International Relations vs Political Science: Which Degree Is Better?

Choosing between International Relations and Political Science can feel difficult because both degrees examine power, policy, and institutions. The distinction becomes clearer when you consider the level at which you want to work. International Relations focus primarily on how states, international organizations, businesses, and non-state actors interact across borders. Political Science gives you a wider view of how political systems operate, from local government and elections to comparative politics and political theory. 

Neither option is universally better. The stronger fit depends on the problems you want to study, the skills you want to develop, and the setting in which you hope to build your career. Comparing the curriculum, career paths, and level of specialization can help you choose with greater confidence.

Key Takeaways 

• International Relations focuses on global systems, including diplomacy, foreign policy, international security, human rights, and global governance. Political Science examines government, public policy, political behavior, elections, and political theory more broadly.  
• Social science graduates work across several sectors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5.2 million people with a social science degree were employed in 2023. Management employed 21%, business and financial operations 14%, legal occupations 9%, and education and library occupations 9%.  
• The political scientist occupation typically requires advanced study. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $142,080 in May 2025 and projects approximately 400 openings per year between 2025 and 2035.  
• A degree alone does not secure a diplomatic career. The US Department of State confirms that Foreign Service Officer generalists do not need a specific degree or education level, but they must complete a competitive selection process. 

International Relations vs Political Science at a Glance

What Is the Difference Between International Relations and Political Science? 

Political Science studies how power is organized, exercised, and challenged. You may examine constitutions, elections, public opinion, political parties, ideologies, legislatures, and policies. The American Political Science Association identifies American politics, comparative politics, International Relations, and political theory as common parts of undergraduate study. This makes Political Science a broad discipline, with International Relations often treated as one of its major subfields. 

International Relations applies to a more concentrated global lens. It considers why states cooperate or enter conflict, how foreign policy is formed, how international organizations influence decisions, and how trade, security, law, development, and human rights cross national boundaries. Many programs draw on economics, history, law, sociology, and cultural studies alongside political analysis. 

The overlap is significant. Both students may study political systems, research methods, public policy, and international affairs. The real difference between International Relations and Political Science is emphasis: IR moves cross-border relationships to the center, while Political Science allows you to study politics at several levels. 

What Subjects Will You Study? 

International Relations 

An International Relations degree often includes international law, diplomacy, international security, foreign policy, global governance, regional politics, and political economy. Applied programs may add negotiation exercises, policy briefs, simulations, or language study. 

Political Science 

A Political Science degree commonly includes political theory, comparative government, domestic institutions, public administration, elections, political behavior, and research methods. You may still study geopolitics or foreign policy, balanced with a deeper examination of how politics works within countries. 

Course titles vary, so compare actual study plans rather than relying on the degree name. A student interested in humanitarian policy may prioritize human rights and development. Someone considering electoral research may need statistics, survey analysis, and political behavior. 

What Skills Will You Develop? 

Both degrees can help you evaluate evidence, recognize competing interests, communicate complex ideas, and form defensible recommendations. 

International Relations 

• Cross-cultural communication and negotiation  
• Foreign policy and geopolitical analysis  
• International law and institutional frameworks  
• Conflict resolution and diplomatic writing  
• Regional knowledge and language development  

Political Science 

• Political theory and structured argument  
• Policy evaluation and institutional analysis  
• Survey, election, and public-opinion data  
• Qualitative and quantitative research methods  
• Understanding government and political behavior  

Statistics, data visualization, economics, a second language, internships, and professional writing can strengthen either route. Consider how each curriculum develops the skills needed for a career in International Relations, including negotiation, research, cross-cultural communication, and geopolitical analysis. 

International Relations vs Political Science Careers and Jobs 

An International Relations degree may support paths such as foreign affairs officer, policy analyst, international development specialist, geopolitical risk analyst, program officer, or humanitarian coordinator. Graduates may work across government, international organizations, NGOs, research bodies, and multinational companies. The benefits and career paths connected to International Relations and diplomacy provide a closer view. 

