Best Online Master’s Programs in International Relations

American University

One of the primary hubs for foreign policy, relations, politics, and diplomacy in the United States is Washington, D.C. This is one of the reasons why American University’s School of International Service is so well-respected. With its Master of Arts in International Relations degree program, students can earn their degree in 24 months and choose among the following four concentrations:

• Global Security
• International Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
• International Development
• U.S. Foreign Policy and National Security

The curriculum offers coursework in a blended format, with most classes available online. However, students must complete a week-long immersion program at American University’s Washington, D.C. campus.

During this immersion, students interact with faculty members, classmates, and professionals. The immersion not only aids in learning, but also provides an excellent networking opportunity. The final curriculum requirement involves the completion project, which can take the form of either a substantial research paper or client-based team practicum.

Seton Hall University

The School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Seton Hall University gives students the training necessary to excel in a variety of careers, whether human rights work with the United Nations or maximizing shareholder value for private corporations with international business interests. To earn an Online Executive Master of Science in International Affairs degree, students must complete ten classes in both a core set of topics as well as one of the six concentrations listed below.

• Post-Conflict State Reconstruction and Sustainability
• International Law and Human Rights
• International Economics and Development
• Global Negotiation and Conflict Management
• Global Health and Human Security
• Africa

This curriculum was specifically designed for working professionals, so completing courses at a part-time pace is very common. However, students eager to earn their degree as quickly as possible can take classes on a full-time basis, earning their degree in just one year.

Harvard University

Harvard University’s Extension School makes it convenient for working professionals to earn a degree. The school’s International Relations Degree Program for those seeking a master’s degree is no exception.

This hybrid program consists of 12 courses, at least three of which must be completed on campus. To graduate, students must complete either a thesis or capstone project. The thesis option involves conducting a research project that results in publishing-quality results. Students choosing the capstone option will complete a final paper that reflects policy analysis developed in conjunction with the capstone instructor and classmates.

• Students focused on a particular area of study can also earn a graduate certificate in:
• International Security
• Social Justice
• Nuclear Deterrence

1. Convenient Learning

Learning online offers significant flexibility. Students don’t have to visit a campus several times a week or be ready to attend a lecture at a specific time or place. This is perfect for working professionals, and that’s who comprises a bulk of students in graduate international relations programs.

2. Internship Opportunities

Internships are an essential component of advanced study in international relations. It’s common for graduates to land multiple internships to learn as much as possible before finding permanent employment. By enrolling in a master’s degree program, students establish connections with classmates, career services, and professors who can help find and set up these important opportunities.

3. Specialization

Almost every international relations curriculum at the master’s level will offer several concentrations for focus on a specific area of interest within field. One of the best ways to advance professionally is to specialize, and what better way to do that than earn a graduate degree that focuses on a particular area.

International Law, Policy, and Politics

This class examines how nation-states interact with each other, whether it’s through civilians or government representatives. It also reviews the history of diplomacy and foreign as well as how current governments interact with each other and any potential trends that might change the status quo.

Causes of War

Students learn about principles, theories, and paradigms that reflect warfare patterns among nations and civilizations throughout human history. It offers a look at the causes of war on a global and regional scale.

Capital and International Development

This class focuses on how groups of people use resources to develop societies. There’s a special emphasis on what these resources are, how they’re used, and what role international capital plays in eradicating global poverty.

Global Governance

Over time, the world has shifted to a more cooperative form of governing among individual nations. This cooperation has occurred largely at a military and economic level, but also in terms of laws. In this class, students examine how international organizations like the World Bank and the World Health Organization interact with nations to achieve a unified goal.

International Relations Thesis

For this important course, students consult with a faculty advisor to choose a research topic of personal interest within the international relations realm. Then, they write a paper demonstrating their results and methodology for obtaining those results.

International Security

This concentration explores how to maintain peace globally through political and policy means. Most coursework aims to teach students the foundational concepts relating to foreign policy, global politics, and critical issues that many nations face that often result in conflict.

Global Negotiation and Conflict Management

The de-escalation of conflict is a major national concern. Students in this concentration complete courses that identify common areas of conflict among members of different cultures and various tools available to examine and resolve these disputes.

U.S Foreign Policy and National Security

This specialization focuses on how to maintain peace from the United States’ perspective. Topics covered include the multiple forms of foreign policy tools available to the United States government, including military action, economic pressure, political influence, and intelligence gathering.

International Law and Human Rights

In this area of specialization, students learn various laws, treaties, and agreements that make up international human rights law. It covers topics such as the enactment of these laws and methods of enforcement, which is especially important given that parties guilty of human rights violations often use state sovereignty as a tool to avoid punishment.

International Development

This concentration analyzes various forms of development—such as economic, political, and social—within and among nations. Students learn about advancement in international trade through different economic systems and globalization, human rights concerns, and how foreign aid can affect countries.