Looking for schools with good undergrad programs in international relations/polisci?

Bindo · 07-12-2009, 11:16 PM

I don't know how to choose a college that is right for me ... I'm concerned that my options are based only on name recognition or popularity, and not on what's the best fit. Help, please?

So far I'm looking at:
Georgetown SFS
Columbia
University of Chicago
Northwestern
Harvard
Yale
Brown

wheeler · 07-13-2009, 01:21 AM

I mean, what are you looking for other than strong poly sci departments? You listed mid-sized, private, research universities, all of which are in urban areas.

Other suggestions, off the top of my head - William and Mary, George Washington, American, Tufts

Also, most highly-ranked schools have good poly sci departments, which normally includes Int'l Relations. This includes liberal arts colleges as well. Don't forget about these options.

Also some schools include Int'l Relations in their poly sci departments, some treat it as an interdisciplinary major covering many different departments, and some schools have an independent international relations department.

Bindo · 07-13-2009, 01:44 AM

ok thank you this is helpful

bonanza · 07-13-2009, 09:49 AM

For many years--the general consensus among people actually working in the field is that there are 5 programs which are outstanding: Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Princeton, Columbia and Tufts. Less selective but also fine programs exist at George Washington U and American U in DC. Otherwise, go to the best school you can.

IBclass06 · 07-13-2009, 11:02 AM

Quote:

You listed mid-sized, private, research universities, all of which are in urban areas.

Other suggestions, off the top of my head - William and Mary, George Washington, American, Tufts

Duke and WUStL would also fit into that category. Mid-sized urban/suburban universities with stronger political science programs than many of the universities mentioned so far. Duke in particular is extraordinarily strong in political science, public policy, and international relations and studies.

Washington University Dept of Political Science
International and Area Studies

Political Science
Undergraduate Program - Sanford School of Public Policy
PPE at Duke
ICS - Duke

Bindo · 07-13-2009, 07:42 PM

great responses so far thanks for the links

eatsalot · 07-14-2009, 04:20 AM

Duke!

About Sanford School of Public Policy

Quote:

To make a difference in the complex issues of today, students need skills in political and economic analysis, knowledge about how to lead people and organizations and a strong ethical foundation for decision-making. These are a few of things the Sanford School offers.

We offer outstanding facilities, access to the world-famous Research Triangle, and a moderate climate. And of course, for sports fans, there's always Duke basketball.

jessiehl · 07-14-2009, 10:00 AM

MIT is very good in security studies, if you like math and science enough to swing it. I concur with Tufts (and most of the rest of what has been said).

drmamontgomery · 07-14-2009, 11:45 AM

You might also consider Dickinson, American, and the University of Denver. You haven't mentioned anything about your own background. So remember that it's not just about the college, it's about how well you fit that college.

Many, many colleges have solid international relations departments. So don't just focus on that program--focus on a whole range of academic, social, and environmental criteria when building your college list.

ca87 · 07-14-2009, 12:04 PM

Georgetown, Yale (just received a $50M donation to expand their international studies program), George Washington, Michigan (political science), and Princeton are all really good. Look at Middlebury also. They don't have an international relations major, but international studies and international politics and economics. One of the best schools to go to if you're interested in international studies, languages, and studying abroad. It's slightly easier to get into than the other schools on your list based on SAT averages. What are your SATs?

Coolbrezze · 07-14-2009, 12:25 PM

^
I just went to University of Michigan-Ann Arbor website since you noted (political science) next to it. I can't find where they list there majors, there is no international relations major or some sort?

Bindo · 07-14-2009, 05:06 PM

@ca87
I scored a 2250 (CR: 770, Math: 720, Writing: 760) and my grades have been all A's in high school, but my EC's are somewhat weak. I think some of these schools may be out of my league and I'm just looking for any general tips/advice about applying to any schools with some form of undergraduate program in international relations.

Coolbrezze · 07-14-2009, 05:20 PM

Based off the information given, you may have interest in looking at George Washington University also.

ca87 · 07-14-2009, 07:02 PM

Are you interested in LACs? You have a good shot anywhere based on your SATs. Use GW for a good match/safety and maybe American as a safety. Do you have good state schools?

Coolbrezze, Michigan doesn't have an IR major but has many courses on IR as well as majors relating to it. (political science, french and francophone studies, latin american and caribbean studies, middle eastern and north african studies, etc.)

slik nik · 07-14-2009, 07:43 PM

Look at Emory. Their IR/Poli Sci program may not be the best in the nation, but their departments in these fields are strong. It is more of a match for you as well.

Obviously, I would also recommend looking at GW, American, Georgetown, Harvard, Yale, Columbia, and Duke as well.