Learn the key skills of global diplomacy with an MS in International Relations from the US

If you have the heart to change the troubling scene around you and make the world a better place to live in, come and apply for admission to the Masters course in International Relations in the US. The program is imparted at the postgraduate level for around 1-2 years and focuses on equipping the student with a desirable understanding and learning about the way societies around the world function. There are more significant issues at hand to deal with than just our day-to-day petty problems. A course in International Relations at a US university can help open our eyes to those grave issues - war, diseases, diplomacy between countries, global trade, economic situations around the globe, and much more.

Why Study Masters in International Relations in the US?

A Masters degree in International Relations from a top US university can effectively serve as a key to opening up multiple career options for you. Besides bright career prospects, some of the other popular reasons for international students opting for a Masters in International Relations in the US are :

  • The course can help you unravel a variety of inherent skills that can be of particular use in your future growth, such as analytical and negotiation skills, as well as interpersonal communication and decision-making.

  • A Masters degree in IR from a high-ranked US university can help you land a prestigious job role in the country’s Department of State, the UNDP, the Human Rights Department, or the World Bank.

  • The course is your chance to give back to society by playing a small but significant role in finding possible solutions to global issues impacting our society, such as human rights, war, terrorism, diseases, poverty, and more.

International Relations Courses in the US for International Students

A Masters degree in International Relations is one of the many popular courses opted for by students in the US. Taught both full-time and part-time at leading US universities, the program aims to throw light on relations between different countries in the world in terms of the foreign affairs pursued and the political principles that each nation follows to avoid chaos and conflict and maintain mutual harmony. An MA in International Relations in the US focuses on the following key areas of study:

  • Diplomacy

  • Global peace studies

  • International relations

  • International development

  • Government and state administration

  • Foreign affairs

Cost Of Studying a Masters in International Relations in the US for Indian Students

The average fee structure for the program may vary between universities, depending on the course length, curriculum design, and the degree taught. The estimated Masters in International Relations course fee in the US is USD 63,800 per academic year.

Related Source: https://sais.jhu.edu/academics/master-degrees/master-arts-european-public-policy-mepp/cost-attendance

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements to Study Masters in International Relations in the US

International Relations course requirements in the US are likely to vary between different universities. Some of the standard acceptable criteria for international students applying to the program are as follows:

  • Must have completed a Bachelor’s degree, preferably in the Humanities stream with specialisation in Political Science, Sociology, or History

  • International applicants must be able to prove English proficiency with a minimum 6.5 in the IELTS Test Report Form

Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/courses/international-relationsstudiesaffairs/grad/guide#:~:text=Some%20Masters%20in%20International%20Relations,as%20the%20GRE%20are%20required.

Top Universities / Colleges for Masters in International Relations in the US

The US offers a wide array of renowned study institutions for international students keen on pursuing a Masters in International Relations at US universities. Listed below are some of the top QS-ranked universities in the US offering the program to students worldwide:

Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/university-subject-rankings/2023/politics?page=2&countries=us

Career Prospects in the US After Pursuing a Masters in International Relations

Students who complete a Masters degree in International Relations at a recognised US university can look forward to rewarding careers in the domain. Some of the most popular International Relations jobs in the US are as follows:

  • Government Affairs Manager

  • Diplomat

  • Human Rights Activist

  • Ambassador

  • International Trade Specialist

  • Political Affairs Officer

  • National Security Agent

FAQs

1. Who is eligible for a Masters in International Relations in the US?

Students applying for a Masters degree in International Relations from a US university must have completed a Bachelor's degree, preferably in the Humanities stream with a specialisation in Political Science, Sociology, or History. Additionally, international applicants must be able to prove English proficiency with a minimum of 6.5 on the IELTS Test Report Form.

Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/courses/international-relationsstudiesaffairs/grad/guide#:~:text=Some%20Masters%20in%20International%20Relations,as%20the%20GRE%20are%20required.

2. What career opportunities exist after a Master's in IR from the US?

Students graduating with a Master's in International Relations from a US university can apply for top jobs in the government and other sectors, such as Intelligence Specialists, Diplomats, or Political Analysts.

3. Is it easy to get a job for international students in the US after a Masters?

It may not be exactly easy, but it is also not impossible to find a job in the US after completing a Masters degree from a recognised university in the country. Graduates may have to prove their eligibility directly to prospective employers; however, some US universities may also provide scope for internships and placements to help students gain practical experience in the relevant industries.

4. How long is the program for a Masters in International Relations in the US?

The actual length of the program may vary from one US university to another. The average duration of the course at most universities in the US is around 2 years.

Related Source: https://sais.jhu.edu/academics/master-degrees/master-arts-international-relations-mair

5. What is the cost of pursuing an International Relations degree in the US?

The fee structure for the program may vary between universities depending on the course length, curriculum design, and the degree taught. The average estimated cost for an International Relations course at a US university is approximately USD 63,800 per academic year.

Related Source: https://sais.jhu.edu/academics/master-degrees/master-arts-european-public-policy-mepp/cost-attendance

6. What is taught in an International Relations course in the US?

Some of the core subjects covered as part of a degree course in International Relations at a US university are:

  • Government and state administration

  • Political principles

  • International issues such as democracy, poverty, economy, diseases, and war

  • Foreign affairs

  • Political behaviour

7. Can I work in the US after a Masters in IR as an international student?

Absolutely! Graduates with a Masters in IR from a recognised US university are eligible to apply for job roles in public affairs, civil services, and the government.

8. Which is better: An MA in Political Science or International Relations?

Both the subjects have their specific focus areas. Political Science is a broader and more encompassing stream of study that covers political theories and methodologies, while International Relations is targeted explicitly at global relations between countries, foreign policies, and the like. Students can choose higher studies in any of the two subjects per their academic and career goals.

Updated on Dec 18, 2024