13 Fully Funded Master's Programs in International Relations in the US
Princeton University Programs Offered:Master in Public Affairs with Field in International Relations Location:Robertson Hall ⋅ Princeton University, NJ 08544-1013 Admission: Admission to the program is extremely competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
Princeton University offers a Master in Public Affairs program, with a field in International Relations.
The field offers a comprehensive education in global affairs and policy-making. The curriculum explores the complexities of the international system, examining how states and non-state actors interact and influence foreign policies. Key areas of study include diplomacy, human rights, national security, climate change governance, and international negotiation.
The program attracts professionals from diverse backgrounds, including government agencies, media outlets, nonprofits, and international organizations. Recognizing the importance of language skills in international careers, Princeton provides financial support for language studies during summer internships.
A distinguishing feature of the program is its commitment to financial accessibility. The School of Public and International Affairs offers full tuition coverage and need-based living stipends, enabling students to pursue public service careers without the burden of significant debt. This financial support combines institutional grants with any external fellowships or sponsorships students may have secured.
The admissions process is need-blind, ensuring that financial circumstances do not influence acceptance decisions. Applicants are required to submit a Statement of Financial Resources as part of their application, but this information is used solely for planning purposes.
By removing financial barriers, Princeton's program aims to cultivate a diverse cohort of future leaders in international affairs, equipped with the knowledge and skills to address complex global challenges.
Yale University Programs Offered:Master in Public Policy in Global Affairs Location:55 Hillhouse Avenue New Haven, CT 06511 Admission: Admission to the program is extremely competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
Yale University's Jackson School of Global Affairs offers a Master in Public Policy (M.P.P.) program that stands out among international affairs graduate programs. This innovative curriculum is designed to cultivate future global leaders through a rigorous yet flexible interdisciplinary approach.
The program's core consists of four courses that provide students with a shared intellectual foundation, focusing on essential ideas, thinking methods, and skills crucial for leadership in global affairs. This concise core curriculum allows students to tailor their studies to their specific interests, taking advantage of the vast array of courses and resources available at Yale.
With a small cohort of about 35 students per class, the M.P.P. program fosters an intimate and dynamic learning environment. Students come from diverse backgrounds and career interests, creating a close-knit community that reflects the complexity of the global affairs field. This approach enables students to learn from each other's experiences and perspectives, broadening their understanding of international issues.
The program's academic requirements are strategically designed to prepare leaders for addressing complex global challenges. Students are exposed to foundational concepts in economics, history, and political science while developing crucial skills in analysis, communication, and leadership. In addition to the core courses, the curriculum includes a professional writing program, a leadership and ethics workshop, and a summer internship or project requirement.
To complete the M.P.P., students must earn 16 credits, demonstrate proficiency in a modern language, and maintain a high academic standard. The program's structure allows for considerable flexibility, enabling students to explore their specific areas of interest within the broad field of global affairs.
Yale's commitment to accessibility is evident in its generous financial support. The Jackson School guarantees fellowships covering 100% of tuition for all incoming M.P.P. students. Furthermore, about half of each cohort, including students from underrepresented regions, receive living stipends to cover the full cost of attendance.
Graduates of the program leave with a robust network of connections to colleagues working worldwide in various sectors, including policy analysis, security, trade, human rights, international finance, and environmental policy. This diverse network, combined with the program's comprehensive education, positions Yale's M.P.P. graduates to make significant impacts in the global community.
Seton Hall University Programs Offered:Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations Location:400 South Orange Ave South Orange, NJ 07079 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
Seton Hall University's School of Diplomacy offers a Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Relations program that emphasizes practical experience and personalized learning. This innovative curriculum transforms students from passive consumers of information into active producers of knowledge, preparing them for impactful careers in various international fields.
The program's core strength lies in its customizable academic approach, which allows students to tailor their learning experiences to their specific interests and career goals. Through collaborative efforts with faculty mentors, students engage in hands-on learning opportunities such as internships, international study seminars, and original research projects. These experiences enable students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, developing crucial skills for navigating complex global issues.
A distinguishing feature of Seton Hall's program is its focus on experiential learning. Initiatives like the UN Summer Session and National Security Fellowship provide students with invaluable exposure to practical diplomacy and international relations work. The program's smaller class sizes foster a more intimate learning environment, allowing for direct interaction with faculty who are active practitioners in the field.
