Political Science/International Relations

<p>Can anyone tell me how the strength of the Political Science/International Relations programs at U of C compares to similar programs at the following schools:</p>

<p>Washington University in St. Louis
Georgetown
Johns Hopkins
Amherst College
Swarthmore
Williams
Middlebury</p>

<p>I'm interested in Asian studies specifically, and I plan on going to some form of higher degree, but I don't know if It'l be a PhD, or a JD or an MBA or something else. I just know I want to study International Relations undergrad, and want to find the best place to do it. Can anyone help me out?</p>

<p>UChicago is ranked above all (except gtown) by [Foreign</a> Policy: Inside the Ivory Tower](<a href=“http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4685&page=1]Foreign”>http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4685&page=1)</p>

<p>Keep in mind that Chicago (and other schools considered strong in the field) do not have an IR major per se; it is a concentration within polisci. If that’s your thing, great. They do have an International Studies major, however. If you are really interested in Asian Studies, I would focus on the schools with particularly strong departments in that specialization rather than “IR” more generally.</p>

<p>I have a junior looking at international relations, and figuring out which schools offer the strands/emphases he wants to study has been revealing for him. Just because it’s IR doesn’t mean it’s what you may actually want. There are fine LACs where one can combine coursework from a number of excellent departments and come up with a stellar program.</p>

<p>I also have a rising second-year at UChicago. He has been extremely happy there.</p>

<p>Consider adding Tufts to your list as well.</p>

<p>Also, Cornell is one of the best schools for graduate work in East Asian Studies on the humanities end. It might be another school worth looking into.</p>