If you are looking for the best affordable online Bachelor’s in International Relations degrees, you have come to the right place. Studying international relations or political science equips students with knowledge regarding advocacy, legal thinking and public policy, among other fields. Although the two terms are used interchangeably, political science revolves around the inner workings of the government and political processes, while a degree in international relations applies those same concepts on a global scale. Graduates who earn an online Bachelor’s in International Relations or Political Science can either move directly into private or public sector work as international lawyers, language specialists, journalists, diplomats, politicians, foreign affairs analysts or archivists, or they may continue their education by studying fields such as law. Below are the top 30 online bachelor’s degrees in international relations.
Methodology
To develop our list, we ranked each of the following schools based on three metrics related to affordability, class size and student success. In addition, there are three forms of degrees offered in this field, including a straightforward international relations degree, a political science degree with an emphasis or concentration in international relations and an international studies degree. You will find all three types of programs on the list below. To gather a list of schools, we used the search term “international relations bachelor’s degree” at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). We then narrowed down our list from the initial pool of 45 schools before finding the 30 top programs based on the methodology.
Average Cost of Attendance
Although this article centers around affordability, it is also important to ensure that the schools in which you are interested offer your desired specialization or concentration, opportunities for hands-on learning such as internships or practicum experiences or other must-haves you are looking for in a degree. While it may be tempting to immediately choose the cheapest program on the list, what good is that degree if it doesn’t prepare you for the future? For this article, we ranked tuition based on the cost of one academic year using rates obtained from the NCES. We also provided out-of-state tuition rates for your reference, although these numbers were not used as a basis for awarding points.
Points:
Under $7,500: 5 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 3 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
When thinking about student-to-faculty ratios, keep your own learning preference and academic background in mind. Ask yourself whether you prefer to blend into the background and complete your work without too many interactions with others, or whether you wish to develop a close relationship with your professors and peers. Although there are benefits to attending a large university such as more degree options and extracurricular opportunities, small colleges may be more likely to offer one-on-one mentoring, smaller classes and fewer students. Therefore, we awarded the most points to institutions that reported the lowest student-to-faculty ratios from NCES as outlined below.
Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point
Graduation Rate
Finally, we looked at each school’s graduation rate to gauge student satisfaction and determine whether a school is a good fit. Although admission rates can be useful for understanding a student’s chance of being accepted, graduation rates indicate the percentage of students who completed the program requirements and earned their degree. In most cases, a school with a high graduation rate may be more likely to offer affordable degrees, employ experienced and helpful faculty members and provide the academic support students need to succeed. Therefore, students remain enrolled and graduate which is, ultimately, the goal. On the other hand, students who are not happy with the program may leave and transfer elsewhere, thus resulting in low graduation rates. We awarded points for graduation rates as reported from NCES on the following ranges.
Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point
Ranking 30 Best Affordable Bachelor’s in International Relations Degrees
30. Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Points: 5
Program Website
Located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Regent University is a private Christian institution of higher education that was founded as Christian Broadcasting Network University in 1977. Regent offers a high-value international relations degree in the form of a B.A. in International Studies. Delivered through the College of Arts & Sciences, this 120-credit-hour program is recognized among the top online bachelor’s degrees in the state and puts students at the heart of issues facing the international community. Online coursework involves topics such as history, literature, cultures and world religions — all delivered from a Christian worldview. Students are prepared for internationally-focused careers in private, nonprofit and government sectors as they explore international relations, world geography and global issues.