Financial support is a key consideration for many students, and Seton Hall offers various options. These include Graduate Assistantships, which provide tuition remission and a monthly stipend, and Research Assistantships specifically for the School of Diplomacy. The university also serves as a host institution for prestigious external scholarships such as the Fulbright Scholarship and Pickering Fellowship.
Graduate Assistantships are available to both domestic and international students, offering up to 12 credits of tuition remission per semester and a monthly stipend. These positions typically involve 20 hours of work per week in a university department. Research Assistantships in the School of Diplomacy provide six graduate credits per semester and the opportunity to work closely with distinguished faculty or senior administrators.
Graduates of the program are well-prepared for diverse careers in international relations, diplomacy, international law, and government sectors. The program's emphasis on developing a deep understanding of global dynamics, combined with practical experience, positions alumni to make significant contributions in various international settings.
Missouri State University Programs Offered:Master of International Affairs Location:901 S. National Ave. Springfield, MO 65897 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
Missouri State University offers a Master of International Affairs program designed for students seeking advanced careers in global affairs. This program stands out for several key reasons:
The faculty brings extensive field research experience from diverse regions, including sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Their expertise covers crucial topics such as ethnic conflict, social protest, and foreign policy.
With a cap of 15 students per class, the program provides an intimate, seminar-style learning environment. This structure facilitates close relationships between students and professors, enhancing the educational experience.
The program is notably affordable compared to similar degrees at other institutions, offering quality education at a competitive price. Evening courses cater to working professionals, providing flexibility for those balancing work and study.
Graduates of this program enjoy diverse career prospects in government, business, and non-profit sectors, reflecting the versatility of the degree.
The political science department offers up to 10 graduate assistantships annually, which include a stipend and tuition waiver. Applicants for these positions must submit GRE scores and commit to taking nine course hours per semester.
This Master's program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for sophisticated careers in international affairs, potentially opening doors to global opportunities.
NC State University Programs Offered:Master of International Studies Location:211 Caldwell Hall Campus Box 8102 Raleigh, NC 27695-8102 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
NC State University's Master of International Studies (MIS) program is designed to prepare students for diverse careers in global affairs. This professional degree combines a core curriculum with specialized tracks, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals.
The program's strength lies in its interdisciplinary approach, drawing faculty from various fields and maintaining small class sizes to ensure personalized attention. The diverse student body, representing numerous countries, enhances the learning experience by providing global perspectives.
A key feature of the MIS program is its emphasis on practical experience. Students are encouraged to complete internships with organizations relevant to their studies, earning academic credit while gaining valuable real-world experience. The program's internship director assists students in finding suitable placements, with opportunities available both domestically and internationally.
To complement academic coursework, the program offers professional development workshops. These sessions provide insights into various career paths, including positions in government agencies, international NGOs, the private sector, and research institutions. Experts from these fields share their experiences, offering students valuable networking opportunities and career guidance.
Students can choose from several specialization areas, allowing them to focus their studies on specific regions, topics, or professional skills. This customization helps strengthen career prospects in areas such as government service, nonprofit administration, higher education administration, and international business.
While not mandatory, foreign language proficiency is highly recommended. Students are encouraged to have some language training before entering the program and to obtain appropriate certification during their studies. However, language credits do not count towards the required 36 credit hours for the degree.
The MIS program also offers teaching assistantships, which provide financial support including a stipend, tuition waiver, and health benefits. These positions require up to 20 hours of work per week and are typically awarded on an annual basis to full-time students.
Through its comprehensive curriculum, practical experience opportunities, and specialized tracks, NC State's MIS program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the dynamic field of international affairs.
UC Santa Barbara Programs Offered:Master of Arts (MA) in Global Studies Location:Department of Global Studies Social Sciences & Media Studies, 2nd Floor UC Santa Barbara 93106-7065 Admission: Admission to the program is highly competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is extremely competitive.
The University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Global Studies, an interdisciplinary program designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of globalization and its multifaceted impacts. This two-year terminal degree combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing students for careers in various sectors of civil society.
The program's curriculum is built around three core areas of specialization: Global Political Economy and Development, Global Cultures and Ideology, and Global Governance. Students benefit from close collaboration with a diverse faculty, including 17 core Global Studies professors and over 20 affiliated faculty members from across the campus, offering a wide range of expertise and research perspectives.
