<p>How is the IR major at JHU? I know JHU has a top grad program in IR, but it is in DC. Is there cross-fertilization between the grad/undergrads. What paths do grads from the college follow? Any acceptances into top grad schools or Foreign Service?</p>
<p>It is a first-rate program–I highly recommend it. It is different from some others such as Georgetown, GW or AU in that it is a liberal arts’ based program as opposed to being a “professional” program (which tends to be much more narrowly focused). The theory is, if you are going to actually work in the field as anything other than entry level researcher, you are going to need an advanced degree in international studies such as that offered at Hopkins’ SAIS (which is a professional program). And, for the most part, one only has one chance (at least as an undergraduate) to get a good, broad liberal arts education. It’s hard to imagine a diplomat (or some comparable career person) being unable to talk about art, literature, and culture. </p>
<p>The International Studies program is run out of the Political Science Department where it is offered as a second major (the other, of course, is the political science major). You will study international relations (a subfield of political science), international economics, history, and one or more foreign languages. Many students will also concentrate on a particular geographic area (Middle East, for example). But you will also take courses outside of the major in humanities, social sciences, math and natural sciences. In other words, it is a liberal arts education. While a case can be made for early professional education, I think that those who advocate obtaining a good liberal arts education before professional training have the better argument.</p>
<p>Some students opt for (if they apply and are accepted as sophomores) joint degree programs that offer the BA from Homewood and the MA in International Studies (i.e., the professional degree) either at Hopkins’ SAIS or Sciences Po in Paris. You save a year (the MA is awarded after the 5th year) and a year’s worth of tuition that way. You also get a significant head start over others in the field since places like SAIS almost never admit students right out of college (the average starting age at SAIS is 26). I was lucky enough to get admitted to the BA/MA program at SAIS (many years ago) and it was a terrific experience. </p>
<p>However, the regular 4 year program is also fantastic and very highly regarded. My son graduated that program (with an emphasis on the Middle East) and was offered positions by two intelligence agencies, the State Department (that, of course, requires the Foreign Service Exam and a series of interviews), and a DC based think tank. He took the think tank job (which was advertised as requiring an MA, but they make exceptions for Hopkins’ grads), spent 4 years as a researcher and is now completing his PhD at a top graduate program. His cohorts are doing equally well. </p>
<p>I’m biased, but I don’t think you will find a better program anywhere.</p>
<p>Bonanza,</p>
<p>Thanks for all of the great info! Does anyone else have some ideas?</p>