International Studiesat Ohio State University-Main Campus
Graduates earn $55,240/yr in their first year — about 58.0% above the national International Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $563K; scenarios range from $531K to $567K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Ohio State
Ohio State's International/Global Studies program consistently demonstrates strong outcomes, a testament to the university's broad resources and its strategic location. Being in Columbus, a state capital with a diverse economy, provides unique access to internships and entry-level positions within government agencies, international NGOs, and corporations with global operations. The program's interdisciplinary nature, often combining political science, economics, history, and language, equips you with versatile analytical and cross-cultural communication skills highly valued in today's interconnected world. Many graduates find success in policy analysis, international business development, or pursue advanced degrees to become political scientists or postsecondary educators, leveraging the strong foundation built here. To maximize your potential, actively seek out study abroad opportunities and internships, as these real-world experiences are crucial for translating academic knowledge into a compelling career path.
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 Ohio State'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 Studies
How Ohio State stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Ohio State
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Ohio State, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in International Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare International Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about International Studies at Ohio State
How does Ohio State University-Main Campus's International Studies program score?
This program scores 45/100 — on the lower end for International Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.