Political Science graduates may pursue roles in legislative support, public administration, policy research, campaign operations, polling, government affairs, advocacy, journalism, or business. The American Political Science Association notes that graduates work across government, law, business, international organizations, nonprofits, campaigns, journalism, education, and research. 

The job market is broader than either degree title. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5.2 million people with a social science degree were employed in 2023. Management accounted for 21%, business and financial operations 14%, legal occupations 9%, and education and library occupations 9%. These US figures cover social science degrees collectively and illustrate range, not guaranteed outcomes. 

The occupation “political scientist” is narrower than the jobs open to Political Science graduates. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that political scientists typically need a master’s degree and earned a median annual wage of $142,080 in May 2025. It projects about 400 openings per year from 2025 to 2035. Pay and requirements vary by country, sector, and role. 

Which Degree Is Better for Your Career Goals? 

Choose International Relations if you are most interested in diplomacy, geopolitical risk, international security, global development, human rights, or cooperation among governments and international organizations. The degree may be particularly suitable if you want international issues to form the core of your studies. Comparing International Business and International Relations can also help if your interests sit between global policy and corporate decision-making. 

Choose Political Science if you want broad flexibility across domestic and international politics, or if elections, political behavior, governance, public policy, law, or political theory hold greater interest. Its breadth can be useful when you have not yet decided between public service, research, advocacy, legal study, or political work. 

Use three practical tests before deciding: 

1. Review required courses. Count how much of the program covers your preferred subjects and methods.  
2. Read job descriptions. Identify the qualifications, experience, technical skills, and languages requested in roles that interest you.  
3. Assess experiential opportunities. Compare internships, simulations, study locations, research projects, and access to practitioners.  

Study International Relations and Diplomacy at Schiller 

At Schiller, we offer an applied route for students who want global affairs at the center of their education. Our four-year bachelor’s in international relations and diplomacy includes modern diplomacy, American foreign policy, practical diplomacy, the European Union, international economic policy, and political science. Debates, Model UN simulations, and policy projects connect theory with decisions.

Our 12-month master’s in international relations and diplomacy covers research methods, international law, international organizations, conflict and peace strategies, human rights, and a thesis or project.  
 
Start your journey with Schiller’s Bachelor’s in International Relations and Diplomacy, or upgrade your career with the Master’s in International Relations and Diplomacy. 

FAQs 

Q1: What is the difference between International Relations and Political Science? 

Political Science broadly studies power, government, institutions, public policy, political behavior, and political theory. International Relations concentrates on interactions across borders, including diplomacy, foreign policy, geopolitics, international organizations, security, and global governance. Many Political Science departments include International Relations as a subfield. 

Q2: Which degree is better, International Relations or Political Science? 

International Relations is generally the better fit for a student focused on global affairs, diplomacy, international security, or development. Political Science may be better if you want broader exposure to domestic government, elections, policy, theory, and comparative politics. The strongest choice is the curriculum that aligns with your career goals. 

Q3: What can you do with an International Relations degree? 

Potential paths include policy analysis, foreign affairs, international development, humanitarian programs, geopolitical risk, advocacy, research, and communications. Employers may include governments, NGOs, think tanks, international organizations, and global businesses. Entry requirements vary, and some roles require postgraduate education, language ability, or relevant experience. 

Q4: What careers can you pursue with a Political Science degree? 

Political Science graduates work in public administration, legislative support, policy research, campaigns, polling, government affairs, nonprofits, journalism, business, and related fields. Law, academic research, and some specialist policy positions usually require additional education or professional qualifications. 

Q5: Is International Relations a good degree for a career in diplomacy? 

Yes, it can provide relevant preparation through foreign policy, international law, negotiation, cross-cultural communication, and regional study. Diplomatic recruitment remains competitive, and requirements differ by country. Language skills, internships, international experience, sound judgment, and success in the relevant selection process can be as important as the degree title.