International Relations at University of California-Riverside

The earnings data for this International Relations and National Security Studies program often reflect its unique geographical context. The Inland Empire region, while vibrant, isn't a primary hub for the federal agencies, international organizations, or specialized defense contractors that typically recruit directly from these programs and drive higher salaries. Instead, many graduates find fulfilling roles in local government, non-profits, K-12 education, or general business within Southern California, where the compensation for these foundational skills differs from major policy centers. The program likely offers a strong theoretical foundation, but direct pipelines to the highest-paying federal or international positions may be less established. To maximize your earning potential, actively seek internships in major government or private sector hubs, or consider a complementary minor in data analysis or economics to add a more vocational edge.