Best institutions to study International Relations and National Security Studies
Any instructional program in international relations and national security studies not listed above.
27 U.S. institutions graduated 631 International Relations and National Security Studies students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 45.0999, a specialization of International Relations and National Security Studies (CIP 45.09), and leads most directly to the Political Scientists occupation (BLS SOC 19-3094).
About International Relations and National Security Studies programs
Any instructional program in international relations and national security studies not listed above.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The International Relations and National Security Studies program focuses on the complex interactions between nations and the various factors that influence national security. This program is designed for students interested in understanding global politics, international conflicts, and security policies. It provides a comprehensive foundation for those looking to pursue careers in political science and related fields.
Students in this program develop essential skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, and research methodologies. Coursework typically covers topics in law and government, history, and communications, equipping graduates with a well-rounded understanding of international relations and national security.
Credentials awarded
What International Relations and National Security Studies graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Master's degree390 graduates / yr · 12 institutions62%
- Bachelor's degree118 graduates / yr · 9 institutions19%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate104 graduates / yr · 7 institutions17%
- Doctor's degree - research/scholarship16 graduates / yr · 3 institutions2.5%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year3 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.5%
Graduates over time
International Relations and National Security Studies completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 166 |
| 2013 | 191 |
| 2014 | 254 |
| 2015 | 201 |
| 2016 | 240 |
| 2017 | 261 |
| 2018 | 310 |
| 2019 | 383 |
| 2020 | 392 |
| 2021 | 519 |
| 2022 | 632 |
| 2023 | 609 |
| 2024 | 555 |
| 2025 | 631 |
Top 27 institutions for International Relations and National Security Studies, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, CAPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 173 | — | — | — |
| 2 | George Mason University Fairfax, VAPublicMaster'sBachelor's | 92 | 68% | — | $44,644 |
| 3 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZPublicMaster's | 76 | 0% | — | — |
| 4 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZPublicMaster's | 48 | 68% | — | — |
| 5 | San Diego State University San Diego, CAPublicBachelor's | 45 | 76% | — | $35,361 |
| 6 | Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, INPublicBachelor's | 31 | 80% | — | $36,100 |
| 7 | Webster University Saint Louis, MOPrivate not-for-profitMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 24 | 64% | $25,090 | — |
| 8 | Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus Atlanta, GAPublicMaster'sPost-degree cert. | 18 | 94% | — | — |
| 9 | Regent University Virginia Beach, VAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor'sMaster's | 16 | 57% | $18,677 | — |
| 10 | Northeastern University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 14 | 91% | $18,925 | — |
| 11 | King University Bristol, TNPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 10 | 48% | $23,546 | — |
| 12 | American Public University System Charles Town, WVPrivate for-profitDoctoral | 10 | 57% | $10,199 | $48,142 |
| 13 | University of Iowa Iowa City, IAPublicPost-degree cert. | 9 | 75% | — | $36,376 |
| 14 | Boston University Boston, MAPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 9 | 89% | $21,956 | $45,870 |
| 15 | University of Mount Union Alliance, OHPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 7 | 59% | $21,121 | — |
| 16 | Augusta University Augusta, GAPublicPost-degree cert. | 7 | 49% | — | — |
| 17 | University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha, NEPublicPost-degree cert. | 6 | 47% | — | — |
| 18 | Middlebury College Middlebury, VTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 6 | 91% | $20,918 | $68,344 |
| 19 | Wright State University - Main Campus Dayton, OHPublicMaster's | 5 | 42% | — | — |
| 20 | Norwich University Northfield, VTPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 5 | 60% | $23,982 | $43,621 |
| 21 | California State University - San Bernardino San Bernardino, CAPublicMaster's | 4 | 55% | — | — |
| 22 | DePaul University Chicago, ILPrivate not-for-profitMaster's | 4 | 68% | $28,141 | $35,792 |
| 23 | University of Central Florida Orlando, FLPublicDoctoral | 3 | 78% | — | — |
| 24 | Capitol Technology University Laurel, MDPrivate not-for-profitDoctoral | 3 | 43% | $27,179 | — |
| 25 | Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 3 | 59% | — | $35,802 |
| 26 | Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Blacksburg, VAPublicPost-degree cert. | 2 | 86% | — | $44,638 |
| 27 | Cal Poly Maritime Academy Vallejo, CAPublicBachelor's | 1 | 60% | — | $42,924 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader International Relations and National Security Studies field (CIP 45.09) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 17 states
Where International Relations and National Security Studies graduates come from. Each state links to all International Relations and National Security Studies programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 4 | 223 | Naval Postgraduate School173 / yr |
| Arizona | 2 | 124 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion76 / yr |
| Virginia | 3 | 110 | George Mason University92 / yr |
| Indiana | 1 | 31 | Indiana University - Bloomington31 / yr |
| Georgia | 2 | 25 | Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus18 / yr |
| Missouri | 1 | 24 | Webster University24 / yr |
| Massachusetts | 2 | 23 | Northeastern University14 / yr |
| Ohio | 2 | 12 | University of Mount Union7 / yr |
| Vermont | 2 | 11 | Middlebury College6 / yr |
| Tennessee | 1 | 10 | King University10 / yr |
| West Virginia | 1 | 10 | American Public University System10 / yr |
| Iowa | 1 | 9 | University of Iowa9 / yr |
| Nebraska | 1 | 6 | University of Nebraska at Omaha6 / yr |
| Illinois | 1 | 4 | DePaul University4 / yr |
| Florida | 1 | 3 | University of Central Florida3 / yr |
| Maryland | 1 | 3 | Capitol Technology University3 / yr |
| Michigan | 1 | 3 | Central Michigan University3 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-3094, Political Scientists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the International Relations and National Security Studies program often pursue careers as political scientists, educators, or managers in various sectors. While the job outlook for this field is projected to decline by 3.1%, there are approximately 500 annual openings, with a median wage of $139,380 for those holding a master's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 45.0999
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Political Scientistsprimary SOC 19-3094 | $142,080 | -3.1% Decline | ~500 | Master's degree |
Managers, All Other SOC 11-9199 | $141,900 | +4.5% About as fast as average | ~106,700 | Bachelor's degree |
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary SOC 25-1065 | $98,070 | +2.0% About as fast as average | ~1,600 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in International Relations and National Security Studies programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Teach political science.
- Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
- Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.
- Disseminate research results through academic publications, written reports, or public presentations.
- Advise political science students.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data, such as election results and public opinion surveys, reporting on findings, recommendations, and conclusions.
Tools and technology used
Other International Relations and National Security Studies specializations
The 2 other 6-digit CIP codes under International Relations and National Security Studies (CIP 45.09).
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a bachelor's degree, master's degree, postbaccalaureate certificate, or a doctor's degree.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, writing, active listening, and research.
What careers can I pursue?+
You can work as a political scientist, political science teacher, or in management roles.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is projected to decline by 3.1%, with about 500 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for International Relations and National Security Studies?+
International Relations and National Security Studies is CIP 45.0999 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within International Relations and National Security Studies (CIP 45.09). NCES defines it as: Any instructional program in international relations and national security studies not listed above.
How many institutions offer International Relations and National Security Studies programs?+
27 U.S. institutions reported International Relations and National Security Studies graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 17 states, awarding 631 credentials in the year. That is 5.3% of all International Relations and National Security Studies graduates.
How much do International Relations and National Security Studies graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Political Scientists occupation, which International Relations and National Security Studies most directly leads to, pays a median of $142,080 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader International Relations and National Security Studies field report median earnings of $43,621 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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