Graduate Programs’ Defining Features Shape the Student Experience

Selecting which graduate school to attend is an important step that helps professionals build a meaningful career in international relations (IR). Sometimes, the weight of that decision can make it difficult to decipher which program is the right fit.

A key first step in narrowing down options is to identify each program’s defining features. This might include course offerings, interdisciplinary approaches, experiential learning, or external partnerships. Knowing where schools invest their time and money helps provide an understanding of the type of experience students can expect and whether the program aligns with their career goals.

For this FP Guide, prestigious IR schools around the country were asked to speak to their strengths to help prospective applicants consider their options. Specifically, what is it about their graduate degree program(s) that stand out, and which types of applicants would benefit from their approach? A mix of responses arose, including:

• A signature capstone project well-known in the IR community
• Professional growth sessions with certified executive leadership coaches
• Close ties to the United Nations, granting students exclusive opportunities
• Fully funded fieldwork experience for up to six months

The features in this FP Guide provide an opportunity to hear directly from top-tier graduate programs about what their main differentiators are.

Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies ‘Studying With Purpose’ in a Practical International Relations Program

University of Notre Dame, Keough School of Global Affairs Fully Funded Fieldwork Experiences for Aspiring Change Makers

Yale University, Jackson School of Global Affairs Learning on the Cutting Edge of International Security

Seton Hall University, School of Diplomacy and International Relations Getting Students Behind the Closed Doors of International Affairs

American University, School of International Service Structured Flexibility Lets Students Craft Their Unique Story

The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University Unique Fields of Study Prepare Students for Impactful Global Careers

Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service Individually Tailored Academics with Deep Involvement Globally and in Washington, DC

University of Michigan, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy Small School, Big Resources and Global Opportunities

George Mason University, Schar School of Policy and Government Holistic Admissions Approach Contributes to Diversity in the Classroom

Texas A&M University, Bush School of Government & Public Service Research Focused on Global Hotspots Enhances School’s Career Training

Princeton University, Princeton School of Public and International Affairs Powerful Commitment to Public Service Shines in Two New Initiatives

George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs Skill-Based Global Experiences for Real-World Solutions 

University of Miami, College of Arts and Sciences Equipping Students With the Skills and Experience to Tackle Large-Scale Crises 

Augusta University, Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies Innovative Program Leads the Way in Intelligence and Security Studies

University of Denver, Josef Korbel School of International Studies Cultivating a Global Perspective While Making a Local Impact

Penn State University, School of International Affairs A Community-Centric School with Global Reach and Flexible Education

Contents

• Graduate Programs for Aspiring Global Leaders
• Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies
• University of Notre Dame, Keough School of Global Affairs
• Yale University, Jackson School of Global Affairs
• Seton Hall University, School of Diplomacy and International Relations
• American University, School of International Service
• The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University
• Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service
• University of Michigan, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy
• George Mason University, Schar School of Policy and Government
• Texas A&M University, Bush School of Government & Public Service
• Princeton University, Princeton School of Public and International Affairs
• George Washington University, Elliott School of International Affairs
• University of Miami, College of Arts and Sciences
• Augusta University, Master of Arts in Intelligence and Security Studies
• University of Denver, Josef Korbel School of International Studies
• Penn State University, School of International Affairs

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