Intercultural and Diversity Studies: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Intercultural and Diversity Studies is an interdisciplinary field dedicated to understanding the complex interactions between cultural, racial, ethnic, and social groups within society. The program equips students with analytical tools to navigate and lead in increasingly diverse environments across personal, professional, and institutional contexts.
- Ethnic and Cultural Studies: Explores the histories, traditions, identities, and lived experiences of various cultural and ethnic communities, emphasizing how cultural expression shapes social structures and individual perspectives.
- Group Psychology: Investigates how individuals behave within social groups, focusing on dynamics such as identity formation, group cohesion, bias, and the psychological impact of inclusion or exclusion.
- Sociology: Analyzes societal patterns, institutions, and systems of power, particularly as they relate to inequality, social stratification, and the mechanisms that sustain or challenge social divisions.
- Anthropology: Examines human societies and cultures across time and space, providing insight into cultural variation, belief systems, and the evolution of social norms and practices.
- Conflict Resolution: Develops strategies for mediating interpersonal and intergroup disputes, fostering dialogue, empathy, and sustainable solutions in diverse settings.
- Human Services and Resources: Focuses on equitable access to support systems, community development, advocacy, and the design of inclusive programs that serve marginalized populations.
- Applied Diversity Leadership: Prepares individuals to manage and lead diverse teams and organizations by integrating cultural competence, policy awareness, and inclusive decision-making across family, educational, recreational, and workplace environments.
Intercultural and Diversity Studies Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Intercultural and Diversity Studies Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Intercultural and Diversity Studies degrees, including Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other and 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 48,400 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other 19-3099 | $100,340 | $62,570 - $160,810 | 36,970 | $48.24 |
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1062 | $84,290 | $51,130 - $164,650 | 11,430 | N/A |
Intercultural and Diversity Studies Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $71,610 in Kentucky to $112,390 in Virginia—a 57% difference. The highest-paying states include Virginia, District of Columbia, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 48,400 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 Intercultural and Diversity Studies by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 98 institutions offering Intercultural and Diversity 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 Intercultural and Diversity Studies is found at Biola University (43 graduates), Harvard University (37 graduates), Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Main Campus (33 graduates), Brigham Young University (BYUH), Hawaii (31 graduates), and University of Kentucky (UK) (29 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 706 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biola University |
Bachelor's
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
Doctorate (Other)
|
43 | La Mirada, California | Private | biola.edu |
| Harvard University |
Postbac Cert.
|
37 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) |
Other Award
|
33 | Indiana, Pennsylvania | Public | iup.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYUH) |
Bachelor's
|
31 | Laie, Hawaii | Private | byuh.edu |
| University of Kentucky (UK) |
Postbac Cert.
Other Award
|
29 | Lexington, Kentucky | Public | uky.edu |
| Tufts University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
28 | Medford, Massachusetts | Private | tufts.edu |
| Ohio University (OHIO) |
Other Award
|
26 | Athens, Ohio | Public | ohio.edu |
| California State University (CSUN) |
Master's
|
25 | Northridge, California | Public | csun.edu |
| Rockhurst University |
Postbac Cert.
|
23 | Kansas City, Missouri | Private | rockhurst.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Other Award
|
23 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
| University of Idaho (U of I) |
Other Award
|
21 | Moscow, Idaho | Public | uidaho.edu |
| Villanova University |
Postbac Cert.
|
17 | Villanova, Pennsylvania | Private | villanova.edu |
| University of Kansas (KU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
15 | Lawrence, Kansas | Public | ku.edu |
| William Paterson University of New Jersey |
Other Award
|
15 | Wayne, New Jersey | Public | wpunj.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
14 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SEBTS) |
Master's
|
14 | Wake Forest, North Carolina | Private | sebts.edu |
| Kennesaw State University (KSU) |
Other Award
|
14 | Kennesaw, Georgia | Public | kennesaw.edu |
| Macalester College |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | macalester.edu |
| Saint Joseph's University (SJU) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
13 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | sju.edu |
| Drury University |
Postbac Cert.
|
11 | Springfield, Missouri | Private | drury.edu |
| Bowling Green State University (BGSU) |
Master's
|
10 | Bowling Green, Ohio | Public | bgsu.edu |
| University of Pennsylvania (Penn) |
Other Award
|
10 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | upenn.edu |
| Robert Morris University (RMU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
10 | Moon Township, Pennsylvania | Private | rmu.edu |
| South Dakota State University (SDSU) |
Other Award
|
10 | Brookings, South Dakota | Public | sdstate.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
|
9 | Austin, Texas | Public | utexas.edu |
| Park University |
Other Award
|
8 | Parkville, Missouri | Private | park.edu |
| University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) |
Bachelor's
|
8 | San Antonio, Texas | Private | uiw.edu |
| University of Utah (U of U) |
Other Award
|
8 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | utah.edu |
| Presbyterian Theological Seminary in America |
Master's
Doctorate (Professional)
|
8 | Santa Fe Springs, California | Private | ch.ptsa.edu |
| Wheaton College |
Master's
|
7 | Wheaton, Illinois | Private | wheaton.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Postbac Cert.
|
7 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| Missouri State University |
Other Award
|
7 | Springfield, Missouri | Public | missouristate.edu |
| World Mission University (WMU) |
Master's
|
7 | Los Angeles, California | Private | wmu.edu |
| University of Alabama (UAB) |
Postbac Cert.
