Korean Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Korean Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field dedicated to the comprehensive exploration of Korea’s historical evolution, socio-political structures, cultural expressions, and economic systems. This program provides a rigorous foundation for understanding the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity across the Korean Peninsula and its neighboring regions.
- Historical Development: Traces the trajectory of Korean civilization from ancient kingdoms through imperial eras, division, and contemporary transformation, emphasizing pivotal events and long-term societal shifts.
- Societal Structures: Examines social hierarchies, family systems, class dynamics, and demographic changes across different historical periods and modern contexts.
- Political Systems: Analyzes governance models, state formation, ideological movements, and the evolution of domestic and international relations in North and South Korea.
- Cultural Expressions: Investigates literature, visual arts, music, film, religious traditions, and material culture as vital reflections of national identity and collective memory.
- Economic Transformation: Studies industrialization, trade policies, regional economic disparities, and the global integration of Korean industries, particularly in technology and consumer goods.
- Geopolitical Context: Explores the significance of borderlands, island territories, and regional interactions within East Asia, including cross-border influences and security dynamics.
Korean Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Korean Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Korean 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 |
Korean 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 Korean Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Korean 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 Korean Studies is found at Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (7 graduates), and University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (3 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Other Award
|
7 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
|
3 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Korean Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Korean Studies degree?
Salaries for Korean 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 Korean Studies programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Korean Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) (7 graduates), University of Washington (UW), Seattle Campus (3 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 Korean Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 3 in 2010 to 10 in 2023-24. This represents a 233% 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 Korean 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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