Degree Options:
B.A. in International Studies
In-State Tuition: $18,380
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,380
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 47:1
Graduation Rate: 59 percent
29. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
University Park, Pennsylvania
Points: 5
Program Website
Also known as “Penn State Online,” Pennsylvania State University-World Campus is the online branch of The Pennsylvania State University that offers more than 150 online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs. Students seeking an affordable online international relations degree may pursue a B.A. in International Politics. This 123-credit-hour online degree program is designed for undergraduates with an interest in homeland security and foreign affairs as well as for students pursuing a career in international business and those considering graduate study in international or domestic law. Online coursework examines core theoretical concepts and several contemporary issues, including political and economic globalization, global violence, terrorism and ethnic conflict. Studies in history, geography and economics as well as in comparative and international politics round out this top undergraduate international relations degree. Three concentrations are available from this best university for an undergraduate in international politics: National Security Studies, International Political Economy and International Relations.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in International Politics
In-State Tuition: $13,988
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,988
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 29 percent
28. Maryville University
St. Louis, Missouri
Points: 6
Program Website
Founded by the Society of the Sacred Heart in 1872, Maryville University is a private institution of higher education located in St. Louis, Missouri. Recognized as one of the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger’s and among America’s top colleges by Forbes, Maryville offers an affordable online Bachelor’s in International Studies that allows students to transform their interest in world culture into a valuable career. Students may choose from a variety of courses that connect international studies to their future goals to prepare for employment in areas such as communications, technology, healthcare, education, government and business. Courses are available entirely online, and the program includes an internship or study-abroad experience that offers the opportunity for hands-on learning.
Degree Options:
Online Bachelor’s in International Studies
In-State Tuition: $28,470
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,470
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 72 percent
27. Bethune-Cookman University
Daytona Beach, Florida
Points: 6
Program Website
Bethune-Cookman University is a private historically black university (HBCU) located in Daytona Beach, Florida and a top university for an inexpensive online international relations degree. The low-cost B.A. in International Studies/International Affairs at Bethune-Cookman is a 120-semester-hour online degree program designed to prepare undergraduates for graduate study in diplomacy and international affairs, public service and employment in international agencies, government and international businesses. Offered by the College of Liberal Arts, this best undergraduate program is comprised of coursework that covers topics such as international studies, human geography, microeconomics and macroeconomics, international politics, history, global policy writing, foreign policy, international political economy and international management.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in International Studies/International Affairs
In-State Tuition: $14,814
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,814
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 34 percent
26. University of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, Massachusetts
Points: 6
Program Website
Located on a 120-acre campus in Boston, Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts Boston is an urban, public research institution of higher education and the third-largest campus of the five-school University of Massachusetts System. UMass Boston confers a low-cost international relations degree in the form of an online Bachelor’s in Global Affairs — the first online B.A. to be offered by the school. The 120-credit online degree program examines topics such as geography and the environment, economics, international development, international security, international public policy and cultural awareness and sensitivity. Graduates of this cheap online bachelor’s degree are prepared for advanced study and careers in enterprise systems, consultancy, NGO leadership, politics, governance and management of regional economies.
Degree Options:
Global Affairs, BA (Online)
In-State Tuition: $14,167
Out-of-State Tuition: $33,966
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
25. National University
San Diego, California
Points: 6
Program Website
Headquartered in San Diego, California, National University is the city’s largest private nonprofit institution of higher education, providing achievable, accessible degrees to adult learners across the globe. In fact, since its establishment in 1971, the veteran-founded school has produced more than 165,000 alumni worldwide. Students looking for the most affordable university for an international relations degree may pursue the inexpensive B.A. in Global Studies online program and prepare for graduate study or careers in government, law, immigration, social science, education, development and international relations. In addition to exploring the roles that ethnicity, religion, class, race, gender and ecology play in cultural environments, students of this top undergraduate degree in global studies will also complete a portfolio that integrates the skills they have developed and apply what they have learned to solve a real-world problem.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies
In-State Tuition: $13,320
Out-of-State Tuition: $13,320
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 36 percent
24. University of North Alabama
Florence, Alabama
Points: 6
Program Website
Located in Florence, Alabama, the University of North Alabama is the oldest four-year public university in the state. Founded in 1830 as LaGrange College, the school was established again in 1872 as Alabama’s first state-supported teachers’ college south of the Ohio River. Today, UNA’s Department of Politics, Justice and Law offers online Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degrees in political science that students can earn in just four years. Students complete 36 hours in the major, including six required courses: Political Science Scope and Research, Public Policy and Administration, United States Government and Politics, Political Theory, World Politics and Comparative Politics. Undergraduates of this cheap online degree program may then select classes within the political science subfields of public policy, public administration, political theory, international relations, comparative governments and American politics.
