Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranking school for international studies is Western Kentucky University, followed by California State University.
- These programs offer versatile career paths, including roles in diplomacy, journalism, law, and politics.
- Emphasizing affordability, the rankings consider tuition costs, financial aid availability, and program customization options.
A bachelor’s in international relations degree is a broad, interdisciplinary degree that can prepare graduates for a wide variety of different careers and for graduate study. This versatility makes it an appealing option for students who want to ensure that they have plenty of career and job options after graduation.
Bachelor of international relations students will go on to become archivists, foreign affairs analysts, politicians, diplomats, journalists, language specialists, and international lawyers, among many other job titles.
Featured Programs
Cost is an important aspect of value, and thankfully almost all online colleges accept fafsa. To probe the top value bachelor’s in international relations programs, we developed the following methodology.
Ranking Methodology for International Relations Rankings
Tuition Points:
• Under $25,000 – 2 points
• Under $20,000 – 3 points
• Under $15,000 – 4 points
• Under $10,000 – 5 points
Students Receiving Financial Aid:
• 60% – 1 point
• 70% – 2 points
• 80% – 3 points
• 90% – 4 points
Customization Options
• Content Customizations (e.g. Minors, Concentrations, Specializations, etc.) – 1 point Per Customization Option
• Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid/Online, Full-time/Part-Time, etc.) – 1 point Per Customization Option
Wow Factor
• 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us
Best Value Colleges for a Bachelor’s in International Relations
To identify our initial pool of schools offering a bachelor’s in international relations degree, we used College Navigator, searching for colleges and universities offering this program for a tuition of less than $25,000 per year. The search yielded 108 results.
From there, we visited each school’s website and applied the above ranking methodology. What resulted is the following ranking of the 50 top value bachelor of international relations programs.
In cases of a tie, we took into account the schools’ tuition—as reported by College Navigator—and awarded the higher ranking to the more affordable school.
Best Undergraduate International Relations Programs
#50 – Lindenwood University
Bachelor’s in International Studies
St. Charles, Missouri
Website
Points: 8
Lindenwood University’s bachelor’s in international relations program features both a general track and an emphasis on security studies. The program consists of 42 credit hours beyond the general education requirement for a bachelor’s degree.
Coursework includes the study of topics such as American foreign policy, diplomatic affairs, economic research, and global business and society.
A study abroad program is available from the university, and international relations students are highly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. Basic competency in a modern foreign language is a prerequisite for this particular bachelor of international relations.
Tuition: $16,022
#49 – Kent State University
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
Kent, Ohio
Website
Points: 8
Kent State University offers a bachelor’s in international relations through its Center for Comparative and Integrative Programs. The curriculum is broad and interdisciplinary, incorporating relevant courses from departments such as history, political science, geography, and economics.
Course titles comprising this Bachelor of International Studies degree program include International Economic Relations, International Organization and Law, Problems of International Organization, and Comparative Foreign Policy.
Study abroad opportunities and internships are available to students from Kent State’s Semester Abroad in Geneva, Switzerland.
Tuition: $10,012
#48 – Wilson College
Bachelor in Global Studies
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Website
Points: 9
The bachelor’s in international relations offering from Wilson College is technically a bachelor of global studies. Enrolled students are required to take specialization courses in one of three areas: The Hispanic World, The Francophone World, or Cultural Studies.
Ten core courses in global studies are also required, including Cultural Geography, Comparative Contemporary Cultures, and Gender in Global Society, as well as two courses in a modern foreign language.
In addition, bachelor of international relations students must complete a study abroad or immersion internship experience.
Tuition: $24,392
#47 – East Tennessee State University
Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs
Johnson City, Tennessee
Website
Points: 9
East Tennessee State University offers a bachelor’s in international relations through the College of Arts and Science’s Department of Political Science, International Affairs, and Public Administration.
The 120-credit hour program is comprised of general education requirements as well as major-specific courses such as Introduction to Comparative Politics, American Foreign Policy, and International Law and Organizations.
Graduates of this bachelor of international relations degree are well-prepared for entry-level careers as social science teachers, legislative aides, consultants, and related positions, as well as graduate studies in law or international affairs.
