Cost & earnings at Indiana University Bloomington What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
International Relations graduates earn a median $53,984 Across 123 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →This master's programme at Indiana University Bloomington combines advanced study in international relations with focused training in national security analysis. It suits graduates who want rigorous theoretical grounding, practical research skills, and pathways into diplomacy, intelligence, defence policy, international organisations or further academic study.
The programme provides a blend of core theory, methodological training and specialised courses in national security. Core themes include theories of international relations, security studies, grand strategy, and foreign policy analysis. Students typically take a mix of lectures and seminars that cover topics such as international conflict and cooperation, deterrence and escalation, military strategy, cyber and intelligence issues, terrorism and counter‑insurgency, and the role of international institutions in mitigating security threats.
Methodological training emphasises both qualitative and quantitative tools: research design, statistics for social science, case study methods and access to primary source analysis. Most students also study regional politics to ground security issues in historical and political context (for example, courses on East Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Russia and Eastern Europe, or Latin America).
The programme offers two common pathways: a capstone or practicum route oriented to professional careers (including internship placement, policy‑memo writing and simulation exercises), and a thesis route for students aiming at doctoral study or research positions. Language study and independent research elective options are usually available to support regional specialisation.
Applicants should hold a recognised bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance in any discipline; degrees in political science, international relations, history, economics or related social sciences are common but not mandatory. Typical application components include an academic transcript, a personal statement outlining interests and goals, a current curriculum vitae, and two to three letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
Demonstrated research potential and quantitative competence are advantageous—students may be asked to provide a writing sample or evidence of coursework in statistics or research methods. International applicants must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements through an accepted test or acceptable prior instruction in English. Relevant work, internship, or volunteer experience in government, NGOs, the military, or international organisations strengthens an application but is not always required.
Graduates enter a range of public‑ and private‑sector roles where knowledge of international affairs and security is essential. Common career destinations include:
Indiana University Bloomington houses the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, a long‑established centre for international scholarship offering interdisciplinary strength across politics, history, languages and area studies. Students benefit from faculty who combine scholarly expertise with policy experience, and from opportunities to engage in applied work through internships and research projects.
The campus supports extensive resources for international research, including specialised libraries, language programmes and area studies centres. Small seminar sizes and a mix of theoretical and practical training prepare graduates to analyse complex security problems and to communicate policy‑relevant findings to practitioners. The university’s alumni network and regional policy connections help students make professional contacts across government, non‑profits and the private sector.
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