Degree Options:
Major in Political Science
In-State Tuition: $10,142
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,452
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 46 percent
23. University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Points: 6
Program Website
The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public research university and a member of the University of Wisconsin System. It is the largest institution of higher education in the metropolitan area, the second-largest university in the state, and one of only two doctoral degree-granting public universities in Wisconsin. Housed within the College of Letters & Science, the Political Science Department offers a challenging, top-value online international relations program in the form of a political science major that exposes students to a broad spectrum of political science-focused topics such as international relations, political theory, comparative politics and American politics. In addition to completing the required coursework, students of this cheap online bachelor’s degree in political science also have the opportunity to participate in internship programs, research projects, and the United Nations Summer Seminar, a five-week program held annually in New York City, to gain hands-on, real-world experience. UWM also offers a concentration in law studies.
Degree Options:
Political Science
In-State Tuition: $9,588
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,867
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
22. Portland State University
Portland, Oregon
Points: 6
Program Website
Recognized as one of the most affordable universities for an international relations degree, Portland State University is a public research university located in Portland, Oregon. Founded as a postsecondary institution of higher education for World War II veterans in 1946, PSU evolved into a four-year school and achieved university status in 1969. PSU offers an inexpensive online B.A. in International and Global Studies through its College of Urban & Public Affairs that provides both a comprehensive view of a geographic region of the world and a global perspective. Through online coursework, students develop an understanding of world economics, politics and cultures within a globalization context to address the global issues of the environment, health, development, human rights, and social justice. Graduates of this low-cost degree in international and global studies are prepared for careers in the government, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Degree Options:
B.A. in International and Global Studies
In-State Tuition: $9,105
Out-of-State Tuition: $27,437
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 49 percent
21. Troy University
Troy, Alabama
Points: 6
Program Website
Founded in 1887 as Troy State Normal School within the Alabama State University System, Troy University has evolved into the flagship institution of the Troy University System. Students seeking an affordable degree in international relations from Troy may earn a bachelor’s degree in political science and choose either a concentration in international politics or American politics and public administration. Required online classes examine the foundations of political science, political theory, international relations, international political economy, comparative government, and the art of political science research. In addition to providing a rigorous curriculum, Troy also offers an ambassador-in-residence program that allows students to spend one week with a retired American diplomat. Graduates of this best-value online undergraduate program in political science are prepared for further study as well as for careers in such fields as law, journalism, international security, foreign service, and the government.
Degree Options:
Political Science – International Politics
In-State Tuition: $8,908
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,708
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 43 percent
20. University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, Massachusetts
Points: 7
Program Website
The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, located in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts, is one of five campuses that make up the University of Massachusetts System. Students looking for an economical international relations degree can pursue a 120-credit-hour online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science that prepares students for careers in nonprofit organizations, the government, international associations, business and law. Online coursework includes topics such as public administration, women and public policy, political parties and interest groups, civil liberties and rights, constitutional law and public policy in America. As part of the curriculum, students must complete an internship to gain real-world, hands-on experience in the field. A pre-law concentration with an emphasis on the courts and law in both the U.S. and international political systems is also available. This top online bachelor’s in political science prepares students with the knowledge and practical experience needed for success in their future careers.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
In-State Tuition: $13,921
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,141
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 56 percent
19. Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan
Points: 7
Program Website
Ranked among the country’s top affordable universities for an international relations degree, Central Michigan University is a public research institution of higher education located in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Established in 1892, CMU offers a 124-credit-hour online B.S. in Political Science that prepares students for careers in international business, journalism, education, law and government. Online coursework emphasizes politics on international, national and local levels as students examine best practices in budgeting, foreign and public relations, legislation, cultural diversity, data analysis, foreign and public policy and political theory. Students may customize this low-cost online degree program within each of CMU’s five required fields: political theory, American national political institutions and processes, comparative politics, international relations, and American state and local government, policies, and public administration.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science, Major in Political Science
In-State Tuition: $12,960
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,120
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 62 percent
18. Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon
Points: 7
Program Website
Oregon State University, one of the most affordable universities for an international relations degree, is a public research institution of higher education located in Corvallis, Oregon. Established in 1868, OSU is a land-, sea-, space- and sun-grant university that offers both a low-cost online Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science degree consisting of 180 credits of study. Available entirely through distance learning, the program is offered through OSU’s College of Liberal Arts, which is ranked as the top online liberal arts college in the country. Students will examine topics such as environmental politics, the politics of sports, international relations, the politics of Western Europe and the politics of climate change. Graduates of this cheap online political science degree are prepared for careers as elections coordinators, journalists, legal assistants and intelligence analysts as well as for graduate or law school.
