Customize Your Degree

students study abroad in Spain 2023Combine intense study of a foreign language and culture with preparation in your choice of professions in our flexible international studies program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. We consulted officers of multinational corporations in Detroit to create the program, which is designed to meet their need for employees with solid professional backgrounds and knowledge of other cultures, languages, and economic systems.

International studies also is a great second major. In many cases, courses you take for your first major will also fulfill the “professional studies” component of the international studies major, allowing you to count the courses toward both degrees.

Where an International Studies Degree Will Take You

A degree in international studies at UM-Dearborn opens a world of opportunities, whether you plan to work in the United States or abroad. It can qualify you to work in fields such as business, government, travel and tourism, journalism, education, and science and engineering, among many others.

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States for 2022. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$132,350 Median Salary

Political Scientists (master’s usually required)

Employment of political scientists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 600 openings for political scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$115,730 Median Salary

Economists (master’s usually required)

Employment of economists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 1,200 openings for economists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$57,090 Median Salary

Interpreters and Translators

Employment of interpreters and translators is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 7,200 openings for interpreters and translators are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$81,800 Median Salary

Urban and Regional Planners (usually requires a master’s)

Employment of urban and regional planners is projected to grow 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 3,700 openings for urban and regional planners are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$90,880 Median Salary

Geographers

Employment of geographers is projected to show little or no change from 2022 to 2032.

Despite limited employment growth, about 100 openings for geographers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

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Application Deadlines

UM-Dearborn has rolling admissions throughout the year, and deadlines depend on your student type. Apply early, priority consideration for financial aid and scholarships may be given to earlier applicants.

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Tuition

Get started early on your financial planning for college. Complete the net price calculator to get an estimate of your cost to attend UM-Dearborn.

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Go Blue Guarantee

Students at UM-Dearborn are eligible for the Go Blue Guarantee - University of Michigan’s landmark promise of free tuition for high-achieving in-state undergraduate students from qualifying backgrounds. Major financial support is available for students who do not fully qualify.

Go Blue Guarantee

You're not only learning a language, but also professional aspects like political science, communication.

DANIELA GIRALDO, INTERNATIONAL STUDIES (SPANISH CONCENTRATION)

How to Get Involved

Students working in the library

You can join student organizations like La Mezcla (Spanish Club), the French Club, or the Arabic Language and Culture Club; participate in events at the UM-Dearborn Center for Arab American Studies; participate in a variety of community outreach activities; check out the more than 150 student clubs and organizations on campus; and much more.

Next Steps

Become a part of the UM-Dearborn community and put your dreams to work for you.