District of Columbia · International Relations and National Security Studies

Best International Relations and National Security Studies institutions in District of Columbia, ranked by earnings

The International Relations and National Security Studies program focuses on the complex interactions between nations, organized violence, and military conflict. This program is designed for students interested in understanding global…

Institutions
5
offering CIP 45.09
States offered
9
with a program page
Degrees / yr
2,174
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$50,588
1 year after graduation
With earnings data
3
College Scorecard
Median net price
$29,789
IPEDS 2026
Avg graduation rate
76%
IPEDS 2026
State pay · Political Scientists
$152,440
BLS OEWS 2024

Top 3 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1George Washington University
Washington Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$52,93370484%$29,789$22,000
2Georgetown University
Washington Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$50,58863995%$22,242$17,500
3American University
Washington Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree
$47,55178975%$30,225$23,250

Career outlook

What this program leads to: Political Scientists (SOC 19-3094).

Projected growth (2024–2034)
-3.1%
Decline
Openings / yr (US)
~500
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$139,380
typically Master's degree

Top skills

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingActive LearningCritical ThinkingWriting

What Political Scientists earn in District of Columbia

Jobs in District of Columbia
3,250
BLS OEWS May 2024
State average pay
$152,440
median $153,320
Best-paying metro
$153,650
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Related careers

Political Scientists
$152,440 avg · 3,250 jobs
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
$98,550 avg · 1,340 jobs

Common questions

Answers for students comparing International Relations and National Security Studies programs in District of Columbia.

Which International Relations and National Security Studies program in District of Columbia has the highest-earning graduates?+

By median earnings one year after graduation (College Scorecard), George Washington University tops the list at $52,933. Compare it against completions, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.

How much do Political Scientists earn in District of Columbia?+

The average annual wage for Political Scientists in District of Columbia is $152,440 (median $153,320), across about 3,250 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

What is the focus of the International Relations and National Security Studies program?+

The International Relations and National Security Studies program focuses on the complex interactions between nations, organized violence, and military conflict. This program is designed for students interested in understanding global…

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, active learning, and related professional skills.

What is the job outlook for Political Scientists?+

The national job outlook is about -3.1% growth with around 500 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).

What is the typical education requirement?+

A Master's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).

International Relations and National Security Studies in other statesNorth CarolinaVermontPennsylvaniaUtahConnecticutLouisianaArizonaRhode Island

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