Notre Dame vs Duke for international relations: which is better for undergrad?

Duke has the edge for undergraduate international relations. Its International Comparative Studies major is one of the university’s most visible interdisciplinary programs, it has deep ties to policy and regional studies through units like the Sanford School of Public Policy and Duke Global, and it offers especially strong access to globally focused research, language study, and faculty across politics, economics, history, and area studies.

One concrete difference is program structure. Duke’s IR-related options are built to be flexible and interdisciplinary from the start, which matters in a field that often combines political science, economics, history, public policy, and language work. Students can connect coursework to institutes and centers focused on global issues, and that makes it easier to shape a policy-oriented or region-specific path as an undergrad.

Another differentiator is the surrounding ecosystem. Duke benefits from being in the Research Triangle, which creates more nearby connections to policy, nonprofit, research, and international development work during the school year. For a student hoping to build experience before grad school or a first job, that can translate into more internships, speaker events, and professional exposure without needing to wait for summer.

Notre Dame is still very strong, especially if you like a values-driven academic environment and are drawn to its global network, peace studies presence, and emphasis on international service. The Keough School of Global Affairs adds real substance, and Notre Dame can be especially appealing for students interested in diplomacy, development, ethics, or work tied to global Catholic and humanitarian institutions.