Best institutions to study Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
Compare 40 U.S. colleges offering Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 22 states.
Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis programs report a median of $21,458 one year after graduation (College Scorecard, 2024), and map to CIP 30.26 and the Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary occupation (BLS SOC).
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 →
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).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $21,458 | 6 | 61% | — | $21,125 |
Offered across 22 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 3 | $21,458 | Northern Arizona University |
| California | 4 | — | — |
| Connecticutlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Floridalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Illinoislimited | 1 | — | — |
| Iowalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Kentuckylimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusetts | 6 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 2 | — | — |
| New Jerseylimited | 1 | — | — |
| New York | 4 | — | — |
| Oregonlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Rhode Islandlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Tennesseelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Texaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Vermontlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Virginialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Puerto Ricolimited | 2 | — | — |
| Federated States of Micronesialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Indianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| West Virginialimited | 1 | — | — |
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.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 30.26.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 30.26 (Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis) maps to 3 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 19-3099 | Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other |
| 25-1062 | Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondaryprimary |
| 25-1199 | Postsecondary Teachers, All Other |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
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
Knowledge areas
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.
Concentrations within Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and AnalysisCIP 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.
How much do Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis graduates earn?+
Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis graduates report median earnings of $21,458 one year after graduation, per College Scorecard (2024); the Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary occupation pays about $98,330 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis?+
Cultural Studies/Critical Theory and Analysis maps to CIP 30.26 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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