Tuition: $8,153
#46 – Shawnee State University
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Portsmouth, Ohio
Points: 9
Shawnee State University offers a multi-disciplinary bachelor’s in international relations degree from its Department of Social Sciences. After completing the 34-credit hour general education program, students will select course titles from the following categories: Western Cultural Perspectives, Non-Western Cultural Perspectives, and Ethics.
Specific course titles include Introduction to Philosophy, Third World Politics, Ethics in Public and Private Life, and Cultural Geography.
Students with a bachelor’s in international relations must also fulfill a foreign language requirement and complete a capstone project prior to graduation.
Tuition: $7,364
#45 – Lyndon State College
Bachelor’s in Global Studies
Lyndonville, Vermont
Website – Unfortunately, this program is no longer offered at this time.
Points: 10
The bachelor of international relations offered by Lyndon State College is technically a BA in Global Studies. The program is customizable, allowing students to focus on sociology or anthropology or combine the two for a dual concentration.
Outside the classroom, students will have many opportunities to engage in experiential learning through organized service learning projects, internships, and anthropological fieldwork.
Bachelor of international relations students will have the opportunity to travel abroad, studying in countries like Kenya, Mexico, Egypt, China, India, Europe, Australia, and Russia.
Tuition: $11,018
#44 – Northern Kentucky University
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Highland Heights, Kentucky
Website
Points: 10
Northern Kentucky University offers a dynamic bachelor’s of international relations program from its Department of Political Science, Criminal Justice, & Organizational Leadership.
In addition to general education courses, students will study major-specific courses such as Global Inequalities, Leadership Around the World, and World Regional Geography.
Bachelor of international relations students are also required to choose a related minor or focus, such as Political Science, European Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Anthropology. NKU’s Academic Exchange Program enables students to study abroad in twelve foreign countries.
Tuition: $9,120
#43 – University of Baltimore
Undergraduate International Studies Program
Baltimore, Maryland
Points: 10
The University of Baltimore offers an interdisciplinary bachelor of international relations program designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in a global society.
After completing 43 credit hours of general education requirements, students will take core courses in international studies, including titles such as American Political Institutions, International Law and Morality, and Methods in Government and Public Policy, as well as elective courses such as Human Population Dynamics, Comparative Criminal Justice, and Global Health.
Bachelor in international relations students may also choose regional/area courses, allowing them to specialize in a specific geographical area.
Tuition: $8,326
#42 – SUNY–New Paltz
Bachelor of International Studies
New Paltz, New York
Website
Points: 10
SUNY–New Paltz has been offering its bachelor’s in international relations degree program for over twenty years. The curriculum is an interdisciplinary one, incorporating course topics from the areas of geography, anthropology, black studies, economics, history, and sociology.
The 20-credit hour required core includes course titles such as Cultural Anthropology, Contemporary American Foreign Policy, Scope and Methods of Political Science, and Environment & Culture.
Bachelor in international relations students may choose from elective courses such as Gender and Anthropology, Comparative Political Economy, and United Nations Seminar.
Tuition: $7,737
#41 – American Public University
Online Bachelor’s in International Affairs
Charles Town, West Virginia
Website
Points: 10
American Public University offers an interdisciplinary bachelor’s in international relations degree program designed for working professionals.
The curriculum is delivered entirely online and probes topics such as global development and international relations theory, foreign policy analysis, diplomacy, and international organizations.
Bachelor of international relations students can complete their degrees within four years and graduate prepared to fulfill entry-level positions in the field or continue their studies in a graduate program.
Tuition: $6,880
#40 – Marshall University
Undergraduate International Studies Program
Huntington, West Virginia
Website
Points: 10
Marshall University offers undergraduate students the option to pursue a bachelor of international relations degree or a minor in international affairs.
In addition to general education requirements for an undergraduate degree, students are also required to take courses in economics, geography, anthropology, and political science.
Marshall’s bachelor of international relations students will also concentrate on a single foreign language. In addition, a capstone course in a sub-area of international relations must be completed prior to graduation from the program.
Tuition: $6,814
#39 – Idaho State University
Bachelor’s in International Studies
Pocatello, Idaho
Website
Points: 10
Idaho State University offers a bachelor’s in international relations program from its Department of Global Studies and Languages that can be customized around one of three unique specializations: Political and Economic Development; Language, Literature, and Culture; or The United States and World Affairs.
