LSE IR vs. U.S schools IR

Hi, I realize this may be a tough question to answer but any help would be appreciated. I know that LSE is known for being the best IR school in Europe, but ive found the comparisons to top IR schools in the US a little hard to come by. Furthermore, I have a few general queries that I would like to discuss before making the decision to go through the application process and apply to the LSE for this course.

I have compiled a list of top IR programs in the US and I would appreciate it if you could compare LSE vs. these schools in terms of prestige, quality of education, and job opportunities. Remember, this is specifically for IR so if you are unsure of the program please mention that in your post. I also dont want this to be based on stupid tables(the times, US news) because those have nothing to do, generally, with International Relations or the opportunities each school presents to its undergraduates.

U.S Schools:

Tufts - Fletcher
Georgetown - SFS
George Washington
American - SIS
University of Chicago
Middlebury
University of California San Diego
Princeton University
University of Pennsylvania

Thanks.

Reply 1

Knogle

16

You might also want to post this on the US Study forum - they'll probably give you a better response since they'll be better equipped with knowledge on the US schools you mentioned above.

Reply 2

fishcandyguo

In my opinion, when you choose your university to study courses like IR, the location of the uni is also one important fact to consider. That was why I applied for LSE and Georgetown last year: they are both located in the centers of global politics and economics...

Reply 3

shady lane

16

fishcandyguo

In my opinion, when you choose your university to study courses like IR, the location of the uni is also one important fact to consider. That was why I applied for LSE and Georgetown last year: they are both located in the centers of global politics and economics...

That's worth considering, but most internships in IR are during the summer, in which case the location of your university doesn't matter. If you are really organized during the school term then perhaps you could fit in work with a congressperson in DC or at the UN if you're in New York.
I know that the State Department and the CIA visited my university to recruit 3 times each every year.

Reply 4

Champagne Breakfast

16

How do the CIA recruit students?

Also, is Tufts the best place for IR in the States? Or did the OP just randomly put it first?

Reply 5

shady lane

16

The Ace is Back

How do the CIA recruit students?

Also, is Tufts the best place for IR in the States? Or did the OP just randomly put it first?

Tufts is good for IR but the university as a whole is OK. If you really want IR (other than Stanford of course, but I'm biased), I'd suggest Georgetown School of Foreign Service (not the main college) or Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland. George Washington University boasts of having a top program but once again, the university as a whole is just OK. I always suggest going to the best university you possibly can, because you may change your mind and want to get into a different area for work, but find that employers don't want someone with an IR degree from a so-so university. .

LSE IR vs. U.S schools IR

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