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International/Globalization Studies

HUMANITIES Specialization

International/Globalization Studies

International/Globalization Studies graduates earn $59,972 four years out. The middle 50% of earners fall between $40,760 and $82,911. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and how far you advance in the field.

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About International/Globalization Studies

International/Globalization Studies is a focused area of study within Interdisciplinary Studies. Graduates typically earn around $59,972 four years out, a solid return for a focused credential. The program is available at 425 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 6,458 students complete this program each year, most earning a bachelor's. The focus is on writing, analysis, and communication that transfer across industries.

Median Earnings · 1yr: $32,819
Median Earnings · 4yr: $59,972
Colleges Offering: 425
Graduates / Year: 6,458
Avg Net Price / yr: $19,175

How Much Do International/Globalization Studies Graduates Earn?

International/Globalization Studies graduates earn $59,972 four years out, near the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $40,760 and $82,911. Earnings typically jump significantly in the first few years. The one-year figure of $32,819 climbs to $59,972 by year four.

$32,819

1 Year After Graduation

Starting salaries only. Earnings in this field grow substantially in the first 3 to 5 years.

$59,972

4-Year National Median

Near the national median for college graduates.

$56,538

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across International/Globalization Studies graduates. Career path divergence explains most of the range. Law, consulting, and tech-adjacent roles pull the top end up; writing, education, and nonprofit roles tend to sit near the bottom.

$40,760 25th pct.

$59,972 Median

$82,911 75th pct.

A Solid Financial Return

Solid ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $59,972 and an estimated $76,700 four-year net cost, the typical graduate reaches earnings breakeven in roughly 2.6 years.

Based on outcomes from 363 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 6,458 students who complete International/Globalization Studies programs each year, the majority (82%) earn a bachelor's degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

82%

Bachelor's 82%

Master's 15%

Post-Bacc Cert. 1%

What Can You Do With an International/Globalization Studies Degree?

International/Globalization Studies connects to 1 occupations in the job market. Political Scientist leads at $142,080/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↘ -3.1% Zone 5: Extensive preparation

Political Scientist

$142,080

$114K $174K 25th–75th pct.

Master's degree 500 openings/yr 6K employed nationally

Reading Comprehension Active Learning Speaking Active Listening Writing

Day-to-day responsibilities

Study the origin, development, and operation of political systems. May study topics, such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, and ideology. May analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. May conduct public opinion surveys, analyze election results, or analyze public documents.

Teach political science.
Maintain current knowledge of government policy decisions.
Develop and test theories, using information from interviews, newspapers, periodicals, case law, historical papers, polls, or statistical sources.

Top Colleges for International/Globalization Studies

The 20 colleges below are ranked by how many International/Globalization Studies students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA · Public	511	26.7%	$12,470	$84,943
2	University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus Norman, OK · Public	167	76.6%	$15,300	$63,126
3	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, MI · Public	154	15.6%	$13,138	$83,648
4	University of California-Santa Barbara Santa Barbara, CA · Public	152	33%	$16,109	$74,915
5	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX · Public	147	26.6%	$19,857	$75,121
6	University of California-Irvine Irvine, CA · Public	130	28.6%	$14,251	$80,735
7	Texas A&M University-College Station College Station, TX · Public	128	57.4%	$21,315	$72,097
8	University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA · Nonprofit	123	5.4%	$28,699	$111,371
9	University of Colorado Boulder Boulder, CO · Public	122	78.1%	$25,346	$69,738
10	University of Utah Salt Lake City, UT · Public	121	86%	$16,200	$67,170
11	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, WI · Public	109	45.2%	$17,354	$73,792
12	University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN · Nonprofit	106	11.3%	$26,780	$99,980
13	Florida International University Miami, FL · Public	105	54.7%	$9,288	$60,249
14	Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ · Public	102	89.9%	$14,967	$62,668
15	Boston College Chestnut Hill, MA · Nonprofit	90	16.4%	$41,704	$103,937
16	University of California-Berkeley Berkeley, CA · Public	87	11%	$13,481	$92,446
17	University of Florida Gainesville, FL · Public	86	24.2%	$6,541	$71,588
18	University of Oregon Eugene, OR · Public	74	88.3%	$22,182	$61,324
19	Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus University Park, PA · Public	73	60.6%	$32,875	$63,435
20	University of North Texas Denton, TX · Public	72	72.2%	$15,649	$57,010

View all colleges

Ranked by International/Globalization Studies graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a International/Globalization Studies program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a International/Globalization Studies degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

International/Globalization Studies Degree: Pros & Cons

The data on International/Globalization Studies shows 3 measurable strengths and 2 real trade-offs. All points are sourced from College Scorecard earnings, BLS projections, and IPEDS graduate counts.

PROS

Above-average earnings Four-year median of $59,972 puts graduates ahead of many humanities and social science programs.
Strong salary growth Median earnings climb from $32,819 at graduation to $59,972 four years later, a clear sign of career momentum in this field.
Wide availability Offered at 425 colleges nationwide, with options at every price point and institution type.

CONS

Advanced degree often expected Top roles in this field typically expect a master's degree or higher. A bachelor's may be a starting point rather than a terminal credential for the most competitive positions.
Declining roles in some areas 1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.

International/Globalization Studies Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do International/Globalization Studies graduates earn?

International/Globalization Studies graduates earn a national median of $59,972 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $40,760 and $82,911. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What is the starting salary for a International/Globalization Studies degree?

One year after graduation, International/Globalization Studies degree holders earn a median of $32,819. That climbs to $59,972 four years out. The biggest salary jumps typically come once you move past entry-level roles.

What jobs can you get with a International/Globalization Studies degree?

International/Globalization Studies degree holders pursue careers including Political Scientist, which pays a median of $142,080/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a International/Globalization Studies program take?

A International/Globalization Studies bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study. Community colleges offer associate programs in two years for students who want a faster path into the workforce.

How many colleges offer International/Globalization Studies?

425 colleges and universities in the United States offer International/Globalization Studies programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a International/Globalization Studies degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $59,972 and an average net price of roughly $19,175/yr, a International/Globalization Studies degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between International/Globalization Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies?

International/Globalization Studies is a focused concentration within the broader Interdisciplinary Studies field. The Interdisciplinary Studies major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to International/Globalization Studies-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in International/Globalization Studies graduates?

Employers hiring International/Globalization Studies graduates consistently prioritize writing, critical analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Employers value the ability to synthesize complex information clearly, skills that transfer into communications, law, consulting, and content roles.

Is graduate school worth it for International/Globalization Studies graduates?

With a median salary of $59,972, graduate study in International/Globalization Studies can meaningfully increase long-term income, particularly for specialized or professional programs aligned with high-demand roles. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.