• The best international relations degrees in the United States.globe terrestre image by Nicolas D from Fotolia.com
  
  Globalization makes the world seem smaller and requires more people to invest themselves in an education focusing on international relations. Understanding the best ways to invest in development and diplomacy is essential for the future of the world economy. These schools offer the best international relations programs in the United States, according to the Foreign Policy Association.
  
  

American University School of International Service

• According to the American University website, the School of International Service is the largest in the United States for international relations. Students will learn to be "committed to a broad and interdisciplinary approach to the study of international relations that values public service, environmental stewardship, human rights, and social justice," according to the website. Located in Washington, D.C., it provides an excellent opportunity for students to take advantage of the resources available in the nation's capital. The school's tuition for graduate students is on a per-credit basis. In 2010, each credit costs $1,237, not including other fees. Students take about 18 credits per academic year if they are full-time.
  
  American University
  4400 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
  Washington D.C. 20016-8071
  (202) 885-1646
  american.edu/sis
  
  

Harvard University Kennedy School

• The Kennedy School's newest program, the joint master's in public administration and international development degree is " is designed to prepare the next generation of leaders in international development. It is an economics-centered, multi-disciplinary program, combining rigorous training in analytical and quantitative methods with an emphasis on policy and practice," according to the website. It is important for prospective students to have prior work experience to be admitted into the program. Students have the opportunity to work with excellent faculty, secure internships, and be placed in good jobs after graduation. Tuition is $39,041 per year in 2010 not including room and board.
  
  Harvard University Weatherhead Center for International Affairs
  79 John F. Kennedy Street
  Rubenstein Building, Rooms 308 and 309
  Cambridge, MA 02138
  (617) 495-2133
  hks.harvard.edu
  
  

New York University Center for Global Affairs

• New York University's Center for Global Affairs is located at the heart of one of the world's most powerful cities. "The Center for Global Affairs at NYU's School of Continuing and Professional Studies educates and inspires students to become global citizens capable of identifying and implementing solutions to pressing global challenges, according to the website. Students can enroll in a master of science program in global affairs. Students study "international or nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the United Nations and its affiliated agencies, diplomatic missions, foreign offices, government agencies, international business, press and media, law firms, foundations, and a host of allied institutions and professions," according to the website. The location and quality of professors gives students the opportunity to get a high-quality education. The tuition is based on individual credits. In 2010, the first credit costs $1,721 and each following credit costs $1,384. Students can anticipate taking 10-12 credits per semester.
  
  New York University
  School of Continuing and Professional Studies
  145 4th Avenue, Room 201
  New York, NY 10003
  (212) 998-7200
  scps.nyu.edu