Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies

Best Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis institutions in the US, ranked by earnings

Compare 41 U.S. colleges offering Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 22 states.

Institutions
41
offering CIP 30.26
States offered
22
with a program page
With earnings data
1
College Scorecard
Degrees / yr
387
IPEDS completions 2026
Median grad earnings
$21,458
1 year after graduation
US pay · Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
$97,350
BLS OEWS 2024

About Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis programs

Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis is an interdisciplinary academic program that examines the interplay between contemporary culture and its social and historical contexts. It encourages students to explore how cultural practices are influenced by broader systems of power, including ideology, class, ethnicity, and gender. This program is ideal for those interested in understanding the complexities of cultural dynamics and their implications in society.

Learn more about Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis

What you'll learn

Students in this program will develop essential skills such as critical thinking, effective communication, and active learning. Coursework typically covers topics like race and ethnic relations, gender studies, and cross-cultural perspectives, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of cultural analysis.

Top 1 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

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

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree
$21,4581461%$21,125

Offered across 22 states

The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.

StateInstitutionsMedian earningsTop institution by earnings
Arizonalimited2$21,458Northern Arizona University
California5
Connecticutlimited1
Floridalimited2
Illinoislimited1
Iowalimited1
Kentuckylimited1
Mainelimited1
Massachusetts4
Minnesotalimited1
Missourilimited1
New York3
Ohiolimited1
Oregonlimited2
Pennsylvanialimited2
Rhode Island3
Tennesseelimited1
Texaslimited1
Virginialimited2
Indianalimited1
Washingtonlimited1
West Virginialimited1

Careers & outlook

The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-1062, Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary, and its national outlook.

Graduates of Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis can pursue various careers in education, research, and cultural institutions. The job outlook for this field is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 2.4% and approximately 1,100 annual openings. The median wage for related occupations is $84,290, typically requiring a doctoral or professional degree.

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+2.4%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~1,100
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$84,290
typically Doctoral or professional degree
National employment
11,430
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
US average pay
$97,350
annual, BLS OEWS 2024
US median pay
$84,290
annual

Top-paying metros

Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
$167,250avg
Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA
$146,040avg
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$139,350avg
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
$127,370avg
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
$124,250avg

Related careers

Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other
$106,440 avg · 36,970 jobs
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary
$97,350 avg · 11,430 jobs

Skills & knowledge in Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis programs

From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.

Skills you'll build

Reading Comprehension
Speaking
Writing
Active Learning
Active Listening
Learning Strategies
Critical Thinking
Monitoring

Knowledge areas

Education and Training
English Language
Sociology and Anthropology
History and Archeology
Foreign Language
Communications and Media

What graduates do on the job

  • Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
  • Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
  • Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as race and ethnic relations, gender studies, and cross-cultural perspectives.
  • Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
  • Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
  • Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.

Tools & technology

Blackboard LearnCollaborative editing softwareCourse management system softwareDesire2Learn LMS softwareDOC CopEmail softwareFileMaker ProGoogle Docs

Concentrations within Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis

Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).

  • Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
    CIP 30.2601

    An interdisciplinary program that focuses on the analysis and critique of culture in its varied forms, including values, ideas, belief systems, and expressive acts, and the relationship between cultur

Common questions

What is Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis?+

It is an interdisciplinary program that explores contemporary culture and its social and historical foundations.

What skills will I develop in this program?+

You will develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and active learning.

What is the job outlook for graduates?+

The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 2.4% and around 1,100 annual openings.

What level of education is typically required?+

Most careers in this field require a doctoral or professional degree.

Related programs

Other programs in the same field of study.

Zoom outAll programs

Explore every U.S. college in one conversation

Clema turns plain-language questions into sourced answers across every U.S. institution — earnings, aid, acceptance, graduation, safety, and athletics from IPEDS, College Scorecard, and 10+ federal datasets, built in.

Free for teams up to 3 · No credit card