Degree Options:
Political Science
In-State Tuition: $11,166
Out-of-State Tuition: $30,141
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Graduation Rate: 67 percent
17. Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona
Points: 7
Program Website
Arizona State University is a public research university that operates five campuses across the Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan region as well as online. ASU offers an affordable degree in international relations in the form of an online B.A. in Global Studies. Delivered through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, this economical 120-credit-hour online degree program is comprised of 39 classes and designed to link theory with global action and issues through policy. Students will also examine the consequences and causes of international problems as well as the governance of these issues in economic, cultural and social contexts. Graduates of this top online undergraduate degree in global studies are prepared for advanced study as well as for positions in policy, business, government and nonprofit organizations.
Degree Options:
Online Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies
In-State Tuition: $10,822
Out-of-State Tuition: $28,336
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 69 percent
16. University of Missouri St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
Points: 7
Program Website
Undergraduates looking for an accredited university for an affordable international relations degree may consider the University of Missouri St. Louis, a public research institution of higher education and one of four schools that make up the University of Missouri System. UMSL’s 36-hour online B.A. in Political Science is designed to help students understand cause and effect relationships, the fundamentals of scientific-based inquiry, and the arrangement of evidence using qualitative or quantitative methods. Core online courses include topics in political analysis, world politics, comparative politics, American politics and a senior seminar in political science. In addition, the political science faculty at UMSL is internationally and nationally recognized for their research and dedication to high-quality teaching. Graduates of this top university are prepared for careers in international relations, nonprofit leadership, government, education, business and law.
Degree Options:
Political Science, BA
In-State Tuition: $9,792
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,040
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 52 percent
15. Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
Points: 7
Program Website
Recognized among the most affordable universities for an international relations degree, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution of higher education located in Richmond, Kentucky. EKU’s cheap online B.A. in Political Science program prepares students for career fields such as homeland security, business, law, federal and state government and public administration. Core online classes cover topics in public administration, writing and research in political science, political philosophy, world politics, comparative politics, American government and a capstone course in political science. Coursework provides students with an advanced understanding of global and U.S. politics, preparing them to be decision-makers by applying proven theory to real-world issues.
Degree Options:
Political Science (BA)
In-State Tuition: $9,666
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,444
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 47 percent
14. University of Memphis
Memphis, Tennessee
Points: 7
Program Website
Founded in 1912, the University of Memphis is a public research university located in Memphis, Tennessee. Students looking for an affordable international relations degree may pursue an online Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UofM that requires a minimum of 120 hours of study to graduate. Students must complete 36 hours within the major, divided into four subfields: political theory, international relations, comparative politics and American government and politics. Students of this top university for political science may take courses entirely online or through a combination of on-campus and online learning, and UofM offers classes each semester, including the summer semester, to allow students to stay on track.
Degree Options:
B.A. Political Science
In-State Tuition: $9,317
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,029
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent
13. University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa
Points: 7
Program Website
The University of Iowa, located in Iowa City, is not only a public research university but also the oldest and second-largest institution of higher education in the state. Students seeking a cheap international relations degree may earn an online Bachelor’s in Political Science through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Available entirely online, required coursework includes topics in American politics as well as four introductory courses in areas such as American public policy, the politics of race, social media and politics, American foreign policy, international relations, comparative politics and political behavior. Graduates of this top-value university go on to work in international and domestic nonprofit, private and public sectors or pursue graduate and professional programs in urban and regional planning, public health, international relations, public policy, public administration and law.
Degree Options:
Online Political Science B.A.
In-State Tuition: $9,267
Out-of-State Tuition: $31,233
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 73 percent
12. University of Wisconsin La Crosse
La Crosse, Wisconsin
Points: 7
Program Website
Founded in 1909, the University of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public institution of higher education and a member of the University of Wisconsin System. UWL’s College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities offers an online Bachelor’s in Political Science to students seeking an affordable distance education international relations degree. The 30-credit major includes foundation courses that cover topics in political theory, international relations, comparative politics and American national government. Students of this best-value online undergraduate in political science must also choose one course from an area such as research methods in politics and government, political inquiry and analysis or a capstone seminar in politics and government. In addition to core requirements, all students must complete a program option, minor or second major to earn their degree.
Degree Options:
Political Science Major – Bachelor of Science (BS)
In-State Tuition: $9,107
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,776
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 71 percent
11. Texas Tech University
Lubbock, Texas
Points: 7
Program Website
Established in 1923 as Texas Technological College, Texas Tech University in Lubbock is the primary campus of the four-institution Texas Tech University System. Texas Tech offers an inexpensive online Bachelor’s in Political Science that consists of 120 hours of study to students seeking a top-value international relations degree. The curriculum provides students with a broad understanding and solid foundation of political science and allows them to specialize in an area of interest. Students may choose to earn either a general B.A. in Political Science degree or further focus the program through one of four concentrations: Policy and Public Administration, International Relations, Comparative Politics or American Politics. Graduates of this cheap degree program are prepared for careers in civil service, teaching, journalism, law, business and politics.
Degree Options:
Political Science, B.A. — Online
In-State Tuition: $9,080
Out-of-State Tuition: $19,040
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 60 percent
10. University of Wisconsin Whitewater
Whitewater, Wisconsin
Points: 7
Program Website
Located in Whitewater, the University of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution of higher education and a member of the University of Wisconsin System. Offering one of the lowest tuition rates on our list, UW-Whitewater is considered a top choice for students seeking a best-value international relations degree. Housed in the College of Letters & Sciences, the Department of Political Science offers an inexpensive online international studies major, an interdisciplinary program that combines a broad core foundation with one of four emphases: international economics, public diplomacy, business and foreign language and area studies. This top-value online bachelor’s degree program includes internship opportunities and a study-abroad requirement. UW-Whitewater also offers a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Political Science, and those interested in a legal career may choose to pursue a major in political science with an emphasis on legal studies.
Degree Options:
International Studies Major
BA Political Science
BS Political Science
In-State Tuition: $7,692
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,265
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 58 percent
9. Thomas Edison State University
Trenton, New Jersey
Points: 7
Program Website
Located in Trenton, New Jersey, Thomas Edison State University is one of the oldest public institutions of higher education in the state. Students seeking a cost-effective international relations degree may pursue an online Bachelor’s in International Studies that is comprised of an interdisciplinary curriculum. In this 120-credit online degree program, undergraduates complete coursework across a broad spectrum of economic, cultural, political and social disciplines. Required classes at this cheap university examine topics in international relations, world geography, foreign language, Western civilization and conflict in international relations. TESU allows students to further focus their degree through global and regional electives. Students are required to complete a capstone course before graduating.
Degree Options:
BA in International Studies
In-State Tuition: $7,519
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,967
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 41 percent
8. University of Illinois at Springfield
Springfield, Illinois
Points: 8
Program Website
Established in 1969 as Sangamon State University, the University of Illinois at Springfield is a public liberal arts college and the newest campus of the University of Illinois System. Located in Springfield, UIS is recognized as an affordable, accredited university for an international relations degree. UIS students may pursue a top-value online Bachelor’s in Political Science that explores public policy, empirical analysis, political philosophy, international relations, political campaigns and American politics. Although both the online and on-campus program feature identical curriculum requirements, distance learners can complete an internship, field visits, and corresponding coursework in their area of residence. UIS also offers an integrated Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in Political Science.
