by our College Data Analytics TeamDive into the study of international politics, global economies and relations with a major in International Studies. This is an important field in an increasingly global society. Students will get the chance to explore the delicate structure of diplomacy and interactions with other countries.
Many students pick one are of the world to focus on, whether it's Europe, Asia, Africa or any other country that interest you. Your coursework will involve in-depth study on the history, culture, politics and economy of your chosen region.
Other classes you will take are: sociology, statistics, macroeconomics, economic development, political analysis, area studies, foreign language, diplomacy, and conceptual approaches to International Studies.
Studying International Studies explores International/globalization Studies. Continue reading for the key facts every international studies student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering international studies programs.
In the U.S., international studies draws strong interest, with 5,740 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best International Studies Schools ranking analyzes these 324 schools to determine the best overall colleges for international studies students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of international studies programs later in this article.
Programs in International Studies emphasize a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations international studies graduates commonly enter.
This major is ideal for students who love to explore and learn about different cultures and countries. Students should have an open mind to different experiences and perspectives. Classes will involve a lot of critical reading, research and writing. Along with writing papers, you will also be expected to participate in class discussions and debates.
Students will use analytical skills and integrative thinking to combine perspectives from various disciplines. Many programs involve opportunities to study abroad. This will greatly enhance your educational experience as you get to know a foreign culture first-hand.
Skills developed in a international studies program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a international studies major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several international studies degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 48 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 28 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 4,548 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,099 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 14 |
People currently working in careers related to international studies tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 88.5% |
| Master’s degree | 7.7% |
| Post-doctoral training | 3.9% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in international studies careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Graduates of International Studies are prepared to work in international politics and relations, international economics, or international law. You may also decide to work as a journalist, political scientist, economist, or foreign exchange trader. Some graduates choose to continue their education with a Master's in International Relations or another related field.
Studying international studies can lead to many career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to international studies.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to international studies.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | 1,421,275 | 11.1% |
| Political Scientists | 202,741 | 5.4% |
The U.S. Department of Education tracks median earnings of international studies graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $42,789 |
| 4 years | $57,044 |
| 5 years | $66,781 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for international studies graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers international studies grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Political Scientists | $71,521 |
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | $47,617 |
With 324 different international studies programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased international studies school rankings to help you.
Students interested in international studies, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| International/Globalization Studies | 5,740 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 30,141 |
| Biological and Physical Sciences | 28,033 |
| Data Analytics | 12,891 |
| MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES | 10,355 |
| Data Science | 7,716 |
| Nutrition Sciences | 5,456 |
| Behavioral Sciences | 5,391 |
| Sustainability Studies | 4,374 |
| Cognitive Science | 3,121 |
| Natural Sciences | 2,648 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
