International Relationsat James Madison University
Graduates earn $44,667/yr in their first year — about 13.0% above the national International Relations average. Base-case 10-year earnings $607K; scenarios range from $552K to $621K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at James Madison University
Your strong earnings potential from JMU's International Relations and National Security Studies program isn't just luck; it reflects a robust regional labor market. Situated in Virginia, you're within a prime recruiting ground for federal agencies, defense contractors, and policy think tanks clustered around the Washington D.C. metro area. The program's solid reputation likely helps open doors into entry-level analyst roles at places like Booz Allen Hamilton, Northrop Grumman, or various government departments. While foundational knowledge is strong, the field is evolving. To truly thrive and mitigate future risks, focus heavily on internships and developing niche expertise – perhaps a critical language, advanced data analysis, or a specific regional focus. This specialization will make you indispensable in a competitive landscape.
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 James Madison 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 James Madison University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at James Madison University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at James Madison 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 James Madison University
What does a 56/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Relations at James Madison University?
At 56/100, James Madison University's International Relations program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.
Should I worry about AI if I study International Relations at James Madison University?
The 47% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.