Skip to content

Covid updates. The bivalent COVID-19 booster is required for on-campus presence.

International Relations Master’s Degree Program

  • Earn Your Way In

    Excel in 3 Degree Courses to Qualify for Admission

  • Format

    Online and On Campus

  • Average Course Tuition

    $3,100

  • Total Number of Courses

    12

two people having conversation in front of international flags

Gain critical insight into today’s pressing global issues.

Understand the factors influencing relationships between nation-states and supranational organizations.

What You'll Learn

Through the master’s degree field in international relations you:

  • Gain an understanding of the perspectives and implications of global issues, such as poverty, genocide, armed conflict, terrorism, human rights, and the environment.
  • Develop critical insights and analysis of the precursors, processes, and outcomes of international interactions between governments, organizations, businesses, groups, and individuals.
  • Build knowledge of the evolution, operations, and complexity of regional and global governmental and nongovernmental institutions dealing with trade, economies, and international law.
  • Earn an optional certificate in international security, nuclear deterrence, or social justice.

Your Harvard Degree
Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, field: International Relations.

Getting Started: Admissions and Degree Requirements

At Harvard Extension School, your admission is based largely on your performance in three specific Harvard Extension courses that you complete before submitting an application.

To get started, we invite you to explore degree requirements, confirm your initial eligibility, and learn more about our unique “earn your way in” admissions process.

Our Community at a Glance

Your international relations peers are putting their global understanding and policy training to work in a variety of public service, corporate, and nonprofit industries.

  • 36

    Average Age

  • 1

    Average Courses Taken Each Semester

  • 79%

    Work Full Time

  • 99%

    Would Recommend the Program

  • 50%

    Professional Experience in the Field

  • Most

    Pursued for Career Advancement

My experience at Harvard Extension school was life-changing. Through my international relations program, I was able to take courses taught by professors from various schools within the university, and go in depth, via scholarly works, on critical topics.

Cost and Financial Aid

Affordability is core to our mission. When compared to our continuing education peers, it’s a fraction of the cost.

Our Tuition (2022–23 rate) $3,100 per 4-credit course ($775 per credit)
Average Tuition of Peer Institutions $5,476 per course
Average Total Cost $37,200

After admission, you may qualify for financial aid. Typically, eligible students receive grant funds to cover a portion of tuition costs each term, in addition to federal financial aid options.

Webinar: Program Information Session

Are you considering graduate studies in international relations, government, or history?

Watch this on-demand webinar to learn more about the master’s degree programs in these fields.

Watch the Webinar
four professionals standing on government steps