International Policy Analysis: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
International Policy Analysis prepares students to evaluate and shape policy responses to complex global challenges through a multidisciplinary lens. This program emphasizes evidence-based decision-making in cross-border contexts, equipping learners with the analytical tools to address pressing issues in international relations, development, and global governance.
- International Politics: Examines the dynamics of power, diplomacy, and state behavior in the global arena, including treaty-making, conflict resolution, and multilateral cooperation.
- Governance and Institutions: Explores the structures and functions of international organizations, national bureaucracies, and non-state actors in shaping policy outcomes across borders.
- Financial Policy and Economic Development: Analyzes fiscal and monetary strategies, debt management, and economic integration efforts affecting global markets and emerging economies.
- Security Affairs: Investigates transnational threats such as terrorism, cyber insecurity, and arms control within the framework of national and collective defense policies.
- Globalization and Interdependence: Studies the socioeconomic and cultural impacts of interconnected markets, migration flows, and information networks on policy formation and national sovereignty.
- Economic and Social Policies in Developing Nations: Focuses on poverty reduction, healthcare access, education reform, and sustainable development initiatives tailored to diverse regional contexts.
- Applied Policy Domains: Applies analytical frameworks to real-world challenges including labor standards, migration governance, refugee protection, and the promotion of civil and political rights.
International Policy Analysis Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
International Policy Analysis Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with International Policy Analysis degrees, including Political Scientists, Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary and Social Science Research Assistants. 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 56,060 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Political Scientists 19-3094 | $139,380 | $74,750 - $191,880 | 5,950 | $67.01 |
| Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1065 | $94,680 | $50,490 - $173,380 | 17,170 | N/A |
| Social Science Research Assistants 19-4061 | $58,040 | $36,410 - $100,620 | 32,940 | $27.90 |
International Policy Analysis Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,390 in Colorado to $105,673 in District of Columbia—a 118% difference. The highest-paying states include District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 56,060 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 International Policy Analysis by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 19 institutions offering International Policy Analysis 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 International Policy Analysis is found at University of Oklahoma (OU), Norman Campus (41 graduates), Barnard College (36 graduates), University of Connecticut (UConn) (31 graduates), University of Chicago (UChicago) (27 graduates), and Southern Methodist University (SMU) (23 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 276 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 Oklahoma (OU) |
Master's
|
41 | Norman, Oklahoma | Public | ou.edu |
| Barnard College |
Bachelor's
|
36 | New York, New York | Private | barnard.edu |
| University of Connecticut (UConn) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
31 | Storrs, Connecticut | Public | uconn.edu |
| University of Chicago (UChicago) |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
27 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | uchicago.edu |
| Southern Methodist University (SMU) |
Bachelor's
|
23 | Dallas, Texas | Private | smu.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
20 | Richardson, Texas | Public | utdallas.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Master's
|
19 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| University of Massachusetts |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
16 | Boston, Massachusetts | Public | umb.edu |
| California State University (CSULB) |
Master's
|
12 | Long Beach, California | Public | csulb.edu |
| Duquesne University |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | duq.edu |
| Suffolk University |
Master's
|
10 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | suffolk.edu |
| Mercy University |
Bachelor's
|
8 | Dobbs Ferry, New York | Private | mercy.edu |
| Binghamton University |
Post-Master's
|
6 | Vestal, New York | Public | binghamton.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Master's
Post-Master's
|
4 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Central Michigan University (CMU) |
Other Award
|
4 | Mount Pleasant, Michigan | Public | cmich.edu |
| Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Joplin, Missouri | Public | mssu.edu |
| Mercer University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Macon, Georgia | Private | mercer.edu |
| Mount Saint Mary's University (MSMU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Los Angeles, California | Private | msmu.edu |
| Keuka College |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Keuka Park, New York | Private | keuka.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about International Policy Analysis programs
How much can I earn with a International Policy Analysis degree?
Salaries for International Policy Analysis graduates vary by role and location. Political Scientists earn a median of $139,380 annually, while Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $94,680. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in District of Columbia average $105,673 compared to $48,390 in Colorado. Approximately 56,060 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 International Policy Analysis programs?
Currently 19 accredited institutions offer International Policy Analysis degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of Oklahoma (OU), Norman Campus (41 graduates), Barnard College (36 graduates), and University of Connecticut (UConn) (31 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 International Policy Analysis growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 36 in 2010 to 276 in 2023-24. This represents a 667% 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 International Policy Analysis degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Political Scientists, Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary, and Social Science Research Assistants. Related occupations employ approximately 56,060 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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