POLITICAL SCIENCE &
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS EDUCATION
IN THE UNITED STATES
This document provides an overview of both undergraduate and graduate programmes in International Relations (IR) and Political Science in the United States.  For general information on undergraduate and graduate study, please refer to the guides in the reference library of the US Educational Advisory Service (EAS).

The Study of Political Science
The subject itself can be interdisciplinary or focused upon one aspect within the realm of politics. IR is often listed as a subdivision of Political Science; therefore, you may wish to study some aspects of this topic without taking an actual IR course. Political Science can involve, amongst other aspects, the study of general political and philosophical thinking, the establishment, structure, and implementation of governments and international organisations, political movements and actions, e.g. revolutions, and the creation and interpretation of laws.

The Study of International Relations
Again, this subject can be extremely interdisciplinary, as IR is a combination of international politics and diplomacy, with emphasis on the connections between political, economic, cultural and historical factors. Students will explore the relations between states and between people within a global setting.

Undergraduate Study
At the undergraduate level, most colleges and universities offer a BA in the subjects Politics and IR, although some institutions have similar alternatives, such as International Politics or International Studies. Most majors will be required to take a combination of international and US politics, world history, and economic courses and some institutions require students to focus on a specific region of the world or more specific tracks, such as security, trade, or diplomacy.  Internships related to the field are encouraged and sometimes required.

Postgraduate Study
Students receiving a BA in Politics or IR can pursue MA and PhD programmes in these specific subjects as well as a range of other related fields. These include but are not limited to: international affairs, international business, American foreign policy, American politics, comparative politics, international development, international economics, and more specific regional studies. Politics at the graduate level can include, but is not restricted to, such themes as political thought and behaviour, human rights, leadership, crisis management, elections and voter registration, public policy, religion and politics. There are also cross-discipline courses available in Political Science and International Affairs.

Students who have completed their bachelors degree in an unrelated subject may also be able to study Politics or IR at the postgraduate level. Depending on the nature of their previous degree, they may be required to take some undergraduate Political Science courses in order to become more familiar with the subject area.

Postgraduate study can be completed on either a full-time or part-time basis at most institutions. For admission into an MA programme, most students will be required to take the GRE General Test and some institutions require proficiency in a second language. This, along with grades from undergraduate study, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation will determine acceptance into a programme.

Admission into a PhD programme usually depends on the completion of MA coursework and GRE results. A PhD will consist of coursework, thesis research, and completion and presentation of a dissertation. It is possible to begin a PhD course straight after a Bachelorís Degree, incorporating the Masters coursework into the programme. Admissions requirements are likely to be more competitive than for those entering a basic Masters programme.

Expenses
At the undergraduate and postgraduate level, the cost of education varies widely depending on the individual institution. Tuition can range from $2,000 at state universities to more than $35,000 at private universities.

Some awards or financial aid may be available to students. Please refer to the EAS Guides to Undergraduate or Postgraduate Study to find out further information regarding funding.

Career fields for international relations

Academic settings:
- College and university professors
- Secondary school teachers

Government settings:
- Foreign service
- FBI, Secret Service
- Customs inspector
- International trade officer
- Congressional staff member
- Interpreter
- Translator

Business settings:
- Economist
- International banker
- Public relations representative
- Export/import sales manager
- Marketing assistant

Communications settings:
- Journalist
- Foreign correspondent

Some students also apply to law school after achieving a BA in Politics or IR.  Please refer to the EAS handout on Legal Education in the United States for more information on this opportunity.

Resources in the Educational Advisory Service
As part of the US-UK Fulbright Commission, EAS receives a grant from the US Department of State to provide information and advice on US education. EAS houses a resource centre including a free reference library with university prospectuses. No appointments are necessary to speak to one of our advisers.

Resources for prospective international relations students include undergraduate and graduate directories listed below, along with test preparation guides and application forms for the SAT I, SAT II, GRE and TOEFL.  It is also suggested that students should visit the Internet sites of institutions they are interested in for more detailed information on programs.

Directories:
The College Board Index of Majors and Graduate Degrees, The College Board

Graduate Programs in the Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences, Peterson's

College Handbook 2003, The College Board

Index of Majors and Graduate Degrees 2003, Peterson's

Graduate Faculty and Programs in Political Science, American Political Science Association

Sources of additional information
The WWW Virtual Library: International Affairs Resources

Citizens Network for Foreign Affairs

National Democratic Institute for International Affairs

The Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs

Mount Holyoke University (excellent web links to Politics/IR sites)

American Political Science Association