Western European Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Western European Studies offers an interdisciplinary exploration of the historical development, social dynamics, political systems, cultural expressions, and economic transformations across the nations and regions of historical Western Europe. This program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the forces that have shaped one or more of the core European societies, including Britain, Ireland, France, the Low Countries, the Iberian Peninsula, Italy, the Western Mediterranean, and their adjacent island territories and borderlands.
- Historical Development: Traces the evolution of Western European societies from antiquity through the medieval, early modern, and modern periods, emphasizing pivotal events, transitions, and long-term trajectories.
- Social Structures and Institutions: Analyzes the formation and function of family systems, class hierarchies, urbanization patterns, and social movements across different historical epochs.
- Political Systems and Governance: Examines the emergence and transformation of statecraft, legal frameworks, revolutionary movements, and diplomatic relations within and between Western European nations.
- Cultural Expressions and Intellectual Traditions: Investigates literature, art, philosophy, religion, and media as vital components of national and regional identities and societal change.
- Economic Transformations: Studies the development of trade networks, industrialization, labor systems, and economic policies that have influenced prosperity, inequality, and global integration.
Western European Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Western European Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Western European 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 |
Western European 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 Western European Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Western European 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 Western European Studies is found at Georgetown University (GU) (22 graduates), Columbia University in the City of New York (19 graduates), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Campus (8 graduates), Fordham University (6 graduates), and New York University (NYU) (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 60 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University (GU) |
Master's
|
22 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | georgetown.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Master's
|
19 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
8 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| Fordham University |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Bronx, New York | Private | fordham.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
4 | New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Master's
|
1 | Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Western European Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Western European Studies degree?
Salaries for Western European 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 Western European Studies programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Western European Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Georgetown University (GU) (22 graduates), Columbia University in the City of New York (19 graduates), and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Campus (8 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 Western European Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 104 in 2010 to a peak of 85 in 2020, before declining slightly to 60 in 2023-24. This represents a 42% 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 Western European 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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