International Relationsat Bucknell University
Graduates earn $77,312/yr in their first year — about 96.0% above the national International Relations average. Base-case 10-year earnings $628K; scenarios range from $568K to $645K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Bucknell University
The impressive financial outcomes for Bucknell's International Relations and National Security Studies program reflect more than just a major choice; they speak to the university’s strong institutional support and the rigorous education you’ll receive. Bucknell’s selective liberal arts environment cultivates exceptional critical thinking, research, and communication skills, which are highly valued in policy, intelligence, and international business sectors.
While Lewisburg isn't a policy hub, the program effectively leverages Bucknell's robust alumni network and career services to forge pathways to Washington D.C., New York, and other global centers. You’ll find graduates working for government agencies, defense contractors, international organizations, or in private sector roles focused on geopolitical risk analysis and strategic consulting. The interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum prepares you not just for entry-level positions, but for rapid career progression into leadership and management roles. To fully capitalize on this, actively pursue internships in major policy centers and engage with the powerful alumni network from your first year.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Bucknell University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering International Relations
How Bucknell University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Bucknell University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Bucknell University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in International Relations offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare International Relations trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about International Relations at Bucknell University
How does Bucknell University's International Relations program score?
This program scores 52/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for International Relations graduates.
How vulnerable is International Relations to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' International Relations careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 47% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does Bucknell University rank so high for International Relations?
The #21 ranking out of 106 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.