College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2025 Best International Relations Schools

151 Colleges in the United States
12,541 International Relations Degrees Awarded
Ranked #63 in popularity, international relations is one of the most sought-after degree programs in the nation. This means there are lots of options to choose from when you decide to get your degree.

College Factual reviewed 151 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the best for degree seekers in the field of international relations. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 12,541 degrees in international relations annually.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great International Relations School

Best International Relations Schools The international relations program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for International Relations rankings. For our Best Overall International Relations School rankings, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

You may want to choose one of the degree levels below to find the schools of most interest to you.

Pick Your International Relations Degree Level

Associate Degrees in International Relations
Bachelor's Degrees in International Relations
Master's Degrees in International Relations
Doctor's Degrees in International Relations

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we've developed a number of rankings, including this Best International Relations Schools list, to help you choose the best school for you. If you'd like to restrict your choices to just one part of the country, you can filter this list by location.

In addition to our rankings, you can take two colleges and compare them based on the criteria that matters most to you in our unique tool, College Combat. Test it out when you get a chance! You may also want to bookmark the link and share it with others who are trying to make the college decision.

If you want to learn more about how we derive our rankings, see College Factual's Methodology.

Best Schools for International Relations in the United States

Although we recommend filtering by degree level first, you can view the list below to see which schools give the educational experience for the international relations degree levels they offer. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Schools in International Relations

1
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In MD
760 International Relations Degrees Awarded

Every student pursuing a degree in international relations needs to check out Johns Hopkins University. Johns Hopkins is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Baltimore. A Best Colleges rank of #6 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Johns Hopkins is a great university overall.

There were roughly 760 international relations students who graduated with this degree at Johns Hopkins in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in international relations from Johns Hopkins University

2
Harvard crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In MA
150 International Relations Degrees Awarded

It is hard to beat Harvard University if you want to pursue a degree in international relations. Harvard is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the medium-sized city of Cambridge. A Best Colleges rank of #4 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Harvard is a great university overall.

There were approximately 150 international relations students who graduated with this degree at Harvard in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in international relations from Harvard University

Sponsored
Masters Degree Type
MBA in International Business Program Name

Earn the MBA that fits your borderless business goals – and your budget.

More information about a degree in MBA in International Business from Southern New Hampshire University
3
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In VA
212 International Relations Degrees Awarded

University of Virginia - Main Campus is a wonderful option for students pursuing a degree in international relations. Located in the suburb of Charlottesville, University of Virginia is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were roughly 212 international relations students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in international relations from University of Virginia - Main Campus

4
Georgetown crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In DC
562 International Relations Degrees Awarded

Any student pursuing a degree in international relations has to look into Georgetown University. Located in the large city of Washington, Georgetown is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #11 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Georgetown is a great university overall.

There were roughly 562 international relations students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in international relations from Georgetown University

5
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In DC
852 International Relations Degrees Awarded

GWU is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Washington. This university ranks 2nd out of 7 colleges for overall quality in the state of District of Columbia.

There were about 852 international relations students who graduated with this degree at GWU in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in international relations from George Washington University

6
Duke crest
Duke University
Durham, NC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In NC

Located in the large city of Durham, Duke is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #7 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Duke is a great university overall.

There were roughly 29 international relations students who graduated with this degree at Duke in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in international relations from Duke University

7
Stanford crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
6th Most Popular In CA
89 International Relations Degrees Awarded

Stanford is a large private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Stanford. A Best Colleges rank of #10 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Stanford is a great university overall.

There were approximately 89 international relations students who graduated with this degree at Stanford in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in international relations from Stanford University

8
The American University crest
American University
Washington, DC
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In DC
749 International Relations Degrees Awarded

The American University is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Washington. This university ranks 3rd out of 7 schools for overall quality in the state of District of Columbia.

There were roughly 749 international relations students who graduated with this degree at The American University in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in international relations from American University

9
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In CA
191 International Relations Degrees Awarded

USC is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Los Angeles. A Best Colleges rank of #13 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means USC is a great university overall.

There were about 191 international relations students who graduated with this degree at USC in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in international relations from University of Southern California

10
Brown crest
Brown University
Providence, RI
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In RI
100 International Relations Degrees Awarded

Located in the midsize city of Providence, Brown is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 9 schools for overall quality in the state of Rhode Island.

There were roughly 100 international relations students who graduated with this degree at Brown in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in international relations from Brown University

11
Yale crest
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In CT
97 International Relations Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of New Haven, Yale is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #20 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Yale is a great university overall.

There were roughly 97 international relations students who graduated with this degree at Yale in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in international relations from Yale University

12
Tufts crest
Tufts University
Medford, MA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In MA
383 International Relations Degrees Awarded

Tufts is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large suburb of Medford. This university ranks 7th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were approximately 383 international relations students who graduated with this degree at Tufts in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in international relations from Tufts University

13
UPenn crest
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In PA
49 International Relations Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of Philadelphia, UPenn is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #2 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UPenn is a great university overall.