In the first year, students engage with a broad spectrum of social sciences and humanities frameworks, developing analytical skills to address complex global issues. The program also provides training in diverse empirical research methods and offers a practicum series featuring visiting practitioners. For students not already multilingual, additional language training is available.
The second year focuses on applied learning, with students undertaking international field research, internships, or study abroad opportunities during the summer and fall. Under faculty supervision, students identify a social problem, develop a research project, and gather evidence. The final semester is dedicated to project completion.
UCSB's Global Studies MA program is distinguished by its emphasis on preparing students for practical careers in civil society organizations and policy-shaping roles. Graduates have pursued successful careers in various fields, including media, socially responsible business, government, environmental protection, policy research, economic development, NGOs, education, law, and academia.
Financial support for the program is competitive, with funding options including teaching assistantships and grants from the Orfalea Foundation. These packages may cover tuition, health insurance, monthly stipends, and support for international experiences.
The program's combination of rigorous academic training, practical experience, and networking opportunities equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to address global challenges and make meaningful contributions to civil society.
Ohio University Programs Offered:M.A. in International Development Studies Location:Yamada International House 56 E. Union St. Athens, Ohio 45701 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
Ohio University offers a Master of Arts in International Development Studies, a program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective development practitioners. This multidisciplinary curriculum combines theoretical frameworks with practical applications, research methodologies, and specialized concentrations.
The program's core curriculum provides a comprehensive overview of development issues, while allowing students to specialize in one of five technical areas: environment, gender, health, social sciences, or conflict. This structure ensures graduates have both a broad understanding of development challenges and specific expertise in a chosen field.
Graduates of this program find diverse career opportunities in non-governmental organizations, international development agencies, and government institutions. To enhance their employability, students are encouraged to complement their studies with courses in areas such as fundraising, non-profit management, project management, and finance. Internships are also emphasized as valuable networking opportunities.
The program offers limited financial aid options to top applicants, including Tuition Scholarships and Graduate Assistantships. These awards are based on academic performance, professional experience, and alignment with program needs. All applicants, including international students, are eligible for consideration if they indicate interest in financial aid on their application.
Graduate Assistantships and Teaching Assistantships provide full tuition scholarships and stipends in exchange for 15-20 hours of weekly service to the program. These positions require a minimum course load of 12 graduate credits per semester and maintenance of a 3.0 GPA. Graduate Recruitment Scholarships offer partial tuition coverage and a smaller stipend for 5 hours of weekly service.
Financial aid awards are typically granted for one year, with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory academic and service performance. The application process for financial aid is centralized, and prospective students do not need to contact individual faculty members to be considered for these opportunities.
University of South Florida Programs Offered:MA in International Affairs Location:4202 E. Fowler Avenue, SOC 107, Tampa, FL 33620, USA Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of South Florida (USF) offers a Master of Arts in International Affairs program, designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for successful careers in the global arena. This 30-credit hour curriculum provides a comprehensive education in international relations, focusing on geopolitics, security, and economics.
The program is structured around two primary concentration tracks: Security and Diplomacy, and Society and Development. Students engage in core seminars covering international relations and political economy, along with a methods course. They then delve into their chosen concentration through three specialized classes and round out their studies with two electives. For their final project, students can opt to write a thesis or complete additional coursework.
Housed within USF's School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies, the program benefits from a diverse faculty comprising political scientists, international affairs experts, anthropologists, and historians. This interdisciplinary approach ensures a well-rounded education covering various aspects of global studies, including international security, area studies, Africana studies, and human rights.
The program's location in Tampa Bay provides a unique advantage. The area is a hub for global affairs and national security activities, hosting the US Central Command and US Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base. This proximity, coupled with a growing financial and cybersecurity sector, offers students exceptional networking and learning opportunities.
Financial assistance is available through a limited number of graduate assistantships. These positions, typically involving 20 hours of work per week, provide a stipend, health insurance, and an 80% tuition waiver. Applications for these assistantships are due by March 15 for the following academic year, with decisions announced by April 30.
The program emphasizes practical skills and applied knowledge, preparing students to navigate the complexities of today's interconnected global landscape. It attracts a diverse cohort, from recent graduates to mid-career professionals, fostering a dynamic learning environment.
