Online Masters in International Relations

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As is often the case, finding the best International Relations graduate programs can be tedious. Identifying colleges that make the cut requires several factors to be considered, such as experience and qualification of the faculty, infrastructure of the college, nature and structure of the program, courses on offer, affordability, and cost, and much more. The best schools for International Relations must be accredited and also recognized by the job market. After careful analysis, these are what we consider the best online International Relations Master’s programs:

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Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

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Cost and affordability are two crucial aspects when applying for an Online Masters in International Relations degree. With the cost of Master’s Programs on the rise, it becomes increasingly important for students to weigh out the balance of the structure and quality of a program versus the cost to pursue it. Here is a list of some of the most affordable online Masters in International Relations that offer quality as well:

Link to this Page

Source – Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System & University Data
*Tuition rates are for in-state and per year. Program specific rates may apply.
**NA – data not available

An online Master’s in International Relations degree is all about understanding history, politics, anthropology, current events and applying this knowledge in solving real-world problems in business, politics, and humanitarian sectors. Typically, this Master’s Degree gives students the skills they need to maintain good diplomatic relations with other countries and avoid international conflicts while fostering cross-border business ties and promoting international trade.

Additionally, graduates of a Master’s in International Relations will be adept at giving recommendations on public policy or framing policy, based on a firm understanding of international politics, global security, and governance. From a wide range of professions in areas such as diplomacy, foreign service, federal civil service, international business, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international aid and development, or journalism, an online Master’s in International Relations opens up a host of career possibilities for those who enjoy traveling, politics, arbitration, and negotiation.

The Master’s in International Relations is designed for working students or intend to work in fields such as diplomacy, international development, international business, and global peace.

Masters in International Relations Degree Types

There are largely three types of degrees students can choose from for an online Master’s in International Relations – a Master of Arts or MA International Relations, a Master of Science or MS in International Relations, or a Master of Business Administration or online MBA International Relations. While all the three-degree types are based on International Relations, each degree has its unique flavor and approach to teach the subject.

International Relations Master’s No GRE programs have increasingly gained popularity, especially with students who want to complete their studies faster and commence working. Fortunately, most Master’s in International Relations programs do not require a Standardized Test Score, such as those of the GRE or GMAT, to be submitted for admission. However, it is not uncommon for colleges to ask for a GRE score, should the student’s cumulative undergraduate Grade Point Average (GPA) be less than 3.0.

For students who desire to finish up with their studies as fast as possible and hurl themselves into a career, one-year International Relations Master’s programs are best to pursue. While, increasingly, some colleges have introduced accelerated programs or 1-year programs that require full-time participation along with studies in the summer, these programs are in certain International Relations concentrations.  Most such programs also require students to have at least 7 to 8 years of prior work experience. For example, the School of International Service offers a 1-year Master’s in International Service online. Another example is the School of Diplomacy and International Relations (Seton Hall University) that offers an online Executive Master of Science in International Affairs, which can be completed in 1 year.

Free International Relations courses online generally do not award degrees that are recognized industry-wide. However, free courses are a great way to start learning or amass more knowledge on a specific area of International Relations. Here is a quick list of free online Masters in International Relations related courses:

1. Coursera
   Coursera has some 251 courses that International Relations tag. From Global Diplomacy to Moral Foundations of Politics, there are courses and specializations on various topics at various study levels.
2. Class Central
   Class Central pools together courses in International Relations and relevant topics from Universities around the world. Topics range from Right vs. Might International Relations and Digitalization in International Relations to The Changing Global Order, U.S.-China Relations: Past, Present and Future, and more.
3. Future Learn
   From 4 expert tracks to over 128 courses, Future Learn has a compelling collection of courses in International Relations, most of which are created by top Universities the world over. While access to some courses is free, others may require a subscription.

An online Master’s in International Relations can be just as expensive as other related Master’s programs, such as Anthropology, Political Science, Journalism, or History. External funding will help offset the high cost of tuition, which is why students should think about and explore the following funding options when applying to graduate schools:

Scholarships

Typically based on academic performance, community service, cultural heritage, religious affiliation, etc., scholarships are usually the first and best option for students to fund their advanced education. Scholarships may be merit-based, privately awarded, alumnae-funded, or given out by cultural, religious, and commercial organizations. (Note: Read about Scholarship Scams to avoid being scammed online.)

Grants

In addition to tuition fees, educational expenses such as study material, books, stationery, travel, accommodation, etc., can often be covered by grants. Unlike scholarships, grants are usually need-based and not awarded based on academic performance.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate Teaching Assistantships and Graduate Research Assistantships are two common forms of assistantships available at many Universities. An assistantship earns students a stipend, which can assist in offsetting some of the cost of education.

