Immigration officers play a vital role in people’s lives every day. Discover how you can make a positive impact with a bachelor’s in international studies.
Career Opportunities for Online International Studies Degree GraduatesCareer Opportunities for Online International Studies Degree GraduatesCareer Opportunities for Online International Studies Degree Graduates
GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE IN THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE.
GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE IN THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE.
GAIN A COMPETITIVE EDGE IN THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE.
You have a passion for traveling the world and learning about different cultures. Although you work and live locally, you think globally. With Maryville University, you will learn concepts and skills that allow you to pursue numerous international studies careers.
A Bachelor of Arts in International Studies prepares students to enter a multicultural job market with insights that can be applied all over the globe. Learn more about important careers in international studies below.
Understanding your options for international studies careers
International studies degree coursework equips students with the tools they’ll need to make an impact in fields such as government, law, business, journalism, or international aid. An international studies degree opens the door to many meaningful occupations. Learn more about what international studies is.
Immigration officer
Immigration officers play a pivotal role in maintaining border security and overseeing the immigration process for those seeking lawful permanent residence and U.S. citizenship.
You can choose from a variety of work environments, including:
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS)
Median salary: $60,000**
Learn more about the immigration officer salary, job description, and requirements.
Diplomat
Of all international studies careers, representing the United States in the role of a diplomat is among the most influential. As a diplomat, also known as a Foreign Service Officer, you will be involved with the development of international relations, policy negotiations, and protecting the nation.
You can choose from a variety of work environments, including:
- U.S. Consulates
- U.S. Embassies
- U.S. Missions
Median salary: $94,000**
Learn more about how to become a diplomat.
Disaster relief worker
Disaster relief workers are critical to recovery efforts in the aftermath of a natural disaster or an act of war. In this role, you will be part of an emergency response team administering survivor aid.
You can choose from a variety of work environments, including:
- U.S. government aid organizations
- International government aid organizations
- International nonprofit agencies
Median salary: $60,000**
Discover how to become a disaster relief worker.
Foreign correspondent
Foreign correspondents are journalists who are based in foreign countries or regions. In this role, you will contribute commentary and news about your assigned area to a U.S. audience.
You can choose from a variety of work environments, including:
- Print publications
- Online media networks
- TV news organizations
Median salary: $48,370*
Learn more about how to become a foreign correspondent.
Market researcher
Market researchers play a big part in the design and marketing campaigns of products and services that their companies market and sell to the public. In this role, you will perform in-depth research to determine consumer interest in your company’s offerings and its target market.
You can choose from a variety of work environments, including:
- Market research firms
- Corporations
- Freelance market
Median salary: $63,920*
Discover how to become a market researcher.
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officers, also known as diplomats, help manage and maintain international relations. In this role, you will represent the U.S. on economic affairs, humanitarian efforts, political issues, and public diplomacy.
You can choose from a variety of work environments, including:
- U.S. Embassies
- U.S. Consulates
- U.S. Missions
Median salary: $89,000**
Learn more about how to become a Foreign Service Officer.
Political analyst
In-depth analysis is required to glean useful information from current political discourse and events. As a political analyst, you will research and analyze foreign relations, policies, and political trends and ideas.
You can choose from a variety of work environments, including:
- Government agencies
- Lobbying firms
- Labor unions
Median salary: $122,510*
Explore how to become a political analyst.
There’s never been a better time to start your career in international studies
- Of all the careers that international studies graduates can qualify for, a role as a political analyst is one of the highest paying, making it a financially rewarding option for ambitious international studies majors.
- Employment of market research analysts is projected to grow 19% by 2031, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations.
- With international relations remaining a key issue in political debates, diplomats will continue to play a crucial role in the country’s policies and priorities.
Online international studies degree career specialization opportunities
Professionals pursuing careers in international studies help shape and maintain foreign relationships while forging our nation’s path to a bright future. Maryville’s online bachelor’s degree in international studies program can help you develop the knowledge and capabilities you need to seek any of the numerous positions in either the public or private sector. For international studies majors, career options are rich in culture and offer the opportunity to see the world.
The international studies program’s curriculum covers several topic areas in international relations and culture, including:
- Introduction to International and Global Studies
- International and Global Issues
- World Arts and Ideas
- World Music
- World Literature
- World History
- Principles of Economics
- Internship/Study Abroad
*Information based on 2021 data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.**Information based on 2022 data compiled by Payscale.
What to read next
International Studies vs. International Relations: What’s the Difference
Student’s Guide to the Economy: Microeconomics vs. Macroeconomics
The Role of Political Psychology in Diplomacy
Sources
Payscale, Average Diplomat Salary
Payscale, Average Disaster Relief Services Salary
Payscale, Average Foreign Service Officer Salary
Payscale, Average Immigration Officer Salary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Market Research Analysts
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Political Scientists
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