My son is deciding now between Tufts and W&M and is planning on majoring in IR. From what we have seen so far by attending the admitted students days for both schools, William & Mary seems to be the better choice for International Relations, despite the reputation of Tufts for IR. This is mainly because of the fact that the professors at W&M seem much more involved and active. What are the pros and cons for each school both generally and in relation to IR?
Tufts definitely has a top notch IR reputation, but I think it is based mostly on the graduate programs. Not that you wouldn’t get a good undergrad IR education, but I don’t think it’s reputation is for undergrad.
W&M consistently ranks as one of the best schools in the country for undergraduate education.
W&M has a semester in DC program.
W&M has an undergraduate think tank that allows the students to do real work and advocate for a cause.
the professors at W&M genuinely care about undergrads, which is something that can’t be said for a lot of schools, where professors often isolate themselves with the graduate students.
disclaimer: I have an IR degree from W&M
W&M has the Institute for the Theory and Practice of International Relations in an undergraduate institution where undergrads work and do research.
Look at what they did here:
https://www.wm.edu/offices/itpir/news/mapping-recovery-aiddata.php
My son was ( and continues to be ) a research assistant during this time. Kids up 24 hrs straight saving the world… how cool is that…
Enough Said