International Relations Rankings

The field of international relations (IR) is one of the most dynamic and important areas of academic and professional study today, offering critical insights into global political, economic, and social systems. The graduate programs in international relations are highly competitive, and selecting the right school can significantly shape one's career trajectory, whether in academia or policy-making. According to a survey published in Foreign Policy, the top international relations schools in the United States were ranked based on their prominence in academic and policy careers, providing prospective students with essential guidance.

When it comes to academic careers in international relations, Harvard University emerged at the top of the rankings. Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government is globally recognized for its rigorous academic environment, distinguished faculty, and its role in shaping the intellectual landscape of international relations. The university's reputation as a hub for cutting-edge research, policy analysis, and political theory has made it a leader in fostering the next generation of scholars. Harvard’s extensive resources, including access to an extensive network of scholars and global political leaders, make it the ideal place for students aiming to pursue careers in academia. The institution's cross-disciplinary approach, which integrates history, economics, law, and political science into the study of international relations, is one of its distinguishing features. Harvard's ability to attract world-renowned scholars in the field ensures that its graduates are equipped with the tools necessary to contribute meaningfully to academic discourse in IR.

Columbia University ranks second in the academic career category, and it is renowned for its deep focus on global governance, human rights, and international law. Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) stands out for its commitment to fostering a research-intensive environment that encourages critical thinking and rigorous analysis. The university’s location in New York City, the political and diplomatic hub of the world, offers students unparalleled access to international organizations like the United Nations and a host of global think tanks and policy bodies. Columbia’s IR program is known for encouraging interdisciplinary study, offering students the ability to combine international relations with fields like economics, security studies, and public policy. This flexibility allows students to tailor their academic journey to suit their specific research interests and career goals. Many of Columbia’s IR alumni go on to hold esteemed academic positions at universities worldwide, further solidifying its status as a top choice for those pursuing academic careers in the field.

Stanford University, ranked third, also enjoys a strong reputation in the academic realm of international relations. The Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford is a leading center for research and policy studies in global affairs. Stanford’s emphasis on both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies ensures that its students are equipped with a diverse skill set that is critical for making scholarly contributions to international relations. The university’s interdisciplinary approach also encourages students to draw from its world-class departments in economics, political science, law, and history, which enriches their understanding of global issues. Moreover, the close-knit academic community at Stanford, combined with its vast network of alumni in academia and policy-making, provides students with valuable mentorship and collaborative opportunities. Stanford’s rigorous academic standards, combined with its innovative research programs, make it an ideal institution for aspiring academics in international relations.

The Princeton University Department of Politics, ranked fourth, has consistently been one of the top institutions for academic careers in international relations. Princeton’s graduate program offers a unique blend of theoretical rigor and practical engagement with global issues, and its small student-to-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship opportunities. Princeton’s strengths lie in political theory, international security, and conflict studies. The university is known for producing scholars who go on to influence policy debates, academic research, and global academic institutions. Princeton’s emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, particularly its robust connection with the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, allows students to draw on a wealth of resources that bridge the gap between theory and practice in international relations.

Ranked fifth is the University of Chicago, an institution known for its deep commitment to intellectual rigor and innovative approaches to international relations. The Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago offers a strong foundation in both qualitative and quantitative research, and its faculty is highly regarded for its contributions to global policy research, security studies, and conflict resolution. The university’s emphasis on economic and political analysis equips students with a unique set of skills that are highly valued in academic circles. Chicago’s interdisciplinary approach, which includes collaborations with its renowned departments of economics, political science, and sociology, provides students with the tools necessary to make significant contributions to both theoretical and applied international relations research.

Yale University, ranked sixth, has long been a leader in international relations, with a focus on international law, global governance, and human rights. Yale’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs serves as a hub for research and education in international relations, offering a rigorous academic environment that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration. Yale’s approach to international relations emphasizes a global perspective and encourages students to engage in critical analysis of pressing global issues, including conflict, development, and global justice. Yale’s faculty is widely regarded as some of the best in the field, and its alumni network spans the highest echelons of academia, government, and international organizations.

Rounding out the top ten academic rankings for international relations, we find the University of Michigan (ranked seventh), University of California, Berkeley (eighth), University of California, San Diego (ninth), and Cornell University (tenth). These universities provide diverse programs that cater to various aspects of international relations, including security studies, human rights, political theory, and economic development. Their interdisciplinary and research-driven approaches offer students opportunities to engage with complex global issues and contribute to the academic field in meaningful ways. Each of these institutions benefits from strong faculty members, research centers, and collaborative opportunities that enable students to thrive in an academic career in international relations.

When considering career paths outside academia, the focus shifts towards the development of policy professionals capable of shaping international relations on the ground. In this domain, Johns Hopkins University leads the rankings for policy careers, closely followed by Georgetown University. Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) offers a world-class program in international relations that combines academic rigor with practical skills, preparing students for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, and think tanks. The program is highly regarded for its policy-oriented focus, with specializations in international economics, conflict resolution, and foreign policy.

Georgetown University, ranked second, is well known for its Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service (SFS), which is one of the most prestigious and selective programs in the field of international relations. Georgetown’s unique location in Washington, D.C., allows students to directly engage with policy-making processes, providing them with exceptional networking opportunities and internships with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations. The university’s focus on developing leaders in international diplomacy and policy has led to a strong tradition of alumni in high-ranking government positions and international organizations.

While Harvard University ranks third in policy careers, it still maintains its prestigious position among the best schools for international relations in both academic and policy sectors. Its Kennedy School continues to produce influential policy professionals who go on to shape global affairs, holding prominent roles in government, international organizations, and private sector think tanks.

Other top-ranked schools for policy careers include Tufts University, Columbia University, Princeton University, and George Washington University, each offering unique strengths in preparing students for policy-oriented careers. Whether through their strong connections to Washington, D.C., their focus on real-world policy challenges, or their renowned faculty, these schools consistently produce graduates who go on to become influential figures in the field of international relations.

In conclusion, the rankings provided by Foreign Policy highlight the top institutions for pursuing careers in international relations, with a distinction between academic and policy-oriented careers. While schools like Harvard, Columbia, and Stanford dominate the academic rankings, institutions like Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, and Tufts lead the way for students looking to make an impact in policy-making. Both academic and policy careers in international relations require rigorous intellectual training, practical experience, and a deep understanding of global issues, and these top-ranked schools offer the best opportunities to develop these skills.