In addition to experimental courses and a study abroad component, students must take required courses such as The World Today: Introduction to Global Issues, Global Environmental History, and Introduction to International Organizations.
A minor in international studies is also available.
Tuition: $6,784
#38 – Southern Nazarene University
Undergraduate International Studies Program
Bethany, Oklahoma
Website
Points: 11
The bachelor’s in international relations offering from Southern Nazarene University is highly customizable, allowing students to choose one of the following specializations to drive their coursework: Business Spanish, English as a Second Language, Language and Culture, Political Science, or International Business.
In addition to general education requirements and major and concentration courses, students are also required to undertake a full semester of study abroad or engage in an international internship.
Bachelor of International relations students graduate prepared to enter the industry as international relations specialists, cross-cultural trainers, diplomats, public affairs coordinators, and more.
Tuition: $23,320
#37 – Oakland University
Bachelor’s in International Studies
Rochester, Michigan
Website
Points: 11
Oakland University offers a bachelor’s in international relations program through its International Studies Program.
The curriculum is designed so that students have the opportunity to concentrate their studies on a specific geographical area, such as East Asia or Latin America, for instance. Students also have the flexibility of choosing between online and traditional formats, making this an attractive option for working students.
Bachelor of international relations students are encouraged to study abroad, and the university’s study abroad program gives them the opportunity to do so in 17 countries in areas such as Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Tuition: $11,344
#36 – Middle Tennessee State University
Bachelor of International Studies
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Website
Points: 11
Middle Tennessee State University offers several options for students interested in earning a bachelor’s in international relations degree. Students can choose from a BA or BS in international relations, or they can opt for the five-year accelerated Bachelor to Master’s Program.
Enrolled students will complete a general education core and study major-specific topics such as Introduction to Global Politics, The Political Status of Women in the World, International Economy, and World Politics.
Bachelor of international relations students are encouraged to choose minors and electives in areas such as foreign language, social science, and humanities.
Tuition: $8,080
#35 – SUNY–Buffalo State
Undergraduate International Studies Program
Buffalo, New York
Website – No longer available.
Points: 11
SUNY—Buffalo State offers a bachelor’s of international relations degree program with concentrations in Peace and Conflict and Sustainable Development. The curriculum consists of a 24-credit hour core, including course titles such as Political Analysis, American Foreign Policy, and History of Political Thought.
In addition to concentration courses, students will also choose two general electives like European Political Systems and Politics and History of the Middle East.
In addition to the bachelor’s in international relations program, the school also offers a minor in international affairs.
Tuition: $7,669
#34 – Murray State University
Bachelor of International Studies
Murray, Kentucky
Points: 11
Murray State University offers a bachelor’s of international studies degree program through its Department of Political Science and Sociology.
The flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum features specialty course topics such as Communicating in International Business Environments, International Development, Women and Gender in History, and Survey of World Religions.
Graduates of this bachelor of international relations program are well-prepared to take on roles in various sectors such as education, research, and government and diplomacy, for example. Murray State students studying international affairs are also encouraged to pursue dual degrees.
Tuition: $7,608
#33 – Indiana University Southeast
Bachelor’s in International Studies
New Albany, Indiana
Website
Points: 11
Indiana University Southeast offers a multi-disciplinary bachelor’s in international relations program that encourages students to focus their coursework on one of three regional areas: Europe, Latin America, or East Asia.
A study abroad experience is required for the degree, and students can choose from over 50 countries offering travel experiences in connection with the university.
Other requirements for this bachelor of international relations program include a general education core, 15 credit hours of core international studies courses, 18 credit hours in the chosen concentration, and three years of a modern foreign language.
Tuition: $6,949
#32 – University of Tennessee—Martin
Undergraduate International Studies Program
Martin, Tennessee
Website
Points: 12
The University of Tennessee—Martin offers a bachelor’s in international studies program with concentrations in Business and Economic Development or Strategic Studies.
In addition to courses aligned with the student’s chosen concentration, an 18-credit hour core is required, including course titles such as The Changing World Order, Economic Development, and International Economics.
Bachelor’s in international relations students are encouraged to participate in internships, service projects, and study abroad immersions.
Students must complete at least six credit hours of travel study and fulfill the requirements for a foreign language minor.
