Best International Relations Schools 2014/15 - FP Rankings

[Bombaygunner]

In case you missed it, here are Foreign Policy Magazine's latest rankings:

 

https://foreignpolicy.com/2015/02/03/top-twenty-five-schools-international-relations/

 

"Top Master's Programs for Policy Career in International Relations

 

1.Georgetown University58.61%

2.Johns Hopkins University47.76%

3.Harvard University46.31%

4.Princeton University33.33%

5.Columbia University31.21%

6.Tufts University29.08%

7.George Washington University26.06%

8.American University17.11%

9.London School of Economics13.42%

10.Stanford University5.37%

11.University of Denver5.15%

12.University of Chicago5.03%

13.University of California—San Diego4.70%

14.University of Oxford4.47%

15.Yale University3.91%

16.Syracuse University3.13%

17.University of California—Berkeley2.57%

18.University of Cambridge2.35%

19.University of Pittsburgh1.79%

20.Massachusetts Institute of Technology1.68%

21.Monterey Institute of Int’l Studies1.45%

21.Sciences Po—Paris1.45%

21.University of Michigan1.45%

24.Graduate Inst. of Int’l and Dev. Studies1.12%

24.New York University1.12%

24.Texas A&M University1.12%"

 

Thoughts? I'm somewhat surprised to see Yale so low. 

[Gradstudies_IA]

Hi, well for me, the rankings are pretty true! Well for Yale, I am not surprised at their ranking if you compare them with the course modules they offer, vis-a-vis the modules offered by the other colleges. On the other hand, am surprised to see Harvard in the IR rankings considering that it does not have a program in IR, well programs in MPA and MPP should not be counted as IR.

[Gov2School]

I find it a little odd that these rankings were made based on a survey of IR academics and scholars rather than a survey of practitioners, and yet at least for the Master's rankings it says it's ranking the best schools for a policy/practitioner career.   Not that many of the scholars at these universities haven't also been practitioners at some point in their lives, but thought that was interesting.   As with all rankings, it can be fun to look at (especially if your school is on/near the top!), but not something to take too seriously. 

[David_King]

Hi all.  Looking at the full link (which also includes PhD and Undergraduate programs), I think the list makes a lot of sense.  The "practitioner" training quoted above probably underplays Tufts (which has a terrific program).  If you go to the link, it's interesting to look at the differences between the more academic and practical rankings.  Georgetown, GW, and Hopkins do well in the practitioner ratings partly because of the integration of those programs with the foreign policy establishment in DC. The Kennedy School is an interesting blend of both "practical" and "academic."  

[Gradstudies_IA]

Thank you for your views David. What are your views on SIPA (Master of International Affairs) and how would you compare it vis-a-vis Fletcher (Master of Law and Diplomacy).

[David_King]

Thank you for your views David. What are your views on SIPA (Master of International Affairs) and how would you compare it vis-a-vis Fletcher (Master of Law and Diplomacy).

 

I'm a big fan of both schools, and if I were an applicant, I'd be looking at specific strengths/areas in each.  SIPA has a better IR-theory faculty and strong professional connections to the UN.  Fletcher is stronger in developing countries and has (only my impression) a more eclectic and interesting student population. Both schools have good alumni networks for job hunts - although the Fletcher alumni tend to be a bit more enthusiastic and helpful.  Both schools have excellent course selections outside of the departments, too.  I think a graduate of either program would be able to do very well on the market, for sure.

[Onthepath]

Thank you for doing this David! I am deciding between the two schools and getting views from someone like you definitely boosts my confidence. 

[Gradstudies_IA]

Thank you David.