International Studiesat University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Graduates earn $44,446/yr in their first year — about 27.0% above the national International Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $653K; scenarios range from $611K to $662K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Michigan
Your UMich International/Global Studies degree benefits significantly from the university's formidable national and international reputation. This isn't a narrow vocational path; its strength lies in developing critical analytical skills, cross-cultural competence, and advanced communication, highly valued across diverse sectors. The robust alumni network and Ann Arbor's strong academic ecosystem attract recruiters from global corporations, government agencies like the State Department, international NGOs, and top consulting firms seeking broadly educated talent. Many graduates leverage this foundation for further studies in law, public policy, or advanced research. You'll often start in analyst, program coordinator, or project management roles, with the potential to grow into leadership positions. To maximize your prospects, prioritize internships, language fluency, and consider a complementary minor in economics or data science to add a tangible skill set.
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 Michigan'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 Michigan stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Michigan
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Michigan, 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 Michigan
What does a 47/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for International Studies at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
At 47/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring International Studies programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.