Tuition: $8,326
#31 – 
SUNY—Oneonta
Bachelor’s in International Studies; Bachelor’s in International Development Studies
Oneonta, New York
Website
Points: 12
SUNY—Oneonta is home to two bachelor’s of international relations offerings: a bachelor’s in international studies and a bachelor’s in international development studies. The curriculum is known for its flexibility, enabling students to create individualized courses of study based on their career goals.
Study abroad opportunities are plentiful. Recent SUNY—Oneonta bachelor’s in international relations majors have studied in Australia, Japan, New Zealand, United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Morocco, South Africa, and Canada. Deserving students are invited to join Sigma Iota Rho, the national honor society for international studies.
Tuition: $7,870
#30 – Eastern Washington University
Bachelor of International Affairs
Cheney, Washington
Website
Points: 12
Eastern Washington University’s bachelor’s in international relations degree program features three unique concentrations: Global Security Processes, Global Socio-Economic Processes, and Global Public Policy. In addition to courses required to fulfill the concentration, enrolled students will also take required core courses such as International Systems, International Political Policy, and Introduction to Comparative Politics.
Native English speaking students are required to minor in a modern foreign language in order to earn this bachelor of international relations degree.
Tuition: $7,866
#29 – Minnesota State University—Mankato
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
Mankato, Minnesota
Website
Points: 12
Minnesota State University—Mankato is home to a bachelor’s in international relations program with several unique areas of emphasis, including Security & Peace, International Norms and Institutions, and International Political Economy.
The program only requires a year of foreign language study, but an international experiential learning component is also mandated.
Some specialty course topics include Nonwestern Political Philosophy, Political Geography, and International Communication. Students with a bachelor’s degree in international relations must also choose a minor that complements their major.
Tuition: $7,836
#28 – The City College of New York
Bachelor of International Relations
New York, New York
Website
Points: 12
The City College of New York’s bachelor’s in international relations degree program allows students to choose from four available concentrations: International Relations, International Public Policy, Culture and Communication, and Development.
In addition to courses aligned with their chosen concentration, students will take core courses required for the major such as A Global Perspective, Social Foundations of International Studies, and Theories of International Relations.
A study abroad experience is encouraged for this bachelor of international relations program, and students may earn up to 16 credits toward their degree through overseas study.
Tuition: $6,689
#27 – Kennesaw State University
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
Kennesaw, Georgia
Website
Points: 12
Kennesaw State University’s bachelor’s in international relations degree program features four unique concentrations: Diplomatic and International Service; International Business, Economics and Policy; Applied Languages; and Applied Global Experience.
Students who choose the Applied Global Experience concentration will engage in a full-time study abroad program, taking courses on a pass/fail basis.
All other bachelor’s of international relations students will complete traditional coursework to fulfill degree requirements, taking classes such as Business Statistics, Politics of Developing Areas, and International Political Economy.
Tuition: $6,060
#26 – Missouri Southern State University
Undergraduate International Studies Program
Joplin, Missouri
Website
Points: 12
Missouri Southern State University offers a bachelor’s of international relations degree program that prepares students for careers in government, politics, and business.
After completing general education requirements, students will take international studies courses such as Regions and Nations, World Music, Contemporary World Civilizations, and Introduction to Global Health.
In addition, a minimum of four courses in a foreign language are required for degree completion. MSSU’s bachelor’s in international relations students will also have the opportunity to study abroad to apply their knowledge of international affairs firsthand.
Tuition: $5,523
#25 – Hawai’i Pacific University
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
Honolulu, Hawai’i
Points: 13
Hawai’i Pacific University offers a fully customizable bachelor’s in international relations with both regional and thematic specializations.
In addition to choosing one of two themes—globalization and social change or international relations and security—students will also match their coursework with a region of the world such as China, India, Japan, Europe, or Latin America.
Although not required to earn a bachelor of international relations degree, study-abroad experiences are highly encouraged. Some specific course titles include Maps and Civilization, Laws & Courts in World Cultures, and Cultural Anthropology.
Tuition: $22,440
#24 – Portland State University
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
Portland, Oregon
Points: 13
Portland State University offers an interdisciplinary bachelor’s in global relations program from its College of Urban & Public Affairs: International & Global Studies.
Students may customize their degree program by focusing on one of five regional areas—Africa, East Asia, Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East. They also have the opportunity to align their curricula with a thematic focus on international development studies.
