Online Master's in International Relations
0
Credit Hours
Degree SACSCOC
SACSCOC
Class Type
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Date
May 13, 2024
Accreditation
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

Learn to Lead in Global Governance with a Master’s in International Relations Online Degree

Liberty University’s Master of Science (MS) in International Relations degree online is a great option if you enjoy traveling, politics, and communication. Our international relations graduate program helps provide the training needed to maintain positive diplomatic relations with other countries and prevent international conflicts. In this program, you can learn to monitor current events and give your recommendations on public policy. In addition, you can gain a firm understanding of international relations, global security, and governance.

The advanced knowledge and training you receive in this online masters in international relations and diplomacy may benefit you in a wide range of professions. Some of the professions you could pursue include diplomacy, foreign service, federal civil service, international aid and development, international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international business, and journalism. Our challenging curriculum can help equip you with the skills needed to become a valuable asset in your global career.

How many years does it take to study international relations?

At Liberty, you can complete your master’s in international relations online in as little as 1.5 years. That way, you can launch a new career or advance in your current one without dedicating an extended amount of time to your studies. Better yet, our courses are offered in the fall, spring, and summer with multiple start dates each semester – so you can study all year and finish your degree in less time than most residential programs.


Why Choose Liberty’s Online International Relations Master’s Degree?

As a pioneer in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to develop an online international relations degree program that combines affordability, flexibility, and academic excellence. This international relations degree is offered 100% online in mostly 8-week sections with no set login times and no required intensives – allowing you to remain committed to your job, family, and community as you further your education.

In this program, we aim to prepare students with a multidisciplinary approach to international relations. We address history, philosophy, governing structures and processes, and comparative politics. The knowledge of international politics and policies gained through our online masters in international affairs degree is based on a solid biblical foundation to advance global diplomacy.

Our master’s in international relations degree completion plan allows you to choose between a thesis and a non-thesis track. Our thesis track allows you to take the knowledge you have learned from your courses and apply them to real-life problems in the international relations field. You will evaluate weaknesses and test your ability to carry out original research to find solutions. The non-thesis track lets you select elective courses so you can tailor your degree to match your career goals.

The international relations master’s degree provides you with the latest information and skills you need to vie for the top positions in international relations – which is key because competition for jobs in this field can be fierce. For instance, you may want to become a political scientist — a position that offered a median annual salary of $122,510 in 2021.* Our courses provide a politics and international law background that can help make you an asset to nearly any government, labor, or political organization.

To fulfill our goal of offering one of the best international relations master’s online, we are constantly updating our program to stay current with world issues. Liberty’s master’s in international relations online degree is designed to develop internationally astute leaders who can make a global impact for Christ.

The time has never been better to pursue an online international relations degree, and at Liberty, it has never been simpler. Don’t delay – partner with us to gain new skills and take your career to new heights!

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at Political Scientists (viewed online June 24, 2022). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.


What Will You Learn in the Master’s in International Relations Online Degree Program?

This master’s in international relations degree online can help you pursue a wide range of careers in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. These careers require an understanding of international politics, foreign affairs, international economics, and national security issues. You will study various topics to gain a foundation in international relations. These different disciplines cover history, philosophy, governing structures and processes, comparative politics, and more.

You will also study critical pieces of international organizations and human rights, political economy and international trade, and international security and terrorism. You can learn about the importance of global governance in the contexts of political, military, legal, financial, or humanitarian institutions like the United Nations (UN), World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and more.

Our international relations degree provides training from a Judeo-Christian perspective on international affairs and American foreign policy. The online master’s in international relations can give you a basis for understanding the relationship between U.S. foreign policy and the Middle East. Each course in this degree is grounded in a biblical perspective on government, politics, and diplomacy.

Our online master’s in international relations also offers a thesis option – which will allow you to contribute your own research and views to greater academic discussions concerning international relations. In the thesis sequence, you’ll have the opportunity to study under experienced faculty with terminal degrees and dissertation experience. Under their guidance, you can produce research that inspires change and challenges perspectives. If you would rather not complete a thesis, you’ll be able to select elective courses and study topics that interest you most in international relations and government.  

Master’s in International Relations Featured Courses

Specializations
Highlights
Degree Information
Military Benefits
Careers
Admission Requirements

Online Master’s in International Relations Program Highlights

  • We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility. Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America. Earning your online master’s degree in international relations from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
  • Tuition for our online international relations master’s has not increased in 9 years. While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university. 
  • You can complete our master’s in international relations degree program in less than 2 years.
  • Gain the confidence needed to submit your research results and give presentations on international events and politics.
  • We offer access to expert professors, like-minded peers, and world-class research resources through our online library portal.

    Online Master’s in International Relations Degree Information

    Apply Now    Request Info

    Master’s in International Relations Online Military Benefits

    Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe. Whether you are a current service member, discharged or retired from service, or the spouse of a service member or veteran, we are here to support you every step of the journey.

    As a thank-you for your dedication and service to our country, Liberty is honored to serve and support you in your pursuit of online education by offering the following benefits: 

    • Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
    • Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
    • 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

    Potential Career Options with a Master’s in International Relations Degree

    After completing your master of international studies degree online, you can pursue multiple careers. Many positions require full-time work in an office, although you might have to travel for international relations jobs. The majority of careers in this field are related to the federal government or professional research services. Here are just a few of the roles you may be able to pursue:

    • Diplomat
    • Foreign service or public affairs officer
    • Global missions worker/director
    • Journalist
    • NGO director
    • Political scientist
    • Professor
    • Researcher

    Admission Requirements for the Master of Science in International Relations

    A regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with a 3.0 or above GPA is required for admission in good standing. Please visit our admission requirements page for more detailed admissions-related information.

    All applicants must submit the following:

    • Admission application
    • Application fee*
    • Official college transcripts
    • Unofficial college transcripts may be accepted with a completed official transcript request form**
    • Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)

    *There is no upfront application fee; however, a deferred $50 application fee will be assessed during Financial Check-In. This fee is waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required.

    **An official transcript is needed within 60 days of acceptance or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first.

    Specializations for the MS in International Relations

    General

    Chinese Strategic Thought
    Human Rights
    Intelligence