Earning an Online Doctorate in International Relations from one of the top online schools listed below positions a person to move into top positions, whether in academics, diplomacy, trades, or any number of areas where nations and cultures intersect. Health and race questions are pivotal questions in 2021. These, along with, according to a recent article, the effects of protests, troop movement, and withdrawal, the use of sanctions, the shrinking support democracy, and increasing tensions over trade agreements, are the driving trends in International Relations.
As the world’s cultures and economies move ever closer together because of communications, social media, international finance and business, and many other rapidly developing technologies, experts in International Relations will become more and more necessary for these new global partnerships to flourish. This list provides information on available online doctorates in International Relations (also called International Affairs, International Studies, Global Studies, or Global Affairs). As the need for experts in this field expands, it is reasonable to predict that those holding a doctorate in International Affairs will be in the best position to advance their careers and secure their financial future.
Rapid Fire Q and As
What can you do with a Ph.D. in International Relations? The most popular International Relations jobs are Diplomats, Lobbyists, Political Analysts, International Lawyer and Intelligence Specialist.
How long does it take to get a doctorate degree in International Relations? It generally takes five to eight years to earn a doctorate in International Relations. In rare cases, it can take as little as 4 years but it’s not uncommon to obtain a degree in as long as twelve years.
Can I get a Ph.D. in International Relations online? You can find online doctorates in International Relations, albeit rare, so that you may obtain your degree at your own pace as you continue your regular job duties.
Is there a difference between International Relations and International Studies? Basically the two degrees are the same. International Relations focuses on the relationship between countries while the degree in International Studies focuses on economics, politics and law on a global scale.
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Best Online Doctorates in International Relations
METHODOLOGY: At OnlineSchoolsCenter.com, we hope that the following list of schools for Online Doctorates in International Relations will assist you in pursuing an online educational program that fits your educational needs, as well as, your personality and busy schedule. Each school referenced in this list provides an excellent education and each doctoral degree brings its own strengths and focuses. Therefore, OnlineSchoolsCenter.com has chosen to rank these educators in random order, for all exhibit equivalent attributes, such as:
- 100% online availability (minimal and/or periodic on-site sessions),
- Comprehensive degree-specific curriculum in the field of International Relations,
- Ease of use and Exceptional Student Support,
- Allows for the development of advanced skills in International Relations,
- Gain advanced knowledge in International Relations’ theoretical foundations, methodology, and philosophy, among many other topics,
- Hones Research skills and prepares for Dissertation process,
- Offers experienced Faculty.
To learn more, please see our Methodology page.
American Public University System
Online Doctor of Global Security
Program Standouts: American Public University’s School of Security and Global Studies offers two online doctorates in the field of International Affairs. Both degree tracks are geared towards Global Studies in specialized areas. The Doctor of Global Security degree focuses upon the place actors in the formulation and implementation of policies and norms on an international level. The doctorate in Strategic Intelligence is an interdisciplinary degree that studies intellectual, cultural, and institutional factors that create and influence relationships between various actors in the global context. Both degrees are practice-focused and have a strong emphasis on analysis and evaluation.
Campus Location: Charles Town, West Virginia
Accreditation: The American Public University System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604
Course Sample:
- Psychology of Actors in the Global Environment
- Nationalism and Identity
- US Intelligence Law and Ethics
Admission Requirements:
- Master’s degree in related discipline with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- 3-5 years of work experience in the field
- CV or Resume
- Three letters of reference
- Admission Essay
Degree Outcomes:
These degrees will prepare graduates to analyze academic and practical aspects of their field. Graduates will be able to synthesize theories and practices. They will be in a position to design research programs and implement reforms in terms of policy and strategy.
LEARN MORE ABOUT AMERICAN PUBLIC UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTORAL DEGREE IN GLOBAL STUDIES
American University
Online Doctorate in International Relations
Program Standouts: The online Ph.D. offered by the School of International Services at American University is designed to equip graduates with the skills needed to understand and increase knowledge and practical efficiency in international relations. This 39-credit program places great emphasis upon research and a dissertation that makes an original contribution to the field of scholarship in international relations. Throughout the course of this program, students will be engaged in giving presentations and encouraged to publish their research peer-reviewed journals.
Campus Location: Washington, D.C.
Accreditation: American University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market St., 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Course Sample:
- Schools of Thought in International Relations
- Social Theory in Comparative and International Perspective
- International Communication
- International Peace and Conflict Resolution
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- GRE score
- Three letters of recommendation
- Resume
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from this online doctorate in International Relations will be able to acquire and achieve new knowledge. They will be versed in social theory, comparative and regional studies. Graduates will be to apply their knowledge to multiple disciplines in policy-relevant ways.
LEARN MORE ABOUT AMERICAN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTORAL DEGREE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Atlantic International University
Online Doctoral in International Relations
Recommended Schools
Program Standouts: The online D. Sc. in International Relations offered through Atlantic International University gives students a strong foundation in systems theory and application. This online doctoral program places special emphasis upon computer science in the fields of analysis, foreign affairs, foreign services, diplomacy, and other related fields. The program of study at Atlantic International University is able to be tailored to meet the educational demands of a great number of specializations and career paths within the field of International Relations.
