Masters in International Relations / Diplomacy -- best school

I'm interested in earning my Master's online in IR or Diplomacy, and like everyone else, cost, RA, and school's reputation are important.

Right now I'm comparing:

North Georgia College & State Univ. (super cheap, RA)
AMU / APU
Salve Regina
Norwich Univ (expensive)
St. Mary's Univ (expensive)

My first choice is actually the Harvard MLA - International Affairs, but the cost and residencies might be too big of an obstacle right now.

Thoughts anyone? Any other programs you know about?

 

Have you considered Troy University

 

I did look briefly at Troy University, not sure why they didn't make it to my short list.

I'm trying to avoid the GRE (if possible) and it's a requirement at Troy, but not at AMU/APU, Norwich, or North Georgia. If I find a school that l I just LOVE, I am willing to take the exam, but if these schools are pretty much interchangeable in terms of prestige, then I don't want to go the GRE route if I don't have to do so.

 

The University of Denver offers an online Master's degree in Global Affairs;

Global Affairs master's degree and graduate certificate online program University of Denver, University College

Tufts University - Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy offers a limited residency Global Affairs program;

GMAP | Tufts Fletcher School

Webster University offers an online M.A. in International Relations;

Webster University: Online Programs

 

You might want to take a peek at the Masters program in Conflict Resolution at CSUDH

Negotiation & Conflict

Antioch

Antioch University Midwest | Conflict Analysis and Engagement

Nova Southeastern (also has a PhD program)

M.S. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution Degree Program | NSU Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences

 

Fairleigh Dickinson University: online Master of Administrative Science-Diplomacy and International Relations
MAS: Master of Administrative Science - Diplomacy and International Relations :: Fairleigh Dickinson University

Staffordshire University (UK): MA in International Policy and Diplomacy
MA International Policy & Diplomacy (Distance Learning) at Staffordshire University

 

Thanks for the heads-up on Denver -- I really like what I'm seeing there. I remember looking into Webster at some point, I guess my only concern there is that they may be viewed as more of a school geared for military students -- or am I totally off-base on that?

In terms of prestige -- out of all the programs named (except Tufts which is awesome, but at $68k a tad too expensive) -- which do you think would be look at the most favorably?

Thanks!

 

Thanks for the info on the Conflict Analysis programs, but after looking over the courses, I think staying closer to International / Global Affairs or Diplomacy is probably where I need to be... but thanks for the info!

 

You cannot go wrong with a degree from Tufts, great program at an awesome university. Extremely pricey though, however, the program does look extremely interesting. :smoker:

 

The only problem with this school is that in order to be admitted you have to be a diplomat. :disappointed:

From the school:

Requirements:

Earned Bachelor’s Degree from the US or country of origin.
Associated with a Consulate, UN Permanent Mision or Embassy. :bigeyes2:
Present the undergraduate diploma.
Present your grade's transcript issued by the university from which you graduated.
Send a copy of your diplomatic visa. :bigeyes2:
Fill in the Application Form, and the Registration Form.

 

Webster definitely caters to military and international students (in addition to traditional students), but I don't recall any negative publicity concerning any of their programs. In addition to RA, they have other specialized accreditation such as ACBSP for their business programs. They also have a student radio channel and several Division III athletic programs; they're definitely a "real" school. Not the most prestigious for sure, but still a viable option.

Besides Tufts/Fletcher (which is top-of-the-heap and IMO above any other school mentioned in this thread), my opinion is the University of Denver. Besides being in the top 100 "National Universities" in the USN&WR rankings, they have a highly regarded School of International Studies, where former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice earned her Ph.D. in Political Science. I realize that the Global Affairs program is through their University College, but it stands to reason that many of the faculty will be drawn from the School of International Studies, and the University of Denver name is still going to carry a lot of weight, regardless.

 

Freie Universität Berlin: online MA International Relations
International Relations Online: - your gateway to the global future!

 

I agree on Tufts, but I don't have any employer reimbursement, etc., so $65k is more than I'm willing to pay... I think my second choice is the University of Denver. I know it's the university college, but like you say, the name will carry some weight... I didn't know they were nationally ranked until I looked yesterday-- pretty cool. And I like their class choices as well as their quarter-based semesters -- I prefer the accelerated pace.

So, unless I stumble on any more university offering IR or diplomacy, I think this is my new first choice. I'm still open to any suggestions on US-based universities though!!

Thanks for all the help everyone--

 

I am a graduate of the Free University Berlin MA in Eastern European Studies program and also am very familiar with the MA in International Relations online program. Both programs are in English. FU Berlin is on of the top universities in Germany and the program is designed to give you the full experience of being a student in Berlin. During my time there I met with many German political leaders, ambassadors (as a student in the Global Politics School you are invited to embassy briefings) and the evenings were filled with cultural events and lectures. You spend one full week each semester in Berlin and the remainder online. My professors came from FU Berlin, London School of Economics, Stanford and other leading schools.While in Berlin you are a typical student, you have an ID, eat in the cafeteria (Mensa) and study in the library. Housing during your stay on campus is in the old officers quarters (the school is located in the former American sector). FU Berlin is named "Free" because after the war many professors fled the communist sector and started this university as free people. John F. Kennedy gave one of his speeches there and is one of the 12 "citizens" of the university. Tuition is reasonable - the link is here Center for Global Politics: Education for the 21st Century

 

I think you've made a very solid choice.

You're very welcome; even after 10 years here, I still get a sense of satisfaction when I can refer someone to a program that fits their needs/interests.

 

Bruce,

Thank you so much. This board has been an incredible source of information -- and my top choice is definitely Denver. I haven't found any other school I like as much for the cost/prestige/coursework!

Best Wishes in the New Year!

 

You too!

Be sure to keep us updated as you make your way through the program, I believe you'll be the first member to enter a Denver program....you could inspire others to take the plunge, also.

 

Definitely! I am applying this week -- hope to start in the March quarter.