There were approximately 49 international relations students who graduated with this degree at UPenn in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in international relations from University of Pennsylvania

14
Boston U crest
Boston University
Boston, MA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In MA
272 International Relations Degrees Awarded

Boston U is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Boston. This university ranks 4th out of 63 colleges for overall quality in the state of Massachusetts.

There were about 272 international relations students who graduated with this degree at Boston U in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in international relations from Boston University

15
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In IL
163 International Relations Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of Chicago, UChicago is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #3 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UChicago is a great university overall.

There were about 163 international relations students who graduated with this degree at UChicago in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in international relations from University of Chicago

16
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In IL
34 International Relations Degrees Awarded

Northwestern is a very large private not-for-profit university located in the city of Evanston. A Best Colleges rank of #5 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Northwestern is a great university overall.

There were about 34 international relations students who graduated with this degree at Northwestern in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in international relations from Northwestern University

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In NY
154 International Relations Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of New York, Columbia is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #15 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Columbia is a great university overall.

There were about 154 international relations students who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in international relations from Columbia University in the City of New York

18
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
8th Most Popular In PA
20.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon is a private not-for-profit university with a large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #8 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Carnegie Mellon is a great university overall.

There were roughly 30 international relations students who graduated with this degree at Carnegie Mellon in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in international relations from Carnegie Mellon University

19
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
3rd Most Popular In VA
130 International Relations Degrees Awarded

Located in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Tech is a public school with a very large student population. This school ranks 2nd out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were about 130 international relations students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Tech in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in international relations from Virginia Tech

20
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
4th Most Popular In NY
119 International Relations Degrees Awarded

Located in the large city of Bronx, Fordham U is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 136 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were about 119 international relations students who graduated with this degree at Fordham U in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in international relations from Fordham University

21
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
12th Most Popular In CA
20.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Claremont, Claremont McKenna is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. This college ranks 6th out of 161 colleges for overall quality in the state of California.

There were about 30 international relations students who graduated with this degree at Claremont McKenna in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in international relations from Claremont McKenna College

22
Middlebury crest
Middlebury College
Middlebury, VT
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In VT
38 International Relations Degrees Awarded

Located in the town of Middlebury, Middlebury is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. This college ranks 1st out of 9 colleges for overall quality in the state of Vermont.

There were approximately 38 international relations students who graduated with this degree at Middlebury in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in international relations from Middlebury College

23
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1st Most Popular In GA
246 International Relations Degrees Awarded

Located in the midsize city of Athens, UGA is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 68 schools for overall quality in the state of Georgia.

There were about 246 international relations students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in international relations from University of Georgia

24
Colgate crest
Colgate University
Hamilton, NY
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
9th Most Popular In NY
47 International Relations Degrees Awarded

Colgate is a small private not-for-profit university located in the rural area of Hamilton. This university ranks 11th out of 136 colleges for overall quality in the state of New York.

There were approximately 47 international relations students who graduated with this degree at Colgate in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in international relations from Colgate University

25
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
2nd Most Popular In VA
189 International Relations Degrees Awarded

GMU is a very large public university located in the large suburb of Fairfax. This university ranks 4th out of 57 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were about 189 international relations students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a degree in international relations from George Mason University

Rest of the Top Best International Relations Schools

26
NYU crest
New York University
New York, NY
27
Michigan State crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
28
Syracuse crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
29
30
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Additional Noteworthy Schools

These are some additional schools worth mentioning that are also great but just didn't quite make the cut to earn our top Best International Relations Schools award.

Rank College Location
31 Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OH
32 William & Mary Williamsburg, VA
33 Northeastern University Boston, MA
34 University of Denver Denver, CO
35 University of California - San Diego La Jolla, CA
36 Lafayette College Easton, PA
37 Hamilton College Clinton, NY
38 Emory University Atlanta, GA
39 Wellesley College Wellesley, MA
40 Carleton College Northfield, MN
41 Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, IN
42 Rice University Houston, TX
43 University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN
44 University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PA
45 Tulane University of Louisiana New Orleans, LA
46 Texas A&M University - College Station College Station, TX
47 Bucknell University Lewisburg, PA
48 University of Maryland - College Park College Park, MD
49 Marquette University Milwaukee, WI
50 University of Delaware Newark, DE

International Relations by Region

View the Best International Relations Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Other U.S. Territories
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

One of 2 majors within the International Relations & National Security area of study, International Relations has other similar majors worth exploring.

Related Major Annual Graduates
International Security 775
Other International Relations & National Security Studies 642

View All International Relations Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options