by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 320 U.S. colleges awarded 5,644 degrees and certificates in International Studies. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 80% of graduates. College Factual ranks 104 schools in its 2027 Best International Studies Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $42,794 one year after completing, rising to $67,151 after four years.
Dive 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.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., international studies draws strong interest, with 5,644 degrees awarded annually. 320 colleges award international studies degrees, an average of 18 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 403.
By level, the 5,644 awards include 38 certificates, 26 associate degrees, 4,515 bachelor’s degrees, 1,044 master’s degrees and 16 doctorates.
Women earned 66% of international studies degrees and certificates in the latest year (3,699 of 5,644). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (2,590) and Hispanic or Latino (1,056), and international students earned 562.
College Factual ranks 104 schools in its 2027 Best International Studies Schools ranking, including 88 for bachelor’s degrees and 20 for master’s degrees. It also ranks international studies schools within 38 states. In all, 320 colleges offer international studies programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value International Studies Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common international studies credential is the bachelor’s degree: 4,515 of the 5,644 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to international studies call most for Reading Comprehension, Active Learning and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Law and Government, English Language and Education and Training, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Written Comprehension, Oral Comprehension and Oral Expression.
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.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long an international studies degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 38 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 26 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 4,515 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,044 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 16 |
Doctoral degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to international studies, at 88.5%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Doctoral degree | 88.5% |
| Master’s degree | 7.7% |
| Post-doctoral training | 3.9% |
Source: O*NET Online.
2 occupations are related to International Studies, with an average median salary of $59,569; the strongest outlook belongs to Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other, at 11.1% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Lecturer, Family Consumer Science Teacher, Survey Research Professor and Science Teacher.
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.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to international studies, at 1,421,275.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | 1,421,275 | 11.1% |
| Political Scientists | 202,741 | 5.4% |
International Studies graduates earn a median $42,794 one year after completing their program, $67,151 after four years and $66,781 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $42,794 |
| 4 years | $67,151 |
| 5 years | $66,781 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to international studies is Political Scientists, with a median salary of $71,521.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Political Scientists | $71,521 |
| Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other | $47,617 |
International Studies includes 1 concentration; by graduates, the largest is International/Globalization Studies (5,644). It has 48 similar majors in the Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies field, which together award 144,778 degrees a year; the largest are Biological and Physical Sciences (29,811), Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other (29,665) and Data Analytics (17,572). Browse all Multi / Interdisciplinary Studies majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| International/Globalization Studies | 5,644 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences | 29,811 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | 29,665 |
| Data Analytics | 17,572 |
| Data Science | 11,772 |
| MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES | 11,175 |
| Behavioral Sciences | 6,906 |
| Nutrition Sciences | 5,569 |
| Sustainability Studies | 4,567 |
| Cognitive Science | 3,911 |
| Natural Sciences | 3,002 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