Further customization options can be found in minor tracks, such as the minor in business or community health. A foreign language competency is also required for this bachelor of international relations degree.
Tuition: $8,034
#23 – University of West Florida
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Pensacola, Florida
Website
Points: 13
University of West Florida’s bachelor’s in international relations students can follow a general curriculum or specialize in one of the following sub-topics of international affairs: Security and Diplomacy, International Business and Economics, Cultural Affairs, or Area Studies.
The international studies common core is also customizable, allowing students to choose course titles from five different academic fields. Some of these titles include Analyzing Issues in American Politics, Origins of Civilization, and Principles of Economic Theory and Public Policy.
Upon completion of this bachelor’s of international relations program, students will have earned 120 credit hours.
Tuition: $6,360
#22 – Georgia Southern University
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Statesboro, Georgia
Website
Points: 13
Georgia Southern University’s bachelor’s in international relations offering features three available areas of emphasis: Modernization, Development, and Environment; War and Peace Studies; and Society, Cultures, and Tradition. Specialty course topics include Global Issues, Contemporary World Cultures, and World Regional Geography.
Most bachelor of international relations students choose to minor in a foreign language, and all are required to study abroad to immerse themselves in a specific culture. Georgia Southern University also offers a related bachelor of science in international trade.
Tuition: $6,273
#21 –California State University
Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies
Monterey Bay, California
Points: 13
The bachelor’s in international studies offered from California State University—Monterey Bay is technically a BA in Global Studies. The curriculum can be customized around the following areas of focus: Global Culture & Ideology, Global Politics, Global International Development/Humanitarian Action, and Religion, Peace, and Conflict.
In addition to concentration-specific courses, bachelor’s in international relations students will complete a general education core as well as major classes such as Understanding Globalization, World Views, and Global Politics.
A service-learning course is also required, and a study abroad experience is encouraged.
Tuition: $6,119
#20 – Chaminade University of Honolulu
Bachelor of International Relations
Honolulu, Hawaii
Website
Points: 14
Chaminade University of Honolulu’s bachelor’s in international relations program features specializations in history, politics, diplomacy, human rights, and the environment. The school’s location in Honolulu makes it the ideal place for students who are particularly interested in Asian-Pacific interests.
Course topics comprising this bachelor of international relations degree program include Contemporary Economic Issues, Globalization and Capitalism, American Diplomacy, and Economic Systems in the Age of Globalization.
Students also have many study-abroad opportunities, thanks to the school’s partnership with the University of Hawaii at Manoa Study Abroad Center.
Tuition: $21,780
#19 – Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies—Political Science
Indiana, Pennsylvania
Website
Points: 14
Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers a bachelor’s degree in international relations from its College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The versatile program allows students to customize their programs of study by specializing in International Political Economy, International Political Systems, or International Security Studies.
In addition to specialization-specific courses, bachelor of international relations students are required to take five core courses: World Politics, American Politics, Contemporary Political Ideas, Research Methods, and International Relations.
Tuition: $9,936
#18 – Northern Michigan University
Bachelor’s in International Studies
Marquette, Michigan
Website
Points: 14
Northern Michigan University offers a bachelor of international relations program with global and regional concentration options. Students will take required major courses such as Microeconomic Principles, Global Engagement, World Religions, and Comparative Government and Politics.
Concentration courses will vary depending upon whether the student chooses a global focus or opts to specialize in one of the following regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, or the Middle East. Students with a bachelor’s in international relations must also study abroad for a minimum of 12 weeks.
Tuition: $9,620
#17 – Texas State University
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
San Marcos, Texas
Website
Points: 14
Texas State University offers a dynamic bachelor’s in international relations from the College of Liberal Arts’ Center for International Studies.
The curriculum can be customized around one or more of the following foci: Asian Studies, European Studies, Interamerican Studies, International Business, Middle East/African Studies, Russian/East Asia Studies, and Travel and Tourism.
Some specialty course topics comprising the curriculum for the bachelor of international relations degree include Diversity and Communication, International Advertising, and Issues in World Politics.
Tuition: $9,348
#16 – Grand Valley State University
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
Allendale, Michigan
Website
Points: 15
Grand Valley State University’s bachelor’s in international relations students have various options in regard to customizing their degree plans.