Degree Options:
Online Political Science Bachelor of Arts Degree Program
In-State Tuition: $11,813
Out-of-State Tuition: $21,338
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 51 percent
7. University of Maine
Orono, Maine
Points: 8
Program Website
Established as a land-grant college in 1865, the University of Maine, located in Orono, is a public research university and the flagship institution of the University of Maine System. One of only a few land-, space-, and sea-grant institutions in the country, UMaine offers a best-value international relations degree in the form of an online Bachelor’s in Political Science. Consisting of 120 credits, this low-cost degree program is available entirely online and features coursework in four main subfields of the political science discipline: political theory, comparative politics, international relations and American politics. Graduates of this cheap online bachelor’s in political science are prepared for careers in public service or related fields as well as for further study in graduate school or law school.
Degree Options:
B.A. in Political Science
In-State Tuition: $11,170
Out-of-State Tuition: $30,970
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1
Graduation Rate: 60 percent
6. Eastern Washington University
Cheney, Washington
Points: 8
Program Website
Students seeking an affordable university for an international relations degree may consider attending Eastern Washington University, a public university of higher education in Cheney, with additional campus locations across the state. Founded in 1882, EWU’s Department of Political Science offers a cheap online Bachelor’s in International Affairs degree in which students may choose from one of three concentrations: Global Public Policy, Global Socio-Economic and Global Security Processes. Students of this top undergraduate program in political science may also opt to join EWU’s chapter of the Model United Nations to compete in both national and regional Model UN conferences. Graduates are prepared for careers in international business, Congress, United Nations, and foreign service.
Degree Options:
BA-International Affairs Major
In-State Tuition: $7,323
Out-of-State Tuition: $24,444
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
5. Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia
Points: 8
Program Website
With two campuses in Kennesaw and Marietta, Georgia, Kennesaw State University is a public institution of higher education and one of the most affordable universities for an international relations degree. KSU offers an inexpensive online Bachelor’s in Political Science that features a core curriculum of courses focused on topics in research methods, political ideologies, international relations, state and local government and comparative politics. Students are also required to choose one class from four of the five subfields: political theory, global studies, American government and politics, research methods and public law and administration. Graduates of this low-cost university are prepared for law school, graduate study in a social science discipline or careers in government, public and international affairs, journalism and business.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Political Science
In-State Tuition: $6,347
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,329
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 21:1
Graduation Rate: 43 percent
4. University of West Georgia
Carrollton, Georgia
Points: 8
Program Website
Located approximately 45 miles west of Atlanta in Carrollton, the University of West Georgia is a comprehensive doctoral-granting institution of higher learning. UWG offers both an affordable online Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, with the former requiring a foreign language and a minor as part of the general education curriculum. Students must complete four courses in political science subfields as well as a senior seminar in order to graduate. Courses focus on the basic theories and concepts of political science, civic culture in America and in other societies and the legal, political and institutional processes and public policies of the U.S. Graduates of this top undergraduate degree in political science will develop then understanding of theories necessary to thrive in a political science career.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts With a Major in Political Science
In-State Tuition: $6,288
Out-of-State Tuition: $17,074
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Graduation Rate: 42 percent
3. Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
Points: 8
Established in 1902, Fort Hays State University is a public university located in Hays, Kansas. It is the third-largest of the six state institutions of higher education governed by the Kansas Board of Regents. FHSU students pursuing a low-cost online Bachelor’s in Political Science from FHSU must choose from a concentration in either pre-law or public administration. Both cheap online degree programs include studies in several subfields of political science, including American politics, public law, public administration/public policy, political theory and international relations/comparative politics. The cheapest degree program in political science can be completed entirely online, allowing distance learners the flexibility they need to earn a college degree.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
In-State Tuition: $5,130
Out-of-State Tuition: $15,210
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent
2. Florida International University
Miami, Florida
Points: 9
Program Website
Located in Miami, Florida International University is a public research university that operates two major campuses. Established in 1965, FIU is one of the state’s leading graduate research universities and a top choice for an affordable international relations degree. Students must complete 120 hours of study, including core courses in world civilization, comparative economic systems, societies of the world, studies in world religion, comparative politics, world regional geography and global environment and society. Students at this top-value university are encouraged to either select a second major or choose a minor in related fields such as business, sociology/anthropology, history, modern languages, geography, economics or political science.
Degree Options:
Major in International Relations
In-State Tuition: $6,546
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,954
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Graduation Rate: 58 percent
1. University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Points: 9
Program Website
Topping our list of the best affordable online Bachelor’s in International Relations degrees, the University of Central Florida in Orlando, is a state university and the largest public university by enrollment in the nation. Founded in 1963 as Florida Technological University, UCF offers a 120-credit-hour affordable online Bachelor’s in Political Science that students may complete entirely online. Students learn critical thinking, analytical and reasoning skills through coursework that examines topics such as policy, political theory, international relations, politics, government and more. Graduates of this best-value online political science degree program are prepared for careers as paralegals, lobbyists, law enforcement officers, intelligence officers, foreign service officers, educators and congressional office staffers.
Degree Options:
Political Science, BA
In-State Tuition: $6,368
Out-of-State Tuition: $22,467
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 30:1
Graduation Rate: 73 percent
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for a Bachelor’s in International Relations Degree?
The international relations major involves the study of world societies as well as the interactions between them. Students who pursue a concentration in this subject area develop experience and knowledge of foreign policy and diplomacy. Many universities and colleges provide an interdisciplinary approach that includes courses in geography, world languages, economics, politics and history or a combination of these disciplines. Like most liberal arts degrees, a Bachelor’s in International Relations will not prepare you for any one occupation; instead, it will provide you with a broad understanding that you can apply to a variety of career fields. For instance, possible employment options may include:
- United Nations Worker
- Research Analyst
- Political Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
- Language Specialist
- Journalist
- International Marketing Specialist
- International Lawyer
- Intelligence Specialist
Other popular career paths include immigration specialist, foreign service officer, foreign affairs specialist and foreign affairs analyst as well as economist, diplomat, demographer, CIA agent and archivist. As you can see, this particular degree prepares graduates to work in a vast number of careers. Specific employment requirements will depend on the position, but students may consider increasing their marketability by becoming fluent in at least one other language. Also, some positions may favor a graduate degree such as a master’s, but again, this requirement will vary according to the position pursued.
What is the Salary Potential for a Bachelor’s in International Relations Degree?
The earning potential for those with an online Bachelor’s in International Relations degree will vary according to several factors. For instance, the size of the employer, the city and state of employment, the position title, the applicant’s current title and experience and the type of degree earned will all influence salary potential. As we discussed above, there are many possible career options for graduates with an international relations bachelor’s degree, each with its own average salary. However, a few of the most common carers and their average yearly earnings as of May 2018 include:
- Political Scientists: $117,570 per year
- Market Research Analysts: $63,120 per year
- Public Relations Specialists: $60,000 per year
- Interpreters and Translators: $49,930 per year
- Reporters, Correspondents, and Broadcast News Analysts: $43,490
Although the figures above are the average salary expectations, keep in mind that students who pursue a master’s or doctorate and graduates with additional experience may be entitled to command a higher salary than those with a bachelor’s degree who are seeking an entry-level position.
How Do You Choose an Online Bachelor’s in International Relations Program?
Depending on whether your degree is a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts as well as the degree pathway and specialization, some of the requirements may differ in terms of both the major curriculum as well as the general education coursework. Regardless of the degree type you are pursuing, there will be similar elements across all programs. For instance, coursework may cover topics such as:
- Political Science and Theory
- Legal Processes
- Geography
- History
- Economics
- World Language
- International Relations
- American Politics
- International/Comparative Politics
Students earning an online bachelor’s degree in international relations may have the opportunity to pursue a minor or emphasis in areas such as economics, communications, journalism and history. Courses within this major often focus on the justice system, political theory and international relations. Keep in mind that graduation requirements will also vary depending on the school, and they may include capstone courses, internships and/or thesis projects. In most cases, the best affordable online bachelor’s in international relations and political science degrees are typically customizable, meaning that you may be able to choose the academic paths and courses that best meet your career goals and needs.
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the 30 best affordable online bachelor’s in international relations degrees.
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