by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 320 U.S. colleges awarded 5,644 degrees and certificates in International/Globalization Studies. Bachelor’s degrees are the most popular award, at 80% of graduates. College Factual ranks 104 schools in its 2027 Best International/Globalization 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.
A degree in International/Globalization Studies explores International/globalization Studies. A Program That Focuses On Global And International Issues From The Perspective Of The Social Sciences, Social Services, And Related Fields. Examples: [Global Studies].
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, international/globalization studies is a widely-pursued major, with 5,644 degrees awarded annually. 320 colleges award international/globalization 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/globalization 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/Globalization Studies Schools ranking, including 88 for bachelor’s degrees and 20 for master’s degrees. It also ranks international/globalization studies schools within 38 states. In all, 320 colleges offer international/globalization studies programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value International/Globalization Studies Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common international/globalization studies credential is the bachelor’s degree: 4,515 of the 5,644 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to international/globalization studies call most for Reading Comprehension, Active Listening and Active Learning, 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.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long an international/globalization 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/globalization 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/Globalization 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 Survey Research Teacher, Humanities Teacher, College Teacher and Military Science Teacher.
That occupation also has the most projected jobs of any related to international/globalization 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/Globalization 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/globalization 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 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
