Irish Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Irish Studies offers an interdisciplinary exploration of Ireland’s rich historical development, dynamic cultural expressions, and evolving socio-political landscape, alongside the global impact of the Irish Diaspora. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of Irish identity, heritage, and influence across time, from early Christian foundations to contemporary global connections.
- Early Christian and Medieval Ireland: Examine the origins of Irish monasticism, manuscript culture, and the development of Gaelic society before the Norman invasion.
- Modern Irish History: Analyze pivotal moments including the Great Famine, the struggle for independence, and the formation of the Irish state.
- Irish Politics and Governance: Investigate the evolution of political institutions, nationalist movements, and contemporary policy challenges in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
- Cultural Expressions: Study literature, music, theater, and visual arts as vital forms of national identity and resistance, from the Gaelic revival to modern global influences.
- Irish Diaspora Studies: Explore the migration patterns, community formation, and cultural preservation efforts of Irish populations across North America, Australia, and beyond.
- Economic Development and Globalization: Assess the transformation of Ireland’s economy from agrarian roots to a high-tech, export-driven model within the European Union.
Irish Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Irish Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Irish 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 |
Irish 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 Irish Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Irish 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 Irish Studies is found at New York University (NYU) (5 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York University (NYU) |
Master's
|
5 | New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Irish Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Irish Studies degree?
Salaries for Irish 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 Irish Studies programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Irish Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include New York University (NYU) (5 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 Irish Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 12 in 2010 to a peak of 9 in 2020, before declining slightly to 5 in 2023-24. This represents a 58% 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 Irish 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.
Related Cultural Studies Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Cultural Studies field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Near and Middle Eastern Studies
A program that focuses on the history, society, politics, culture, and economics of one or more of the peoples of North Africa, Southwestern...
Pacific Rim Studies
A program that focuses on the history, society, politics, culture, and economics of one or more of the peoples of Australasia and the...
Russian Studies
A program that focuses on the history, society, politics, culture, and economics of one or more of the peoples of the Russian Federation...
Scandinavian Studies
A program that focuses on the history, society, politics, culture, and economics of one or more of the peoples of Scandinavia, defined as...
South Asian Studies
A program that focuses on the history, society, politics, culture, and economics of one or more of the peoples of South Asia, defined...
Southeast Asian Studies
A program that focuses on the history, society, politics, culture, and economics of one or more of the peoples of Southeast Asia, defined...