security, regional studies, and governmental systems particularly helpful.

The BLS reported that political scientists earned a median annual salary of $122,220 as of May 2019. The highest paid workers were within government, professional, and technical services, while the lowest paid were found in education. The lowest 10% of political scientists earned around $60,960 in 2019.

Students and professionals alike may wish to join a professional organization relating to international relations. A major draw to join such associations is the ability to network with professionals in the field. For entry-level professionals, this means potentially finding an experienced mentor or making connections that can lead to job opportunities. These organizations generally charge an annual fee based on membership type, with students typically paying less than standard members. Membership provides several benefits which can include:

• Discounted rate for conferences
• Access to continuing education
• Free subscriptions to scholarly research journals
• Training via in-person delivery or via webinar
• Members-only job listings
• Opportunities to vote or hold office within organization
• Research grants or scholarships

Some professional organizations for international relations graduates are:

• International Studies Association (ISA)
• The Foreign Policy Association (FPA)
• Young Professionals in Foreign Policy (YPFP)
• American Foreign Service Association
• International Political Science Association (IPSA)

Bachelor's level students who hope to pursue a master's in international relations do not necessarily need a particular major in order to be competitive. Some degrees that may lay a helpful foundation could include political science, history, regional studies, foreign language, sociology, economics, communications, or international relations. Any field that focuses on developing oral and written communication skills, cultural awareness, and a knowledge of current affairs will likely benefit prospective master's students. Students interested in pursuing a specialization in business during their master's study may wish to take free online courses for international business to learn a little more about the field.

Students wishing to progress beyond the master's level may choose to pursue further study. In international relations, students have the option of the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree. This doctoral level degree can lead to careers in management, advanced diplomatic positions, academia, or political research. Online PhDs in international relations typically take around 4 years to complete, and this includes the time needed for the dissertation.

Those interested in gaining more expertise in the business side of international relations might be interested in an additional master's degree. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business may make students more competitive for jobs within top multinational organizations.

Funding graduate school is a common concern for prospective students. Several options exist, however, to help pay for an online master's in international relations. Students may choose to avail of financial aid, scholarships, grants, or a combination of the three. U.S. federal financial aid is available to graduate students studying online. The application process consists of completing an online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to receive a student aid report which details the award amount and type of loans available. While financial aid is available to all students, grants are only for those demonstrating substantial need. Grants may be awarded by the government or non-governmental organizations. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid.

Scholarships are another source of funding available to students who meet the minimum requirements. These requirements vary by scholarship and are decided by the organization, nonprofit, or governmental entity providing the opportunity. Many universities offer scholarships to admitted students. For example, Norwich University awards a $4,200 Achievement Scholarship to students admitted to its online master's in international relations program. Students are considered automatically after submitting a completed application packet at least one week before the deadline.