LGBTQ Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
LGBTQ Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field dedicated to exploring the historical, social, political, and cultural dimensions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other gender and sexual identities. This program examines the evolution of LGBTQ communities as distinct sociocultural forces, with a focus on identity formation, resistance, representation, and advocacy across time and space.
- Historical Development of LGBTQ Identities: Traces the emergence and transformation of LGBTQ communities from the 19th century to the present, emphasizing pivotal moments in activism, visibility, and self-definition.
- Social and Cultural Expressions: Investigates how LGBTQ experiences are reflected in literature, visual arts, music, film, and performance, highlighting narratives that challenge dominant cultural norms.
- Political and Legal Advocacy: Analyzes the role of legislation, court rulings, and grassroots movements in shaping rights, protections, and public policy related to gender and sexual minorities.
- Intersectionality and Identity Formation: Explores how race, class, disability, nationality, and other social categories intersect with sexual and gender identity to shape lived experiences.
- Global Perspectives on LGBTQ Rights: Compares diverse cultural, legal, and political contexts worldwide to understand the variability of LGBTQ inclusion, resistance, and resilience across nations.
LGBTQ Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
LGBTQ Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with LGBTQ 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 |
LGBTQ 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 LGBTQ Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 14 institutions offering LGBTQ 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 LGBTQ Studies is found at University of Wisconsin-Madison (13 graduates), University of Cincinnati (UC), Main Campus (11 graduates), University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) (11 graduates), University of Michigan, Dearborn (6 graduates), and University of Wisconsin, Whitewater (6 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 76 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 |
Other Award
|
13 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| University of Cincinnati (UC) |
Other Award
|
11 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | uc.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) |
Other Award
|
11 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | uwm.edu |
| University of Michigan |
Other Award
|
6 | Dearborn, Michigan | Public | umdearborn.edu |
| University of Wisconsin |
Other Award
|
6 | Whitewater, Wisconsin | Public | uww.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Other Award
|
5 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of Georgia (UGA) |
Other Award
|
5 | Athens, Georgia | Public | uga.edu |
| Cornell University |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Ithaca, New York | Private | cornell.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Other Award
|
4 | Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| San Diego State University (SDSU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | San Diego, California | Public | sdsu.edu |
| University of Wisconsin (UWEC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Eau Claire, Wisconsin | Public | uwec.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville |
Other Award
|
3 | Platteville, Wisconsin | Public | uwplatt.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMBC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | umbc.edu |
| Hampshire College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Amherst, Massachusetts | Private | hampshire.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about LGBTQ Studies programs
How much can I earn with a LGBTQ Studies degree?
Salaries for LGBTQ 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 LGBTQ Studies programs?
Currently 14 accredited institutions offer LGBTQ Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Wisconsin-Madison (13 graduates), University of Cincinnati (UC), Main Campus (11 graduates), and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) (11 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 LGBTQ Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 15 in 2010 to 76 in 2023-24. This represents a 407% 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 LGBTQ 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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