Working on Campus

Being employed on campus by a University is another way of funding higher education. Salary from such part-time work should be adequate to cover a portion of the tuition fee or pay for some educational expenses.

Student Loans

Students can apply for federal loans, bank loans, and private loans, which are generally given out on interest payments. However, one should note that late or deferred payments will certainly translate into increased student debt.

FAFSA

Checking whether a student is eligible for financial aid can be done through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid or FAFSA. More information on FAFSA can be found here.

To know more about various funding mechanisms, their many advantages and disadvantages, read the best Financial Guide.

Scholarships for Online Masters in International Relations Students

An online Master’s in International Relations is usually an expensive pursuit. Tuition fees can run into thousands of dollars, funded by spirited individuals and foundations through scholarships and fellowships to deserving students. From the many such awards out there, here are a few to explore:

Harry S. Truman ScholarshipsThe Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation awards about 75 to 80 scholarships to students committed to careers in government or elsewhere in public service and exhibit outstanding leadership potential and communication skills. Award amounts are up to $27,000 for a Master’s program. Application Deadline: Varies.

Rangel Graduate Fellowship ProgramThe Rangel Program grants about 45 fellowships of up to $42,000 a year, for two years, to cover tuition, room and board, books, and required fees for a 2-year Master’s program. This amount includes $24,000 in tuition and mandatory fees a year and an $18,000 school year stipend—application Deadline: Closed for 2023; TBA for 2023.

Davis-Putter Scholarship FundThe Davis-Putter Scholarship Fund provides aid to students who are active in movements for social and economic justice. The maximum available grant is $15,000 per year. Application Deadline: April 01, annually.

The Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship FoundationThe Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation offers various scholarships and fellowships in education, faculty development, religion and ethics, teaching, women & gender, and more. Award amounts can go well up to $37,000. Application Deadline: Varies.

Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AIFO) ScholarshipsThe Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AIFO) offers scholarships of $1,200 to $4,000 to students who require the education and training to gain entry and advancement in International Relations careers and careers in intelligence and national security. Application Deadline: Varies.

From coveted posts in the government to engaging ones in humanitarian and business sectors, graduates of online Master’s in International Relations can choose from many career paths. Job opportunities are available in banking, media, development organizations, educational institutions, research firms, political parties, regional, national, and international government institutions, conglomerates, and global business houses. Some other examples of roles and careers include, but are not limited to:

• Foreign Service Diplomat
• Intelligence Analyst
• Operations Research Analyst
• Director of a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).
• Marketing Manager
• Financial Analyst
• Training and Development Specialist
• Management Analyst
• Sales Manager
• International Trade Specialist
• Human Resources Specialist
• Politician, Policy Adviser, and Political Analyst
• Immigration Specialist
• Journalist or News Reporter
• Interpreter and Translator
• Country Director
• Global Communications Specialist
• Foreign Affairs Officer
• Public Relations Specialist
• Fundraising Manager
• Management Consultant
• Overseas Operations Manager

Along with job prospects, salaries for jobs related to International Relations are also respectable enough. Here is a list of a few jobs and their associated median annual salary reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

1. Financial Analysts: $83,660
2. Marketing Managers: $141,490
3. Human Resources Specialists: $63,490
4. Interpreters and Translators: $52,330
5. Training and Development Specialists: $62,700
6. Management Analysts: $87,660
7. Sales Managers: $132,290
8. Public Relations Specialists: $62,810
9. Operations Research Analysts: $86,200
10. Fundraising Managers: $118,430

In the world of International Relations, contacting, communing, and communicating with people from various walks of life from around the world is exceedingly crucial to advance one’s understanding of the subject (International Relations), as well as advancing one’s career. Building contacts and references from the beginning of an online Master’s in International Relations program and engaging in the field long before one graduate is certainly advisable. Here are a few resources students and working professionals of International Relations can tap into:

1. Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management
   The Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management (APPAM) is dedicated to improving public policy and management by fostering excellence in research, analysis, and education. The site hosts podcasts, webinars, journals, conferences, events, and even career and education resources.
2. World Legal Information Institute
   The World Legal Information Institute (WLII) offers free, independent, and non-profit access to worldwide law. The portal is home to some 1,834 databases from 123 jurisdictions via 14 legal information institutes.
3. The New Humanitarian
   The New Humanitarian presents news and analysis from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. The site covers major topics of Aid and Policy, Conflict, Environment and Disasters, Migration, and more, and is a great way to stay up-to-date with current affairs.
4. E-International Relations
   E-International Relations is a go-to-destination for students and working professionals of International Relations alike. There are scores of articles, essays, books, interviews, and a host of resources to explore.