International Relations and National Security: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Students pursuing this interdisciplinary field explore the complex dynamics shaping global politics, national defense, and international cooperation. The program equips learners with analytical tools to understand geopolitical tensions, diplomatic strategies, and the frameworks that govern global security in an interconnected world.
- Geopolitical Analysis: Examines how geography, power structures, and regional interests influence international relations and strategic decision-making.
- National Security Policy: Investigates the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies designed to protect a nation’s sovereignty, infrastructure, and citizens from internal and external threats.
- Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution: Focuses on negotiation techniques, multilateral institutions, and methods for de-escalating international disputes through dialogue and mediation.
- Intelligence and Surveillance Studies: Explores the collection, analysis, and ethical use of intelligence data to inform national security operations and foreign policy.
- Global Governance and International Law: Studies the role of international organizations, treaties, and legal frameworks in maintaining order, resolving conflicts, and promoting human rights across borders.
- Security Studies and Emerging Threats: Addresses contemporary challenges such as cyber warfare, terrorism, transnational crime, and the impact of climate change on global stability.
International Relations and National Security Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
International Relations and National Security Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with International Relations and National Security degrees, including Political Scientists, Managers, All Other and Political Science 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 654,100 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 |
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1065 | $94,680 | $50,490 - $173,380 | 17,170 | N/A |
International Relations and National Security Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $70,820 in Utah to $170,310 in Delaware—a 140% difference. The highest-paying states include Delaware, Colorado, and California. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 654,100 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 Relations and National Security by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 24 institutions offering International Relations and National Security 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 Relations and National Security is found at Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) (179 graduates), George Mason University (83 graduates), Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (66 graduates), University of Arizona (44 graduates), and San Diego State University (SDSU) (34 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 563 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
179 | Monterey, California | Public | nps.edu |
| George Mason University |
Master's
|
83 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| Arizona State University |
Master's
|
66 | Scottsdale, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| University of Arizona |
Master's
|
44 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | arizona.edu |
| San Diego State University (SDSU) |
Bachelor's
|
34 | San Diego, California | Public | sdsu.edu |
| Regent University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
24 | Virginia Beach, Virginia | Private | regent.edu |
| Webster University |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
20 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | webster.edu |
| Indiana University (IUB) |
Bachelor's
|
18 | Bloomington, Indiana | Public | indiana.edu |
| Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
17 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | gatech.edu |
| Middlebury College |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Middlebury, Vermont | Private | middlebury.edu |
| Northeastern University (NU) |
Master's
|
9 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | northeastern.edu |
| California State University (CSUSB) |
Master's
|
7 | San Bernardino, California | Public | csusb.edu |
| Wright State University |
Master's
|
7 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | wright.edu |
| Norwich University |
Bachelor's
|
7 | Northfield, Vermont | Private | norwich.edu |
| University of Iowa |
Postbac Cert.
|
6 | Iowa City, Iowa | Public | uiowa.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Master's
|
6 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| University of Central Florida (UCF) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
5 | Orlando, Florida | Public | ucf.edu |
| DePaul University |
Master's
|
4 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | depaul.edu |
| Augusta University (AU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
4 | Augusta, Georgia | Public | augusta.edu |
| University of Nebraska (UNO) |
Postbac Cert.
|
3 | Omaha, Nebraska | Public | unomaha.edu |
| King University |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Bristol, Tennessee | Private | king.edu |
| The University of Tennessee |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Knoxville, Tennessee | Public | utk.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| Capitol Technology University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | Laurel, Maryland | Private | captechu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about International Relations and National Security programs
How much can I earn with a International Relations and National Security degree?
Salaries for International Relations and National Security 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.
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 Relations and National Security programs?
Currently 24 accredited institutions offer International Relations and National Security degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) (179 graduates), George Mason University (83 graduates), and Arizona State University, Digital Immersion (66 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 Relations and National Security growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 12 in 2010 to 563 in 2023-24. This represents a 4,592% 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 Relations and National Security degree?
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.
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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