Top International Relations Schools

Georgetown University stands out as one of the top institutions for students pursuing degrees in International Relations (IR), both at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Consistently ranked among the best IR schools in the United States, Georgetown has long been a leader in shaping the field of international affairs. This reputation is grounded in its comprehensive academic offerings, distinguished faculty, and the global network it provides to its students. The university’s standing is not only the result of its academic rigor but also its ability to produce graduates who go on to play significant roles in shaping policy and academia.

One of the most prominent rankings highlighting Georgetown’s status is the survey conducted by the Institute for the Theory and Practice of International Relations at the College of William and Mary, which was published in the March/April 2009 issue of Foreign Policy magazine. In this influential survey, Georgetown earned the top ranking in the category for master's degree programs in International Relations for students interested in pursuing careers in policy. This distinction reflects the university's deep commitment to training the next generation of policy leaders who are well-equipped to tackle the complex, multifaceted challenges of the international stage.

The survey asked faculty members who teach international relations at U.S. universities to rate the best institutions for preparing students for careers in both academic and policy sectors. Georgetown was ranked first for policy careers, which speaks volumes about its exceptional curriculum, world-class faculty, and connections to the policy-making world. Notably, the university’s location in Washington, D.C., plays a pivotal role in providing students with access to policymakers, government agencies, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations, creating an environment rich with opportunities for internships, networking, and real-world learning experiences.

The university's strength in international relations can also be attributed to the renowned faculty members who teach at Georgetown. Many of the professors in the School of Foreign Service (SFS) are experts in their fields, with backgrounds in diplomacy, global development, security studies, and international law. Their experience and influence extend far beyond the classroom, contributing to the university’s reputation as a hub for global thought leadership. The faculty’s expertise in shaping policy on the national and international levels provides students with valuable insights into the practice of international relations, making Georgetown a standout institution for those seeking careers in this field.

Georgetown’s focus on policy is particularly important for students who are passionate about shaping the future of global governance, diplomacy, and conflict resolution. The school offers specialized programs such as the Master of Science in Foreign Service (MSFS), which provides students with a rigorous education in international relations, economics, political science, and foreign languages. Students also have the opportunity to engage in policy research, think tanks, and internships with institutions like the U.S. Department of State, the United Nations, and the World Bank. These hands-on experiences provide invaluable exposure to real-world issues and the practical application of international relations theory.

In addition to its policy strengths, Georgetown also excels in preparing students for academic careers in International Relations. In the same Foreign Policy survey, Georgetown was ranked 15th in the category for the best Ph.D. programs for students interested in pursuing academic careers in IR. This is a notable distinction, as Georgetown’s Ph.D. program in political science and international relations has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious in the world. The program offers students the opportunity to engage deeply with the theoretical and methodological foundations of the discipline while also contributing original research to the field.

For students aspiring to academic careers, Georgetown provides a rich academic environment that encourages intellectual rigor, research excellence, and critical thinking. The university's focus on both theory and practice allows students to approach international relations from multiple angles, fostering a comprehensive understanding of global dynamics. Georgetown’s Ph.D. program attracts some of the brightest minds in the field, providing students with the opportunity to study under accomplished scholars whose work shapes the direction of contemporary international relations theory.

While Georgetown has earned accolades for both its policy and academic programs, it is by no means the only top institution for international relations. Other universities in the United States also offer exceptional IR programs that prepare students for careers in academia and policy. Among these, Columbia University is frequently cited as one of the top contenders, securing a spot in the top five in the Foreign Policy survey for students pursuing policy careers. Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach to international relations, combining elements of political science, economics, and public policy to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of global issues. The university’s location in New York City, a global hub for diplomacy and international organizations, also enhances its appeal for students pursuing careers in international affairs.

Another institution that is consistently ranked among the top for international relations is Johns Hopkins University, particularly for policy careers. According to the Foreign Policy survey, Johns Hopkins was ranked first in the category of public policy studies, which speaks to the university’s dedication to providing students with the skills and knowledge necessary to influence global decision-making. The university’s Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) is widely regarded as one of the leading centers for international studies, offering programs in international relations, international economics, and strategic studies. Like Georgetown, Johns Hopkins benefits from its location in Washington, D.C., which provides students with access to a wealth of internships and opportunities in government, think tanks, and international organizations.

The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) also stands out in the international relations rankings, being placed 9th nationally for students pursuing academic careers in IR, and 10th for those interested in policy careers. UCSD’s School of Global Policy and Strategy (GPS) offers an interdisciplinary approach to international relations, with a particular focus on Asia and global economic policy. The school’s strong emphasis on data-driven research and policy analysis makes it an excellent choice for students who wish to combine academic rigor with practical skills in global policy. UCSD’s research centers and proximity to major global players in the Pacific Rim contribute to its reputation as a leader in international relations education.

These rankings reflect the diversity and strength of international relations programs across the United States, with each of these institutions offering unique opportunities and perspectives on global affairs. Whether students are looking to pursue careers in policy or academia, they are well-served by a wide range of top-tier programs that combine theory, research, and practical experience. For those specifically interested in policy, Georgetown University’s top ranking in the Foreign Policy survey underscores its exceptional standing in the field, offering students access to world-class faculty, a globally connected network, and unmatched opportunities in the heart of Washington, D.C.

In conclusion, Georgetown University stands as a leader in the field of international relations, earning top rankings for both its master’s programs in policy and its Ph.D. program for academic careers. With its emphasis on preparing students for impactful careers in global diplomacy, public policy, and international governance, Georgetown continues to attract some of the brightest minds in the world of international relations. Combined with its strong faculty, extensive global network, and the unique advantages provided by its location in Washington, D.C., Georgetown remains a top destination for students aspiring to shape the future of international affairs.

List of International Relations schools in US:

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott Campus
• Northern Arizona University
• Prescott College
• Hendrix College
• University of Arkansas
• University of Arkansas Little Rock
• Samford University
• Spring Hills College
• Troy University
• University of Alabama
• University of Southern California
• University of the Pacific:
• University of California, San Diego: Graduate School of International Relations and Pacific Studies
• San Francisco State University
• University of Denver: Graduate School of International Studies
• Yale University: Jackson Institute for Global Affairs
• Johns Hopkins University: Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)
• American University: School of International Service
• Georgetown University: Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service
• The George Washington University: Elliott School of International Affairs
• The Institute of World Politics
• Florida International University: School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA)
• Florida State University
• University of Georgia School of Public and International Affairs
• Georgia Institute of Technology: The Sam Nunn School of International Affairs
• University of Chicago: Committee On International Relations
• University of Kentucky: Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce
• Tufts University: Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
• Harvard University: Kennedy School of Government
• University of Mississippi: Croft Institute for International Studies
• Oklahoma State University: OSU School of International Studies
• Seton Hall University: John C. Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations
• Princeton University: Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs
• The New School: Graduate Program in International Affairs
• Columbia University: School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA)
• Syracuse University: Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
• University of Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs
• Pennsylvania State University: School of International Affairs
• Brown University: Watson Institute for International Studies
• University of Washington Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies