Where to Apply for International Relations

[iamdanthemanstan]

I'm having some trouble figuring out what schools to apply to for a Masters in International Relations. There are a number of lists I've seen but many of the schools are very focused on the practical side for mid-career people. I'm interested in eventually getting a PhD and being an academic. Also most lists are only of the top 5 or 10 schools so it's hard to tell how good other schools are. My application is a little mixed, some strong parts some weak parts, so I was thinking of applying to a wide range of schools but I could really use some advice in what schools to look at. My undergrad GPA isn't good, 3.14 (3.5 in the major), but my GRE scores are good, 170V 168Q 4.5. I've been living in China for the past 5 years, but only speak a tiny bit of Chinese. I'd love some advice about where to apply or any rankings to look at. Thanks.

[gringazo]

Check out Columbia and U Chicago. They both have good programs that are more focused on academics and have a good track record on getting people into PhD programs. Take a look at Tufts, too.

[PDCU]

Check out Yale and NYU too.

[blackcoffee64]

NYU and Yale placements have been lackluster. Look at Uni Washington for their IR and IPE programs. They're consistently placing above their rank and fund every incoming student.

[gradcafe26]

To blackcoffee, who are the profs doing IPE at UW? And also regarding the funding there, I heard they don't fund every incoming phd student from this forum, so that's not true? Thanks a lot

[StephanieM]

My prof recommended me, although he went years ago so things might have changed U of Michigan.

[blackcoffee64]

To Gradcafe 26. I know a few people at that department, and EVERY student gets funding whether it be from Poli Sci or a University-wide package. Check out Caporaso for IR, Prakash for IPE, and Chris Adolph for IPE

[gradcafe26]

Thanks a lot blackcoffee64

[Lud]

I think Stanford is famous for its Asian-related academic centers.

[PolyWonk]

I did Chicago's MA program in IR, and I agree that it's a great starting point to launch PhD applications from. They're very supportive from the very beginning. Even though the program is only a year, a majority of people made great use of their time there. For example, I left there with more than 3 potential solid LORs. In the end, I decided I wanted at least one from my BA thesis advisor. They also offer great advice on SOPs, resumes, and all aspects of the application.

They also have numerous workshops set up to give you a feel for dissertation writing and critique. They really enjoy when master's students get in on the process. You can't leave Chicago and not know what being an academic is about.