Academic Index Last updated: June 23, 2026

6 Best Universities in California for International Relations

Focusing specifically on International Relations, our data science engine identified the 6 most influential universities in California. To determine these leaders, we isolated 1.95M specialized research publications which collectively generated 104.53M citations. This targeted approach bypasses general university reputation, directly revealing the strongest programs.

Active Filters: International Relations California Clear All

Ranking Methodology Notice

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1

Los Angeles

University of Southern California

For International Relations and Diplomacy

#4 in United States #4 in North America

10% Acceptance

47,335 Enrollment

1500 Avg SAT

1880 Founded

2

Berkeley

University of California – Berkeley

For International Relations and Diplomacy

#9 in United States #9 in North America

11% Acceptance

26,133 Enrollment

1175 Avg SAT

1868 Founded

3

Stanford

Stanford University

For International Relations and Diplomacy

#14 in United States #16 in North America

4% Acceptance

47,335 Enrollment

1545 Avg SAT

1885 Founded

4

Los Angeles

University of California – Los Angeles

For International Relations and Diplomacy

#19 in United States #23 in North America

9% Acceptance

37,297 Enrollment

1500 Avg SAT

1919 Founded

5

Santa Barbara

University of California – Santa Barbara

For International Relations and Diplomacy

#31 in United States #37 in North America

33% Acceptance

45,882 Enrollment

1535 Avg SAT

1921 Founded

6

San Diego

University of California-San Diego

For International Relations and Diplomacy

#40 in United States #46 in North America

27% Acceptance

47,335 Enrollment

1500 Avg SAT

1960 Founded