A study program in International Relations comprises a combination of economics, history, and political science to explore human rights, global poverty, the environment, economics, globalization, security, global ethics, and the political environment.

What work can you do with an International Relations degree?

With a degree in International Relations, you can choose to be:

• ‍A Diplomat – representing your country abroad‍
  

• Intelligence Specialist – collecting (state) sensitive information‍
  

• Political Analyst – analyze government functioning and even election results.
  

So if you think you need to choose international relations for your further education, you should go to the best school for a brighter future. In this article, we've mentioned the 5 best International Relations schools of 2021. So let's check it.

Harvard University

Founded in 1636, Harvard University is in Massachusetts, USA. The International Relations degree program gets conducted at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in the Department of Government. 

To apply, you must have completed a four-year regionally accredited US bachelor's degree. Or else you need a foreign equivalent degree but not in international relations. 

The degree has been created to suit students' learning goals. Students get encouraged to interpret and examine their own queries about politics and government through the program.

Besides, the largest university library in the world at Harvard facilitates exploring and learning. Graduate Student Groups and Departmental Graduate Student Organizations amplify the experience of studying at Harvard by offering opportunities to interact with like-minded students. 

You must have a GPA of 4.1 and straight A's in all your classes to get admission.

Student Loans and other funding sources like part-time teaching or proctoring are available to eligible students.

Noted alumni: John F. Kennedy, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama 

Princeton University

Princeton University is one of the eight Ivy League schools. The international studies program occurs at the professional public policy school, Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. 

The two-year program leads to the degree of Masters in Public Affairs. Students can include law in their study program and receive a dual degree after four years of study (M.P.A./J.D.). 

At Princeton, the program moves beyond conventional topics of international economics, government, and politics. Astute faculty organizes surveys and teaches students from the outcomes of this research. 

So the training at Princeton is in keeping with the changing international relations environment. Admission requirements include a good GRE score. Princeton guarantees housing to students on campus. 

And it's not all study at Princeton students can pursue other interests and mingle with like-minded students in student organizations, sports clubs, and various campus centers.

Princeton offers only need-based financial aid.

Princeton's some Noted alumni are David Petraeus, Ralph Nader, and Anthony Lake.

Stanford University

Stanford is a reputed, private research institution that is persistent in resolving the toughest tasks. It prepares its students to become frontrunners in their profession. 

Stanford's Master's in International Policy is a two-year professional graduate degree program. It allows students to gain core policy skills and pursue their individual interests.

The program comprises three parts. Students should finish essential modules of international relations theory, history, security, global economics, and research methods. They must also compile and complete a senior thesis project. 

Besides studying, there's plenty to do at Stanford. The university encourages creativity and has world-class museums and live performances. There are 8 dining halls to ensure students never go hungry.

Limited financial aid is available for graduate programs at Stanford. Financial aid is available in grants, scholarships, fellowships, loans, and earnings through teaching, research, etc.

Noted alumni: Lillian Rogers, Rachel Quint, and Nathan Keegan

Georgetown University

Although Georgetown University isn't an Ivy League college, this private research university positively offers a similar college experience. Students study at the Walsh School of Foreign Service. 

The program is expansive, giving students a strong foundation in international relations, history, and economics even as they get poised for a successful career dedicated to service ethically in global matters.

The program focuses on:

• Global Politics & Security
  

• International Development
  

• Global Business & Finance
  

• Self-Designed/Regional & Comparative Studies
  

There's a lot for a student to explore besides studies here. The Georgetown Graduate Student Government (GradGov) and the Office of Graduate Enrichment organize various events like Coffee with the Dean and Happy Hours on campus and off-campus events like Annual Georgetown Graduate Student Basketball Tailgate and game. 

Admission requirements include a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university (or the equivalent). It's with a record that shows promise of success in graduate studies. While the GRE isn't required but recommended when seeking admission.

Graduate students can avail themselves of need-based and merit-based financial aid.

Noted alumni: David Addington, Toney Anaya, and Robert Bauman.

Columbia University

Columbia University students study at the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) in urban surroundings in Manhattan. The Master of International Affairs (MIA) prepares students to tackle international issues as experts with confidence either in organizations or government. 

The program offers a modifiable study course that includes international politics and political economy. Other options are also available like International Security Policy, International Finance and Economic Policy, Economic and Political Development, etc. Students also get opportunities to gain experience by doing fieldwork.

The Office of Student Affairs at SIPA encourages and facilitates extracurricular activities and events so that students can explore opportunities to grow beyond studying. There are numerous student groups to participate in social events and community services.

Applicants must be strong in academics as undergraduates, have a good GPA and GRE scores. Participation in extracurricular activities will further enhance acceptance. International students can avail themselves of fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships while enrolled at SIPA.

Noted alumni: Madeleine Albright, Jose Rams Horta, and Salim Ahmed Salim