For example, they may choose to focus on one of the following disciplines as it relates to international affairs: political science, history and culture, business and economics, or geography. In addition, students can align their coursework with a specific geographical region, such as Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia.
All students will complete a required core for this bachelor of international relations degree, including U.S. Foreign Policy, History of American Foreign Relations, and World Regional Geography.
Tuition: $11,363
#15 – Bowling Green State University
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Bowling Green, Ohio
Website
Points: 15
Bowling Green State University offers a bachelor’s in international relations program that can be individualized according to a specific region of the world, such as Africa or Europe, a particular academic issue or discipline, such as development or sociology, or a career goal, such as government or business administration.
Students are required to complete three years of modern foreign language courses and complete a study abroad program for a semester or a year, though shorter stints may be approved on a case-by-case basis.
For bachelor of international relations majors interested in a full year of study abroad, the university offers programs in Austria, France, and Spain.
Tuition: $10,796
#14 – Lock Haven University
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
Website
Points: 15
Lock Haven University’s bachelor of international studies offering is made available through the school’s Department of History, Political Science, International Business, and Foreign Language.
Students have many customization options, including the option of concentrating on one of four distinct sub-sections of international affairs: human geography, global economics, international studies, or culture and language.
Bachelor of international relations students can also focus on Africa, Asia, Europe, or Latin America; alternatively, they may opt to approach the subject from a global perspective.
Tuition: $9,380
#13 – University of Arkansas—Little Rock
Bachelor’s in International Studies
Little Rock, Arkansas
Website
Points: 15
The University of Arkansas—Little Rock offers a comprehensive bachelor’s in international relations degree program made available through the school’s International Studies program.
The curriculum is versatile, allowing students to choose either a regional concentration, such as Latin America or Europe, or an academic concentration, such as business, global environment, or developing nations.
To earn a bachelor of international relations degree, students must also be proficient in a modern foreign language and complete foundation coursework on topics such as modern international cultures and international communication.
Tuition: $7,624
#12 – University of Idaho
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Moscow, Idaho
Website
Points: 15
The University of Idaho’s bachelor’s in international relations program is offered through the school’s College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. Enrolled students will take a set of required major courses and choose both an issue emphasis and a regional emphasis.
Regional emphases include Latin America, Europe, and Asia/Africa while issue emphases include International Relations, International Economics and Business, and Global Resources and Development. Advanced foreign language training and study abroad experience are also required components of this bachelor’s in international relations program.
Tuition: $7,020
#11 – University of Nebraska—Kearney
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Kearney, Nebraska
Website
Points: 15
University of Nebraska—Kearney offers a highly customizable bachelor’s of international relations program from its College of Fine Arts and Humanities. Enrolled students will choose both a thematic and regional focus.
Thematic options include Global Society and Politics; Global Culture, Identities, and the Arts; and Global Economics, Trade, and Development, whereas area studies options consist of Europe, Latin America, and the Non-Western World.
A study abroad experience is encouraged but not required for this bachelor’s in international studies degree program.
Tuition: $6,711
#10 – Cleveland State University
Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
Cleveland, Ohio
Points: 16
Cleveland State University offers a bachelor’s in international relations featuring seven distinct concentrations: International Business and Economics, Asia, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Global Studies.
Those students who choose the International Business and Economics concentration can further customize their degree program by choosing between a marketing or management and labor relations track.
A study abroad experience is encouraged, and all students must complete a capstone course prior to graduation from this bachelor of international relations program.
Tuition: $9,696
#9 – California State University—Long Beach
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Long Beach, California
Website
Points: 16
California State University—Long Beach offers a bachelor’s of international relations program featuring nine distinct geographic area concentrations, including rare offerings such as the Russia and Central Asia concentration and Oceania Area concentration.
Core course titles include Skills and Methods for Global Leadership, Principles of Microeconomics, and Global Citizenship. Bachelor in international relations students are also encouraged to pursue a dual degree in a foreign language or related field. Studying abroad and attending senior research seminars are also required for graduation.
Tuition: $6,542
#8 – University of Nebraska—Lincoln
BA in International Studies; BS in International Studies
Lincoln, Nebraska
Website
Points: 17
The University of Nebraska—Lincoln offers a dynamic bachelor’s of international relations degree program, resulting in either a BA or a BS in international studies. Students will further customize their programs by choosing both a thematic specialization and a regional specialization.
