Southeast Asian Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Explore the dynamic and diverse region of Southeast Asia through an interdisciplinary lens, examining its complex histories, evolving societies, political systems, cultural expressions, and economic transformations. This program offers a rigorous academic foundation for understanding the interconnected forces that shape nations and communities across this strategically vital and culturally rich part of the world.
- Historical Development: Investigate the long-term trajectories of Southeast Asian civilizations, from ancient kingdoms and colonial encounters to post-independence nation-building and contemporary challenges.
- Social Structures and Identities: Analyze the diversity of ethnic, linguistic, and religious communities, including indigenous groups and minority populations, and how they negotiate identity and belonging.
- Political Systems and Governance: Examine the range of political institutions, from democratic transitions and authoritarian regimes to regional cooperation mechanisms and conflict resolution efforts.
- Cultural Expressions: Study literature, visual arts, music, performance, and media as vital forms of cultural memory, resistance, and innovation across the region.
- Economic Transformation: Explore patterns of development, trade networks, labor migration, and the impact of globalization on local economies and livelihoods.
- Migration and Diaspora Studies: Trace historical and contemporary migration flows, including transnational communities, refugee movements, and the cultural and economic contributions of overseas Southeast Asian populations.
- Geopolitical and Environmental Contexts: Consider the role of borderlands, island territories, and ecological challenges such as climate change in shaping regional stability and interdependence.
Southeast Asian Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Southeast Asian Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Southeast 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 |
Southeast 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 Southeast Asian Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering Southeast 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 Southeast Asian Studies is found at University of Wisconsin-Madison (8 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (2 graduates), and University of California (UCR), Riverside (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 11 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 |
Master's
Other Award
|
8 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
|
2 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| University of California (UCR) |
Master's
|
1 | Riverside, California | Public | ucr.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Southeast Asian Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Southeast Asian Studies degree?
Salaries for Southeast 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 Southeast Asian Studies programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Southeast Asian Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Wisconsin-Madison (8 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (2 graduates), and University of California (UCR), Riverside (1 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 Southeast Asian Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 29 in 2010 to a peak of 19 in 2020, before declining slightly to 11 in 2023-24. This represents a 62% 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 Southeast 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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