Online International Relations Degree Programs

Complete an online International relations degree and work in foreign service or government.

International relations is the part of political science that focuses on the economic, political, and social relationships between countries. Careers can lead to conflict resolution and diplomacy. International relations falls under the field of political science. International relations focuses on the relationships between countries at a diplomacy level. The focus is on the interplay between different governments, economic systems, labor relations, and multinational corporations. Many jobs in international relations require extensive travel, a deep understanding and tolerance for other countries, and cultures, as well as knowledge of more than one language in most cases. Specializations in online international relations graduate degree programs include international business, international management, comparative policy, systems of politics, international development, international economics, international environmental policy, and public policy.

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Selected Online International Relations Degree Programs

Norwich University - Online

• Master of Arts in Diplomacy

Abilene Christian University - Online

• Certificate in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation
• Master of Arts in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation

International Relations Education and Training

Students who pursue online an masters degree in international relations or a PhD degree in international relations focus their studies on the relationship between governments, economic systems, labor and multinational companies and corporations.

To succeed with an online international relations degree in the field international relations students should have a broad understanding of other areas such as business, history, law, economics, international develop, environmental policy, international management, comparative policy, anthropology, and diplomacy. In many online international policy programs students are also required to take courses in statistics, mathematics, and research methodology.

International Relations Careers

Careers in international relations vary by area of focus or service. With an online international relations degree some of the jobs include working in national security and advising policymakers. Other graduates of political sciences serve as liaisons to multilateral organizations and multinational corporations.

Upon graduation from an online international relations degree, many go on to become foreign correspondents, journalists, foreign affairs analysts, foreign-service officers, intelligence specialists, foreign affairs specialists, or diplomats. They work in government, international Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Non-profit Organizations (NPOs). Others serve as international business consultants and international finance specialists while others may choose to work in international human rights advocacy or even the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

The United States federal executive branch is the largest employer of political science graduates. Some areas of employment within the government are:

• Peace Corps
• U.S. Agency of International Development (USAID)
• Department of Defense
• Department of State
• Department of Commerce
• U.S. Information Agency
• Department of Agriculture

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for political scientists is around $92,000. Some areas of employment have the following annual mean salary:

• Scientific research and development - $85,000
• Higher education (colleges and universities) - $54,000
• State governments - $55,300
• Social advocacy groups - $54,500

Students who earn a campus or online international relations degree are generally interested in pursuing a career in the Foreign Service, international human rights advocacy, diplomacy, and intelligence. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for political scientists was about $90,000 in 2006. Bachelors, masters (MSc. and MA) and PhD student of International Relations focus on the relationship between governments, economics, political structures, labor and multinational corporations. Some students get entry level positions as researchers at the local or state level or for private firms working on political campaigns and polls.