South Asian Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
South Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field dedicated to the comprehensive exploration of the region’s diverse peoples, historical developments, and socio-political dynamics. This program offers a rigorous examination of the cultural, economic, and political forces that have shaped South Asia and its global connections over time.
- South Asian History: Traces the evolution of civilizations, empires, and historical transformations from ancient times to the modern era, including colonial and post-colonial developments.
- Political Systems and Governance: Analyzes the structures, institutions, and challenges of statehood across South Asian nations, including constitutional frameworks and governance models.
- Cultural Expressions and Traditions: Investigates literature, art, music, religion, and philosophy as vital components of identity and social life across the region.
- Economic Development and Inequality: Explores patterns of growth, labor systems, globalization impacts, and persistent socio-economic disparities within and beyond national borders.
- Societal Structures and Identity: Studies caste, gender, class, ethnicity, and community formation as foundational elements influencing social organization and mobility.
- Migration and Diaspora Studies: Examines transnational movements, settlement patterns, and the cultural, economic, and political influence of South Asian communities abroad.
South Asian Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
South Asian Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with South Asian 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 |
South Asian 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 South Asian Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 8 institutions offering South Asian 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 South Asian Studies is found at University of Wisconsin-Madison (21 graduates), Columbia University in the City of New York (5 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (4 graduates), Harvard University (3 graduates), and University of Pennsylvania (Penn) (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 38 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 Wisconsin-Madison |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
Other Award
|
21 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Master's
|
5 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
|
4 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| Harvard University |
Bachelor's
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| Wesleyan University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Middletown, Connecticut | Private | wesleyan.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| Wellesley College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Wellesley, Massachusetts | Private | wellesley.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about South Asian Studies programs
How much can I earn with a South Asian Studies degree?
Salaries for South Asian 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 South Asian Studies programs?
Currently 8 accredited institutions offer South Asian Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Wisconsin-Madison (21 graduates), Columbia University in the City of New York (5 graduates), and University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (4 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 South Asian Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 52 in 2010 to 38 in 2023-24. This represents a 27% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 South Asian 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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