By combining academic rigor with real-world applications and leveraging its strategic location, USF's MA in International Affairs program stands out as an excellent choice for those aspiring to careers in diplomacy, national security, intelligence, or international development.
University of Wyoming Programs Offered:MA in International Studies Location:School of Politics, Public Affairs & International Studies Arts & Sciences Building 208 Dept. 3197 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Wyoming offers a Master of Arts (MA) program in International Studies, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of global affairs and the skills to address complex international challenges. This interdisciplinary program allows for customization based on individual interests, guided by experienced faculty members dedicated to student success.
The program aims to produce graduates with a broad perspective on international affairs, cultural diversity, and global systems. Students develop critical thinking skills, learn to apply appropriate research methods, and contribute original insights to the field. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in government organizations, environmental stewardship, non-governmental organizations, or advanced academic pursuits.
The MA program follows a structured timeline over four semesters. In the first semester, students complete core courses in Graduate Pro-seminar and International Social Science Methods, along with an elective. The second semester involves presenting a thesis proposal and forming a thesis committee. Students submit a prospectus before conducting summer fieldwork. The third and fourth semesters focus on thesis preparation, completion, and defense.
Financial support is available through Graduate Assistantships, which may involve teaching or research duties. These positions often include stipends and tuition reductions. Applications for assistantships are submitted through the Salesforce application portal, with a priority deadline of February 1st for the fall term. However, applications are accepted on a rolling basis until August 15th.
Graduate Assistants with teaching responsibilities must complete a mandatory Graduate Teaching and Learning Symposium before assuming their duties. This orientation introduces principles of college teaching and is supplemented by additional seminars and courses offered by the Ellbogen Center for Teaching and Learning.
The International Studies MA program at the University of Wyoming equips students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to navigate the complexities of global affairs and contribute meaningfully to international organizations and academic discourse.
University of Rhode Island Programs Offered:M.A. in International Relations Location:206 Washburn Hall 80 Upper College Road Kingston, RI 02881 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Rhode Island offers a Master of Arts program in International Relations designed for individuals pursuing careers in diplomacy, international development, and global peace studies. This program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to address complex global issues.
The curriculum is structured to accommodate both full-time and part-time students, with classes scheduled in the late afternoon and evening. Students can tailor their degree by choosing one of three concentrations: Diplomacy, International Development, or Global Peace Studies. The program's interdisciplinary approach incorporates courses from various departments, including Psychology, Economics, and Marine Affairs.
One of the program's strengths is its flexibility, allowing students to pursue additional graduate certificates in related fields such as Cybersecurity or Gender and Women's Studies. This versatility enhances students' career prospects and academic opportunities.
The program boasts a strong track record of student success. Approximately one-third of graduates secure fully-funded positions in prestigious Ph.D. programs. Others find employment in both private and public sectors, including positions at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency and the United Nations.
Students benefit from the program's affiliations with URI's Center of Nonviolence and Peace Studies and an internship program with the Naval War College in Newport, RI. These connections provide valuable opportunities for practical experience and networking.
Financial assistance is available through a limited number of teaching assistantships, which offer full or partial tuition coverage and a modest living stipend. These competitive positions are open to both new and current students. Applicants interested in these opportunities should express their interest in their cover letter and submit their application by March 31st for consideration.
The M.A. in International Relations at URI offers a comprehensive and adaptable educational experience, preparing students for diverse career paths in the global arena while providing opportunities for further academic advancement.
The University of Utah Programs Offered:Master of Science in International Affairs and Global Enterprise (MIAGE) Location:DIVISION OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS 260 South Central Campus Drive Gardner Commons | Suite 3050 Salt Lake City, Ut 84112 Admission: Admission to the program is more competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is highly competitive.
The University of Utah offers a Master of Science in International Affairs and Global Enterprise (MIAGE), a unique program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to address complex global challenges. This interdisciplinary degree combines elements of business, law, economics, and sociology to provide a comprehensive understanding of the international landscape.
The MIAGE program prepares graduates for competitive roles in three main sectors: international business, government and diplomacy, and non-profit organizations. In the international business track, students learn to manage diverse teams, facilitate international trade negotiations, and develop strong global networks. The government and diplomacy specialization focuses on representing the United States at federal and state levels, navigating foreign relations, and ensuring national safety and economic prosperity. The non-profit and NGO track emphasizes creating global change through charitable work, leading international teams, and solving worldwide issues.
