by our College Data Analytics TeamWould you like a major that you can tailor to your own interests? Majoring in area, ethnic, cultural, gender or group studies truly gives you the freedom to study what specifically interests you. In this major you can focus on history, society, politics, culture, and economics on the topic of your choice. You will critique and explore different societal norms such as ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, and social inequalities. Curriculum usually includes discussion and reflection on materials and hands-on activities. Depending on your focus, you may be interested in national or international government and policies.
The courses you will take include broad liberal arts based classes as well as specific and focused classes in your area of study. Your course load may include politics, international relations, literature of the subgroup, music/art/culture of the subgroup, religion, language, and history.
There are many different concentrations in this major. Students have a wide choice of specializations depending on their area of interest. That could be anything from the United States, Africa, Russia, China, Native Americans, Hispanic Americans, African-Americans, Women, Folklore, Urban Studies or Disability Studies just to name a few.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Explore societal similarities and differences as seen through cultural, biological, archaeological and linguistic lenses when you earn one of your degrees in anthropology from Southern New Hampshire University.
Area Studies was the 115th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 6,257 degrees in this year alone. Our 2025 Best Area Studies Schools ranking analyzes 70 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for area studies students. Explore this or one of our many other custom area studies rankings further below.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Explore societal similarities and differences as seen through cultural, biological, archaeological and linguistic lenses when you earn one of your degrees in anthropology from Southern New Hampshire University.
As a liberal arts major it is helpful to be a strong reader and a critical thinker. Students will also find it necessary to be able to think analytically and have good interpersonal skills. Communication is huge for an area studies major, as you will be completing many different research and writing assignments. Students should be passionate about their subject and possess cultural tolerance and a global awareness. It is also important to have an open mind and to be ready to see another person's point of view. This is a good major for someone who is excited to learn and interested in seeing the world through other another person's perspective.
A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for most area studies degree programs and many students will need a minimum GPA and SAT/ACT score depending on the school. In addition to these basic area studies program qualifications, to serve in some area studies careers, special certification may be required outside of your degree.
There are various different levels of area studies degrees. You can get anything from a in area studies to the highest area studies degree, a . The type of area studies degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A doctor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to area studies, with approximately 60.5% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for area studies workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Degree | 61.6% |
| Master’s Degree | 31.5% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 4.0% |
| Post-Master’s Certificate | 3.3% |
| First Professional Degree | 1.1% |
About 64.5% of workers in careers related to area studies obtain at least doctor's degrees. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in area studies careers have.
This of course varies depending on which area studies career you choose.
As an area studies major, you will be prepared for many different careers. By the time you graduate, you will possess skills that will allow you to effectively communicate with others, opening the doors for endless job possibilities. You may also choose to continue your education with a Master's Degree.
As ethnic, cultural and gender studies majors are found in a variety of careers, your earnings potential and likelihood of finding a job will vary.
Want a job when you graduate with your area studies degree? Area Studies careers are expected to grow 10.4% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to area studies.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Professors | 12,700 | 10.4% |
Area Studies graduates between <nil> reported earning an average of $38,233 in the <nil> timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $16,733 to as high as $64,851. As you might expect, salaries for area studies graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for area studies graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers area studies grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Professors | $85,450 |
With over 2,106 different area studies degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased area studies school rankings to help you with this.
One of 2 majors within the Area, Ethnic, Culture, & Gender Studies area of study, Area Studies has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| American U.S. Studies | 1,321 |
| Asian Studies | 777 |
| Area Studies, Other | 702 |
| Latin American Studies | 596 |
| Regional Studies (U.S., Canadian, Foreign) | 580 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Ethnic Studies | 9,323 |
| Ethnic, Culture, & Gender Studies (Other) | 35 |
Image Credit: By Karl Udo Gerth under License More about our data sources and methodologies.
