International Relationsat Texas State University
Graduates earn $20,547/yr in their first year — about 48.0% below the national International Relations average. Base-case 10-year earnings $370K; scenarios range from $370K to $355K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Texas State University
The earnings profile for Texas State's International Relations and National Security Studies program often reflects its regional labor market and program structure. Located outside major federal employment hubs, many graduates initially find roles in local government, non-profits, or general administration throughout Central Texas, where the "international" component isn't always the primary driver of early compensation. This degree provides a strong analytical foundation, but direct pipelines to higher-paying intelligence or corporate security roles common in other regions may be less established. You'll need to actively seek out opportunities that leverage your skills in a broader range of sectors. Given the high AI risk for this field, consider pairing your studies with a strong minor in data analytics, a critical language, or a specific business discipline. Your early career success will heavily depend on how you build specialized expertise and proactively network beyond the immediate region.
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 Texas State 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 Texas State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Texas State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Texas State 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 Texas State University
How does Texas State University's International Relations program score?
This program scores 25/100 — on the lower end for International Relations. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
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 are International Relations earnings lower at Texas State University?
Lower starting pay at Texas State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.