Other Area and Cultural Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Programs in Other Area and Cultural Studies offer interdisciplinary exploration into the social, historical, political, and cultural dimensions of diverse communities and identities. This field fosters critical understanding of how identity, power, and representation shape human experiences across regions and populations.
- Area Studies: In-depth analysis of specific geographic regions, examining their history, politics, economies, and cultural expressions within global contexts.
- Ethnic Studies: Scholarly investigation into the experiences, contributions, and challenges of specific ethnic groups, emphasizing historical and contemporary social dynamics.
- Cultural Studies: Interdisciplinary inquiry into cultural practices, beliefs, and expressions, exploring how culture influences and is shaped by social structures and power relations.
- Gender Studies: Critical examination of gender roles, identities, and systems of inequality, integrating perspectives from sociology, history, literature, and philosophy.
- Group Studies: Research focused on collective identities and social movements, analyzing how shared experiences and affiliations influence community formation and political action.
Other Area and Cultural Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Other Area and Cultural Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Other Area and Cultural 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 |
Other Area and Cultural 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 Other Area and Cultural Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 6 institutions offering Other Area and Cultural 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 Other Area and Cultural Studies is found at University of Michigan (U‑M), Ann Arbor (25 graduates), Claremont Graduate University (CGU) (10 graduates), Howard University (HU) (6 graduates), Dartmouth College (3 graduates), and University of Arizona (2 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 47 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 Michigan (U‑M) |
Bachelor's
|
25 | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Public | umich.edu |
| Claremont Graduate University (CGU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
10 | Claremont, California | Private | cgu.edu |
| Howard University (HU) |
Post-Master's
|
6 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | howard.edu |
| Dartmouth College |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Hanover, New Hampshire | Private | dartmouth.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| University of Arkansas (U of A) |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Fayetteville, Arkansas | Public | uark.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Other Area and Cultural Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Other Area and Cultural Studies degree?
Salaries for Other Area and Cultural 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 Other Area and Cultural Studies programs?
Currently 6 accredited institutions offer Other Area and Cultural Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Michigan (U‑M), Ann Arbor (25 graduates), Claremont Graduate University (CGU) (10 graduates), and Howard University (HU) (6 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.
What career paths are available with a Other Area and Cultural 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.
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