Caribbean Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Caribbean Studies is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to the comprehensive exploration of the diverse peoples, histories, and societies across the Caribbean region and its adjacent coastal areas. This program examines the complex interplay of cultural identities, political systems, economic structures, and social dynamics shaped by centuries of Indigenous heritage, European colonization, African diaspora, and global migration.
- Pre-Columbian Civilizations: Investigates the advanced societies that thrived in the Caribbean before European contact, including their social organization, material culture, and environmental adaptation.
- Colonial Histories: Analyzes the impact of Spanish, British, French, Dutch, and other colonial powers on the region’s political boundaries, labor systems, and cultural transformation.
- Cultural Expressions: Explores music, literature, visual arts, religion, and oral traditions as vital forms of identity, resistance, and innovation across Caribbean communities.
- Migration and Diaspora: Studies patterns of internal and international movement, including the African diaspora, indentured labor, and contemporary transnational communities.
- Political Systems and Governance: Examines the evolution of state institutions, independence movements, regional cooperation, and challenges related to sovereignty and development.
- Economic Development and Globalization: Assesses the region’s economic trajectories, from plantation economies to tourism, finance, and the effects of global trade and foreign investment.
- Social Structures and Inequality: Addresses issues of race, class, gender, and ethnicity in shaping social hierarchies and access to resources across the Caribbean.
Caribbean Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Caribbean Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Caribbean 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 |
Caribbean 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 Caribbean Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Caribbean 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 Caribbean Studies is found at University of Arizona (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1 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 Arizona |
Other Award
|
1 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Caribbean Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Caribbean Studies degree?
Salaries for Caribbean 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 Caribbean Studies programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Caribbean Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Arizona (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 Caribbean Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 10 in 2010 to 1 in 2023-24. This represents a 90% 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 Caribbean 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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