International Relations: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries

Salaries for International Relations graduates vary by role and location. Political Scientists earn a median of $139,380 annually, while Managers, All Other earn around $136,550. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Delaware average $170,310 compared to $70,820 in Utah. Approximately 654,100 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.

Currently 327 accredited institutions offer International Relations degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Johns Hopkins University (JHU) (856 graduates), American University (AU) (794 graduates), and George Washington University (GW) (716 graduates).

Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.

Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 15,149 in 2010 to a peak of 13,621 in 2020, before declining slightly to 11,684 in 2023-24. This represents a 23% 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.

This degree prepares you for roles such as Political Scientists, Managers, All Other, and Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 654,100 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.