Financial aid opportunities are available exclusively to MIAGE students, including scholarships and a graduate assistantship. The MIAGE Graduate Assistantship - Research Focus (GR) offers recipients the chance to work alongside department leadership in program management and student recruitment. This position requires a 20-hour weekly commitment during the academic year and provides substantial benefits, including a full tuition waiver (excluding differential tuition) and an additional stipend for other expenses.
The assistantship application process is highly competitive due to the exceptional opportunities it presents. Both new and current MIAGE students are eligible to apply for these financial aid options, which can significantly offset the cost of their education while providing valuable professional experience.
By combining rigorous academic training with practical skills development, the MIAGE program at the University of Utah prepares students to become effective leaders and problem-solvers in an increasingly interconnected world.
Northern Illinois University Programs Offered:MA in Politics with Field in International Relations Location:Department of Political Science Zulauf Hall 415, 1425 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb, IL 60115 Admission: Admission to the program is competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is more competitive.
Northern Illinois University offers a Master of Arts program in Politics with a focus on International Relations, designed to address the rapidly evolving global landscape. The program is led by a diverse faculty of scholars who employ varied research methods and theoretical approaches to explore contemporary international issues.
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including international security, environmental politics, and the role of international organizations. Students are encouraged to engage with faculty members whose research interests align with their own, and to take advantage of interdisciplinary opportunities, such as collaborating with the Center for Southeast Asian Studies.
The program welcomes qualified applicants at both the M.A. and Ph.D. levels, particularly those interested in the faculty's areas of expertise. Prospective students are advised to review individual faculty web pages to gain insight into current research and teaching interests.
Graduates of the M.A. program have found success in various sectors. Some have secured positions with prestigious organizations such as the U.S. Department of State, Human Rights Watch, and the World Bank. Others have pursued doctoral studies at renowned institutions or have been hired by universities worldwide.
Financial support is available to all applicants on a competitive basis. The department offers graduate assistantships that typically provide two years of support for master's degree students. These assistantships include a stipend for fall and spring semesters and a tuition waiver covering most, but not all, tuition-related costs. Recipients are expected to enroll full-time and work up to 20 hours per week for a graduate faculty member.
The department also collaborates with other university units, such as the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, to secure additional funding opportunities for graduate students. Funding decisions are reviewed in the spring semester, and students must maintain good academic standing to remain eligible.
Illinois State University Programs Offered:MA in Political Science - Global Politics Location:Department of Politics & Government Illinois State University 403 W. College Ave. Campus Box 4600 Normal, IL 61790-4600 Admission: Admission to the program is competitive. Funding: Securing a fully funded offer to the program is more competitive.
Illinois State University offers a Master of Arts program in Political Science with a concentration in Global Politics. This 32-credit hour sequence is designed for students interested in exploring the interconnected nature of modern global politics.
The program aims to develop students' critical thinking skills, enabling them to analyze and evaluate political ideas, institutions, and processes at local, national, and global levels. Graduates are expected to articulate their views on various political issues while respecting academic principles and diverse perspectives. The curriculum emphasizes the ability to identify normative issues, make informed judgments in complex environments, and understand significant historical events and ideas that have shaped the world.
Students in this program will learn to formulate critically informed positions on citizenship and participation in local, national, and global communities. The sequence concludes with either a thesis or a comprehensive examination.
To support students financially, the Department of Political Science offers various assistance options. Graduate Assistantships are available, involving classroom teaching and research support. These positions provide a monthly stipend and a full tuition waiver. Full-time assistants work 20 hours per week, while half-time positions require 10 hours weekly.
The department aims to provide maximum support to worthy students, typically offering a full year's assistantship with possible extensions. However, reappointment depends on state funding, student performance, and maintenance of a 3.0 minimum grade average. Eligibility for new graduate students requires a 3.0 GPA for the last 60 undergraduate hours or specific GRE scores.
Additionally, the department offers tuition waivers without work responsibilities. Minority students may apply for additional waivers through the Graduate School. Applications for fall semester assistantships should be submitted online by March 15.
This program prepares students for careers in an increasingly globalized world, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex political landscapes at various levels.
Admission to the program is extremely competitive. 
Admission to the program is highly competitive.
Admission to the program is more competitive.
Admission to the program is competitive.