Salary for Bachelor of Arts in International Relations
International relations is an interdisciplinary social science field that immerses students in the politics, economics and cultures of other nations. Geopolitical relations, global trade, weapons proliferation and international responses to terrorism -- international relations covers these subjects and more. This fascinating range of subject matter can often lead to an exciting career with a competitive salary. While many students who receive a bachelor's degree in international relations pursue government careers in the Foreign Service, other options exist as well. Salaries for international relations majors depend on such factors as career path, skills and experience.
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Average Starting Salary
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In a 2008 article on average salaries across college majors, The Wall Street Journal reported that the recipient of a bachelor's degree in international relations received an average salary of $40,900 a year. Compared to other social science fields, starting salaries for international relations majors exceeded those of graduates who majored in criminal justice ($35,000), psychology ($35,900) and sociology ($36,500). Political science majors, meanwhile, earned nearly the same average starting salary, at $40,800 a year. However, international relations majors trailed economics majors, who averaged $50,100 a year.
Mid-Career Earnings
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Years of work experience add up to a significant boost in earnings for men and women with bachelor's degrees in international relations. The Journal reported that the average mid-career salary for a degree holder in this field was $80,900 a year in 2008, nearly double the average starting salary. This mid-career average exceeded averages in other social science fields but continued to trail economics, where the mid-career average was $98,600.
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Government Careers
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Many men and women who study international relations plan to enter government service. The website Making the Difference, operated by the Partnership for Public Service, reported in 2010 that international relations jobs existed across the federal government. Agencies and departments with such jobs included the U.S. departments of State, Homeland Security, Defense and Justice. Salaries vary, but bachelor's degree recipients can enter federal jobs at either steps 5 or 7 of the federal government's General Service (GS) salary schedule. At GS level 5, annual salaries range from $27,431 to $35,657. At GS level 7, salaries range from $33,979 to $44,176 a year, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, at time of publication.
Other Career Options
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In addition to government jobs, bachelor's degree recipients in international relations pursue careers in business, journalism and humanitarian relief work, according to North Carolina State University. Average salaries differ by profession, as well as an individual degree holder's skills and experience.
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References
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