International Relations or Political Science?

What is a better masters to get if Im wanting to work as either a Foreign Service Officer, at the UN, at a US Embassy somewhere, for UNICEF, or as a Diplomat?

Im currently getting a BA in International Relations and Diplomacy, so I dont know if a masters in Poli Sci would serve me better or if I should continue on and get a Masters in International Relations.

Thanks for any help in this!! Choices, choices......

 

Link:Who We Look For - U.S. Department of State

So what I'd gather:

1. The discipline does not matter so long as you are dedicated to service and fit the criteria given for the specializations on the site.

2. A review of high level diplomatic officers reveals that most of them have law or liberal arts backgrounds. International Law and Public Policy being the top areas.

3. Knowledge of and fluency in foreign languages is a major assist and/or stumbling block. I'd focus significant effort in this area first.

Thanks,
ITJD

 

Thank so much!! Im going to look at that right now. I appreciate it.

 

If it was me I'd pick IR but I think that ITJD is exactly correct in that language skills are at the top of the list.

 

Thanks!! I think ITJD is also correct.

 

I think you would be well served either way. PS would be more versatile if you decided to not go into the foreign service. Your options for an online Master's in PS from well-regarded schools are going to be much more extensive than IR I would tend to think. Strong language skills as others have noted are a definite must.

 

Well now that Im looking into possible changing schools (ARIZONA FREAKING STATE!!! Who knew??) I would be doing a Poli Sci degree there. If that were the case, then I would think maybe an IR masters would work. Or do you think a Poli Sci masters would still be the way to go?

 

A PoliSci undergrad. and IR Masters would be the best of both worlds without making you too specialized in one field and giving you a wider skill set to draw from. Your options for an IR Masters will expand exponentially with an BA degree from ASU v. SIU.

 

I was given great suggestions on another thread for MAJOR schools that are cheaper, well known, and RA. In my eyes, Arizona State tops that list, followed closely by Oregon State. And I do agree that a degree from ASU will do WONDERS for me as far as grad school. Maybe I could even get into another big name. Never know. Now, I still say that the education at Schiller really is good. But I will concede that an amazing education doesnt amount to much if you never get the chance to use the degree. But I also say just because a school is RA doesnt mean you are getting a quality education, either. Case in point, Ashford University. So if I can get the education that Schiller gave with the RA that Ashford gave and the big name that ASU has, I'd say its perfect. Well, and a good price tag, too. Thats always good. LOL