Pacific Rim Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the dynamic and diverse regions of Australasia and the Pacific Rim through an interdisciplinary lens. This program examines the historical trajectories, social structures, political systems, cultural expressions, and economic developments shaping Pacific Island nations and surrounding coastal territories, with attention to both pre-colonial foundations and the lasting impacts of colonialism and migration.
- Historical Dynamics of the Pacific: Investigate the evolution of societies across the Pacific, from ancient seafaring civilizations to colonial encounters and post-independence nation-building.
- Cultural Diversity and Identity: Analyze the rich tapestry of languages, traditions, indigenous knowledge systems, and contemporary cultural expressions across island and coastal communities.
- Political Systems and Governance: Study the structure and function of governments in Pacific nations, including challenges related to sovereignty, regional cooperation, and international relations.
- Economic Development and Sustainability: Examine economic models, resource management, trade patterns, and the impact of globalization on local economies and sustainable development.
- Migration and Diaspora Studies: Explore historical and modern migration flows, including forced displacement, labor migration, and the formation of Pacific diasporas in global contexts.
Pacific Rim Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Pacific Rim Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Pacific Rim Studies degrees, including Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 11,430 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1062 | $84,290 | $51,130 - $164,650 | 11,430 | N/A |
Pacific Rim Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $61,920 in Florida to $113,070 in California—a 83% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Vermont, and Kansas. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 11,430 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Pacific Rim Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 5 institutions offering Pacific Rim Studies programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Pacific Rim Studies is found at University of Hawaii (UHM), Manoa (6 graduates), Brigham Young University (BYUH), Hawaii (6 graduates), American Samoa Community College (ASCC) (6 graduates), University of Guam (UOG) (5 graduates), and Central Washington University (CWU) (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 25 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Hawaii (UHM) |
Master's
|
6 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | manoa.hawaii.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYUH) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Laie, Hawaii | Private | byuh.edu |
| American Samoa Community College (ASCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
6 | Pago Pago, American Samoa | Public | amsamoa.edu |
| University of Guam (UOG) |
Bachelor's
|
5 | Mangilao, Guam | Public | uog.edu |
| Central Washington University (CWU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Ellensburg, Washington | Public | cwu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Pacific Rim Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Pacific Rim Studies degree?
Salaries for Pacific Rim Studies graduates vary by role and location. Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $84,290 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in California average $113,070 compared to $61,920 in Florida. Approximately 11,430 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Pacific Rim Studies programs?
Currently 5 accredited institutions offer Pacific Rim Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Hawaii (UHM), Manoa (6 graduates), Brigham Young University (BYUH), Hawaii (6 graduates), and American Samoa Community College (ASCC) (6 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Pacific Rim Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 15 in 2010 to a peak of 28 in 2020, before declining slightly to 25 in 2023-24. This represents a 67% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Pacific Rim Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 11,430 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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