Campus Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Accreditation:Atlantic International University is accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges & Universities, ASIC House 13 Yarm Road, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 3NJ, [email protected], +44 (0)1740 617 920
Course Sample:
- International Relations
- Economics for Managers
- Organization Theory
- Communication & Investigation
Admission Requirements:
- Master’s Degree + 5 years of life experience in a related field
- Student Application
- Curriculum Vitae
Degree Outcomes:
This degree will prepare its graduates to pursue a number of possible careers in the field of international relations. They will be able to analyze, critique, and synthesize data to the end of practical application. With combined knowledge and skill, graduates from this excellent online doctorate will be able to move into key leadership and strategic positions in their fields.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ATLANTIC INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTORAL DEGREE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Liberty University Online
Online Doctor of International Relations
Program Standouts: Liberty University’s online DBA is focused on the business aspects of International Relations and provides a unique avenue in online doctorates into Global Studies. Combining excellence in comparative cultural studies, business theory and practice, and Christian ethics, Liberty’s 100% online DBA in International Business is an outstanding option for business-minded professionals in International Relations. This online doctorate is designed to give students a great deal of scheduling flexibility, while also facilitating the forging of strong connections in the profession.
Campus Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Accreditation: Liberty University Online is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033
Course Sample:
- International Business
- Environment of International Business
- Global Financial Markets
- Developing Global Markets
Admission Requirements:
- Completed Application
- Transcripts
- Master’s degree
Degree Outcomes: This degree gets its graduates ready to be business leaders in International Relations. Graduates learn about international trade and finance, business practices, and cultural factors that affect International Business.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTORAL DEGREE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Salve Regina University
Online Doctorate in International Relations
Program Standouts: Salve Regina University boasts having started the first online Ph.D. degree in the United States. Emphasizing creativity and resourcefulness, this online doctorate in International Relations situates regional and cultural differences and distinctions in terms of a global perspective. Not only are local misconceptions considered and challenged, but cross-cultural and trans-regional prejudices and false narratives are also addressed. Salve Regina’s online doctorate is designed to give students a global outlook, which is rooted in justice and pursuit of wisdom. After passing this initial overview phase, students then specialize in their dissertation research upon a single focus topic or area of study.
Campus Location: Newport, Rhode Island
Accreditation: Salve Regina University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, 3 Burlington Woods Dr., Suite 100, Burlington, MA 01803-4514
Course Sample:
- American Foreign Policy
- Chinese Foreign Policy
- The Middle East in World Affairs
- Africa in World Affairs
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application
- All undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- Accredited master’s degree
- Personal Statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Fifteen-page paper from master’s degree program (optional)
- Current resume/CV
Degree Outcomes: Graduates from this online doctorate in International Affairs will be equipped to engage in cross-cultural and trans-regional comparative studies in a manner consistent with demands of justice. The attainments of wisdom in line with justice provide this degree’s programmatic course work and research project in pursuit of the eradication of prejudice in the many areas of International Relations.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SALVE REGINA UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTORAL DEGREE IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is International Relations?
International Relations is a wide-ranging network of interrelated topics and systems. Also known as International Affairs, International Studies, Global Studies, and Global Affairs, International Relations is an interdisciplinary field of research and practice. With an ancient history, going at least back to the Ancient Greek cultures and their interaction with surrounding people groups, International Relations considers the inter-relations between politics, law, religion, and economics. The special focus of International Relations is the interaction between cultures and societies in terms of these various, interconnected fields. With the development of transport, communications, media, and commerce, International Relations takes on a global scope and impact.
What Are Some of the Main Areas of Research and Action in International Relations?
International Relations as it is pursued either in academics or as a career can be according to an interdisciplinary approach or in terms of a more specialized focus. And, often there is a mixture of the two. The interconnections of key aspects of life within cultures and societies as well as the interconnections between cultures and societies characterize this field. This makes potential topics and focuses extremely diverse. Emphasis and attention can zero-in on politics, economics, government, foreign policy, cultural, religious, and social studies, among other areas. How these topics are integrated and presented in doctoral degree programs will vary from program to program. Because International Relations has such variety and diversity and is concerned with practical policies that inform relationships between diverse peoples and cultures, degree programs in International Relation invariably attempt to provide students with a sound global perspective that frames the more specialized areas of research and application.
What Careers are Open to Those with a Doctorate in International Relations?
There is no shortage of career paths open to qualified and credentialed experts in International Relations. With a doctorate in International Relations, one can work in the fields of diplomacy, international business, political analysis, international communications, intelligence, as a lobbyist, and others. Just as the possible careers widely vary, so do the organizations that might be employment options. Public and private institutions, governmental and non-governmental, academic or policy-driven, for-profit and not-for-profit all have a need in different capacities for experts in International Relations.
What Do People Working in International Relations Earn?
Careers for those with a doctorate in International Relations can be quite diverse, and people can be inspired to work in an area of International Relations for very different motives. However, in general, salaries for people employed in one of the areas of International Relations are good. The following data are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bls.gov:
- Communications (Public Relations) Specialist – $61,150 per year
- Political Scientist (Analyst) – $122,220 per year
- Intelligence (Information Security Analysts) – $99,730 per year
Are There Other Benefits in a Career in International Relations?
You bet! In the course of your career, you will be able to develop and apply sympathetic knowledge of cultural differences in the pursuit of justice. This will put you in contact with people from different cultures and walks of life, which will enhance your knowledge of the world and allow you to make a difference for the good. Travel is also a major component of almost any career in International Relations. In a career in International Relations, you would likely have many opportunities to see parts of the globe that other careers do not offer.
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