International Studiesat University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Graduates earn $49,115/yr in their first year — about 41.0% above the national International Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $528K; scenarios range from $499K to $530K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Maryland-Baltimore County
The exceptional earnings for UMBC's International/Global Studies graduates are no accident, largely driven by the program's strategic location. Situated within the dynamic Baltimore-Washington corridor, you're at the epicenter of international policy, diplomacy, and global business. This proximity means direct access to a dense network of federal agencies like the State Department, intelligence communities, numerous international NGOs, and private sector firms with global operations.
This unique ecosystem provides unparalleled internship and career opportunities often unavailable elsewhere, leading to roles in foreign service, international development, policy analysis, or defense contracting. The program likely leverages these connections, preparing you with practical skills highly valued by these employers. To truly capitalize on this advantage, prioritize securing internships with D.C.-area organizations during your studies, as these experiences are your most direct pathway into this competitive yet rewarding job market.
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 University of Maryland-Baltimore County'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 University of Maryland-Baltimore County stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Maryland-Baltimore County
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Maryland-Baltimore County, 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 University of Maryland-Baltimore County
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for International Studies at University of Maryland-Baltimore County?
A score of 41/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for International Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
What makes University of Maryland-Baltimore County's International Studies program stand out?
Ranked #12 of 81 programs nationally, University of Maryland-Baltimore County lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.