Thematic options include Power and Production, International Relations, and Cultural Encounters, whereas regional specializations consist of Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America.
A modern language study component, internship, and study abroad experience are required for this bachelor in international relations program.
Tuition: $8,367
#7 – University of Nevada—Reno
BA in International Studies
Reno, Nevada
Website
Points: 17
The University of Nevada—Reno offers an interdisciplinary bachelor of international relations that integrates courses from departments and areas of study such as economics, history, foreign language, and political science.
Students can customize their degree programs by choosing between one of seven available specializations: Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, Diplomacy, Law, and Organization, International Environmental Studies, and International Political Economy.
The specialty course topics for this bachelor’s in international relations program include the history of economic ideas, policy analysis, and international community.
Tuition: $6,902
#6 – California State University—San Marcos
Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies
San Marcos, California
Website
Points: 18
California State University offers a bachelor’s in international relations featuring both geographic specializations and global-issue specializations.
Students can choose to focus their studies on one of five regions—the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, or Sub-Saharan Africa—as well as two of the following topics in global studies: foreign policy, global conflict, and cooperation, international law and human rights, global political economy and development, and gender in global perspective.
Second language competency is also required for this bachelor of international relations.
Tuition: $7,269
#5 – California State University—Chico
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Chico, California
Website
Points: 19
California State University—Chico’s bachelor’s in international relations degree program features conceptual and regional areas of concentration.
Students may align their coursework with concepts such as Development, Environment, Trade Policy, or Security while also specializing in one of the following regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Canada, Latin America, Middle East, or Pacific Rim.
Students enrolled in this bachelor’s in international studies program are encouraged to study at another school for either a semester or an entire year. This can be a domestic or study-abroad experience.
Tuition: $7,022
#4 – University of Memphis
Bachelor in International Studies
Memphis, Tennessee
Website
Points: 20
The University of Memphis offers a bachelor’s in international studies program as a part of the College of Arts and Sciences’ interdisciplinary studies initiative. Students must classify themselves as area studies students or global studies students.
Area studies students will choose to specialize in one of the following regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, or Middle East.
Global studies students must select one of five distinct concentrations: Conflict, Peace, and Human Rights; Global Governance & Political Economy; International Development & Environmental Sustainability; Global Health & Ethics; and Global Communication, Administration & Management.
Study abroad opportunities in over 60 countries are also available as part of this bachelor’s in international relations program.
Tuition: $8,903
#3 –SUNY College at Cortland 
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
Cortland, New York
Website
Points: 21
SUNY College at Cortland offers a highly versatile bachelor’s of international relations program with eleven different concentration options, including regional and disciplinary concentrations. Students with specific career goals in international affairs may also choose to customize their own specialization with the assistance of an advisor.
Specific course titles include Culture Through Film, Global Journalism, and Special Topics in International Studies.
SUNY Cortland’s bachelor’s in international relations students also have many opportunities to become involved in student life through various student organizations, internships, teaching assistantships, and overseas learning immersions.
Tuition: $8,050
#2 –California State University 
Bachelor’s in International Studies
East Bay, California
Website
Points: 21
California State University—East Bay offers one of the most versatile bachelor’s of international studies in this ranking. Students have three ways to customize their degree programs—by choosing a discipline area, a regional area, or a topic area.
For example, students can choose to study a discipline such as Anthropology or Economics, a region like Asia or the Middle East, or a topic area such as International Business, Cross-Cultural Studies, or Arms Control.
In addition, bachelor’s in international relations students will also take core courses such as Economics of Public Issues, Cultural Geography, and The Twentieth Century.
Tuition: $6,564
#1 – Western Kentucky University
Bachelor’s in International Studies
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Website
Points: 22
Western Kentucky University offers a highly flexible bachelor’s of international relations degree program with 12 areas of emphasis.
Students may elect to take classes on campus or online, but it is important to note that only four of the emphasis areas are offered online: Social & Behavioral Sciences, Organization & Communication of Ideas, Business, and Health.
Some specialty course topics comprising this bachelor of international relations include Investigative Methods in Interdisciplinary Studies, Interdisciplinary Applications: The Ends of the World, and the Interdisciplinary Studies Capstone.
Tuition: $9,482
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CVO Staff