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Birmingham, Alabama | Public | uab.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMBC) |
Master's
|
6 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | umbc.edu |
| William Carey University (WCU) |
Bachelor's
|
6 | Hattiesburg, Mississippi | Private | wmcarey.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| Grace Mission University |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
6 | Fullerton, California | Private | gm.edu |
| Grand View University |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | Des Moines, Iowa | Private | grandview.edu |
| University of Houston (UHCL) |
Master's
|
5 | Houston, Texas | Public | uhcl.edu |
| Old Dominion University (ODU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
5 | Norfolk, Virginia | Public | odu.edu |
| Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) |
Other Award
|
4 | New Britain, Connecticut | Public | ccsu.edu |
| Divine Word College |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
4 | Epworth, Iowa | Private | dwci.edu |
| Emmanuel College |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | emmanuel.edu |
| Ohio State University |
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
4 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | osu.edu |
| University of Wisconsin |
Other Award
|
4 | Whitewater, Wisconsin | Public | uww.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Other Award
|
3 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Fort Lewis College (FLC) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Durango, Colorado | Public | fortlewis.edu |
| Quinnipiac University (QU) |
Other Award
|
3 | Hamden, Connecticut | Private | qu.edu |
| Elmhurst University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Elmhurst, Illinois | Private | elmhurst.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU) |
Residency
|
3 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wichita.edu |
| Rowan University |
Master's
|
3 | Glassboro, New Jersey | Public | rowan.edu |
| Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Delaware, Ohio | Private | owu.edu |
| Western Seminary |
Doctorate (Research)
|
3 | Portland, Oregon | Private | westernseminary.edu |
| American College of Education (ACE) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | ace.edu |
| Purdue University Global |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdueglobal.edu |
| Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest) |
Other Award
|
3 | California, Pennsylvania | Public | pennwest.edu |
| Southeastern University (SEU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Lakeland, Florida | Private | seu.edu |
| DePaul University |
Master's
|
2 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | depaul.edu |
| Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Marion, Indiana | Private | indwes.edu |
| Waldorf University |
Associate's
|
2 | Forest City, Iowa | Private | waldorf.edu |
| University of Louisville (UofL) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Louisville, Kentucky | Public | louisville.edu |
| University of Maryland (UMB) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Baltimore, Maryland | Public | umaryland.edu |
| Stonehill College |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Easton, Massachusetts | Private | stonehill.edu |
| University of North Dakota (UND) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Grand Forks, North Dakota | Public | und.edu |
| Clark State College |
Other Award
|
2 | Springfield, Ohio | Public | clarkstate.edu |
| Temple University |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | temple.edu |
| Eastern Washington University (EWU) |
Other Award
|
2 | Cheney, Washington | Public | ewu.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| University of North Georgia (UNG) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Dahlonega, Georgia | Public | ung.edu |
| University of Mobile |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Mobile, Alabama | Private | umobile.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAA) |
Other Award
|
1 | Anchorage, Alaska | Public | uaa.alaska.edu |
| Fresno Pacific University (FPU) |
Master's
|
1 | Fresno, California | Private | fresno.edu |
| University of Redlands |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Redlands, California | Private | redlands.edu |
| Indiana University (IUSB) |
Other Award
|
1 | South Bend, Indiana | Public | iusb.edu |
| Indiana University (IUSE) |
Other Award
|
1 | New Albany, Indiana | Public | ius.edu |
| Bentley University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Waltham, Massachusetts | Private | bentley.edu |
| Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Quincy, Massachusetts | Private | enc.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Lowell, Massachusetts | Public | uml.edu |
| Merrimack College |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | North Andover, Massachusetts | Private | merrimack.edu |
| North Central University (NCU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | northcentral.edu |
| Belhaven University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Jackson, Mississippi | Private | belhaven.edu |
| University of Mount Saint Vincent (UMSV) |
Post-Master's
|
1 | Bronx, New York | Private | mountsaintvincent.edu |
| Empire State University |
Other Award
|
1 | Saratoga Springs, New York | Public | sunyempire.edu |
| Gardner-Webb University (GWU) |
Master's
|
1 | Boiling Springs, North Carolina | Private | gardner-webb.edu |
| Wright State University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | wright.edu |
| Cedar Crest College |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Allentown, Pennsylvania | Private | cedarcrest.edu |
| Delaware County Community College (DCCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Media, Pennsylvania | Public | dccc.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Other Award
|
1 | Erie, Pennsylvania | Public | behrend.psu.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Other Award
|
1 | Sharon, Pennsylvania | Public | shenango.psu.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Other Award
|
1 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| Cairn University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Langhorne, Pennsylvania | Private | cairn.edu |
| University of South Carolina (USC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Spartanburg, South Carolina | Public | uscupstate.edu |
| The University of Tennessee |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Knoxville, Tennessee | Public | utk.edu |
| Trevecca Nazarene University (TNU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | trevecca.edu |
| Union University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Jackson, Tennessee | Private | uu.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | worldcampus.psu.edu |
| Indiana Institute of Technology |
Other Award
|
1 | Fort Wayne, Indiana | Private | cps.indianatech.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Intercultural and Diversity Studies programs
How much can I earn with a Intercultural and Diversity Studies degree?
Salaries for Intercultural and Diversity Studies graduates vary by role and location. Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other earn a median of $100,340 annually, while Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $84,290. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Virginia average $112,390 compared to $71,610 in Kentucky. Approximately 48,400 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 Intercultural and Diversity Studies programs?
Currently 98 accredited institutions offer Intercultural and Diversity Studies degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Biola University (43 graduates), Harvard University (37 graduates), and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Main Campus (33 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 Intercultural and Diversity Studies growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 301 in 2010 to 706 in 2023-24. This represents a 135% 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 Intercultural and Diversity Studies degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other, Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary, . Related occupations employ approximately 48,400 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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