by our College Data Analytics TeamCollege Factual looked at 11 colleges and universities when compiling its 2024 Best Area Studies Master's Degree Schools in California ranking. Combined, these schools handed out 129 master's degrees in area studies to qualified students.
What's on this page: * Our Methodology
The area studies master's degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. This section explores some of the factors we include in our ranking and how much they vary depending on the school you select. Below we explain some of the most important factors to consider before making your choice:
The overall quality of a master's degree school is important to ensure a quality education, not just how well they do in a particular major. To account for this we include a college's overall Best Colleges for a Master's Degree ranking which itself looks at a combination of various factors like degree completion, educational resources, student body caliber and post-graduation earnings for the school as a whole.
Average early-career salary of those graduating with their master's degree is one indicator we use in our analysis to find the schools that offer the highest-quality education. After all, your master's degree won't mean much if it doesn't help you find a job that will help you earn a living.
The metrics below are just some of the other metrics that we use to determine our rankings.
Our complete ranking methodology documents in more detail how we consider these factors to identify the best colleges for area studies students working on their master's degree.
The area studies school you choose to invest your time and money in matters. To help you make the decision that is right for you, we've developed a number of major-specific rankings, including this list of the Best Area Studies Master's Degree Schools in California.
Below you'll see a list of the best colleges and universities for pursuing a master's degree in area studies.
It is hard to beat Stanford University if you wish to pursue a master's degree in area studies. Located in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population.
Students who graduate with their master's from the area studies program report average early career income of $48,121.
More information about a master’s in area studies from Stanford University
University of California - Los Angeles is one of the best schools in the United States for getting a master's degree in area studies. UCLA is a very large public university located in the city of Los Angeles.More information about a master’s in area studies from University of California - Los Angeles
University of California - Berkeley is a great decision for individuals interested in a master's degree in area studies. Located in the medium-sized city of Berkeley, UC Berkeley is a public university with a fairly large student population.More information about a master’s in area studies from University of California - Berkeley
University of California - San Diego is a good decision for individuals pursuing a master's degree in area studies. Located in the large city of La Jolla, UCSD is a public university with a very large student population.More information about a master’s in area studies from University of California - San Diego
UCSB is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Santa Barbara.More information about a master’s in area studies from University of California - Santa Barbara
Located in the large city of San Francisco, USFCA is a private not-for-profit university with a moderately-sized student population.More information about a master’s in area studies from University of San Francisco
UC Davis is a fairly large public university located in the suburb of Davis.More information about a master’s in area studies from University of California - Davis
Located in the large city of Long Beach, CSULB is a public university with a fairly large student population.More information about a master’s in area studies from California State University - Long Beach
Located in the city of San Diego, SDSU is a public university with a very large student population.More information about a master’s in area studies from San Diego State University
Located in the city of Irvine, UC Irvine is a public university with a very large student population.More information about a master’s in area studies from University of California - Irvine
Explore all the Best Area Studies Colleges in the Far Western US Area or other specific states within that region.
| State | Colleges | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | 183 | 32 |
| Oregon | 158 | 7 |
| Hawaii | 85 | 15 |
| Alaska | 52 | 1 |
Area Studies is one of 2 different types of Area, Ethnic, Culture, & Gender Studies programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| East Asian Studies | 36 |
| Latin American Studies | 28 |
| American U.S. Studies | 25 |
| Asian Studies | 24 |
| Italian Studies | 4 |
| Central & Eastern European Studies | 3 |
| Near & Middle Eastern Studies | 3 |
| Southeast Asian Studies | 2 |
| Area Studies, Other | 2 |
| African Studies | 1 |
