International relation is a sub-discipline of the social sciences. It has connections to politics, philosophy, economics, history, linguistics, theology, business, and law, to name a few. The finest master’s programs in international relations look at global concerns, including poverty, human rights, and ethics, and find solutions through interdisciplinary research. 

But a degree is only as good as the school it’s from. It can be hard to find the right college in a world where borders are only blurring, and more and more universities pop up. Here is a concise list of attributes to look for to find the best universities for international relations.

 

Specializations

International studies degrees nearly always include emphases in one or more of the field’s many specific disciplines. These are typically offered to focus your study on a particular region, such as Asia or Europe, or individual countries like China or Russia. They occasionally cover subjects that aren’t just about the area, such as:

  • Human Rights
  • Political Economy
  • Environmental Studies
  • Foreign Policy and Diplomacy
  • Security
  • Migration and Development
  • Communications

 

Location

Although you can acquire a top-notch international studies degree at various places, prominent colleges in significant trade hubs or coastal cities with international linkages offer an advantage in program range and depth. Language lessons and skills are more readily available in a variety of settings. It is more typical to have direct linkages to enterprises and government institutions with international responsibility. 

These criteria impact the courses that are offered, as well as the instructors who will be presenting them. They may also affect internship and capstone study opportunities that you may be provided as part of the program.

 

Overseas Programs

In collegiate education, hands-on contact with the subject of study is always encouraged. Other countries in international relations deal with those issues. Many programs contain requirements or possibilities for students to study abroad for a portion of their degree. Studying abroad is both a rewarding experience and a significant commitment, so you’ll want to research these alternatives thoroughly to discover the best fit for your budget and preference. 

 

Accreditation

Accreditation is the procedure through which an impartial third-party assessor designates a school as adhering to the highest level of educational pedagogical and administrative requirements. Accreditation is provided in any country by various non-profit organizations recognized by either the government or the private sector.

Attending a fully recognized school assures that you will receive the education you paid for, as well as validating your degree in the eyes of many employers and graduate programs to which you may later apply.