International Relationsat University of Virginia-Main Campus
Graduates earn $46,870/yr in their first year — about 19.0% above the national International Relations average. Base-case 10-year earnings $755K; scenarios range from $666K to $787K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Virginia
The University of Virginia's elite reputation in International Relations and National Security Studies, combined with its strategic proximity to Washington D.C., profoundly shapes your career outlook. You're not just gaining theoretical knowledge; you're often interning with federal agencies like the State Department, Department of Defense, or various intelligence communities, along with numerous think tanks and consulting firms that cluster around the Beltway. This direct exposure and networking create robust pipelines into government service, international organizations, and policy-focused roles.
Many graduates also pivot into the private sector, leveraging their analytical and communication skills in management consulting, risk assessment, or corporate strategy, which explains the strong earnings performance. While the high AI risk suggests certain analytical tasks may be automated, your critical thinking, negotiation, and cross-cultural communication abilities remain highly valued. To maximize your potential, actively pursue internships in D.C. and cultivate strong mentorships; these connections are paramount in this field.
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 Virginia'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 University of Virginia stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Virginia
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Virginia, 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 University of Virginia
How does University of Virginia-Main Campus's International Relations program score?
This program scores 58/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for International Relations graduates.
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.