International Relations and National Security Studies, Other.
Data details: Graduation rate, gender, ethnicity, and summary are for this specific degree (6-digit CIP) from IPEDS. Salary, debt, and related financial outcomes are based on the degree category (4-digit CIP) from the College Scorecard API. ← Back to search
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Please use your own discretion when interpreting these results. For certain degrees, a limited number of institutions report to the government's College Scorecard API, which may cause the data to be skewed or less representative of national trends. Consider these figures as informative but not definitive, and consult additional sources or advisors for important decisions.
Debt to Income Ratio
Debt-to-income analysis for International Relations and National Security Studies, Other.: The DTI for this program is 51.8%, which is within the generally accepted range for higher education. While not as low as some top-performing degrees, this ratio suggests that most graduates can manage their student loan payments, especially if they secure employment in related fields. If you are considering International Relations and National Security Studies, Other., compare your expected starting salary (currently $41383) to the average debt ($21422) to ensure it fits your financial goals in .
Degrees with a DTI between 0.5 and 0.8 are common, but it's wise to plan your budget and consider loan repayment options.
Important financial note for International Relations and National Security Studies, Other.: The debt-to-income ratio for this program is 51.8%, which is above the recommended maximum of 80%. This means that, on average, graduates may need to dedicate a significant portion of their first-year earnings to student loan payments. If you are considering International Relations and National Security Studies, Other., be sure to weigh the average starting salary ($41383) against the typical student debt ($21422), and explore scholarships, grants, or alternative funding sources to reduce your financial burden in and beyond.
Key Insights
If you’re thinking about International Relations and National Security Studies, Other., you’re looking at a field that’s both challenging and rewarding. Typical starting salaries are around $41383, with grads carrying about $21422 in student loans and a debt-to-income ratio of 0.52—which is manageable for most.
Each year, over 14086 students complete this major, so you’ll have plenty of peers to connect with. Whether you’re motivated by salary, job outlook, or the chance to build something meaningful, International Relations and National Security Studies, Other. can help you get there. Make the most of your college years by seeking out hands-on experiences and building your network.
Degree Overview
International Relations and National Security Studies, Other (CIP 45.0999) is an interdisciplinary social science field focused on understanding how states, institutions, and non-state actors interact in an interconnected world and how nations protect their interests, populations, and values. This classification is used for programs that blend international relations, security studies, geopolitics, intelligence, diplomacy, and global policy in ways that do not fit neatly into a single traditional category. It reflects the evolving nature of global power, conflict, cooperation, and security in the 21st century.
For a degree search site, International Relations and National Security Studies represents strategy, global awareness, and high-impact decision-making. Modern security challenges extend far beyond conventional warfare. Cyber threats, terrorism, economic competition, climate-driven instability, pandemics, energy security, and information warfare now shape global relations. This degree appeals to students who want a systems-level understanding of global affairs and a career connected to diplomacy, defense, intelligence, or international policy rather than domestic politics alone.
What Is an International Relations and National Security Studies Degree?
An International Relations and National Security Studies degree is an academic program that examines how nations interact and how security is defined, maintained, and challenged at global, regional, and national levels. Programs under the “Other” designation often emphasize interdisciplinary or specialized approaches that combine multiple perspectives.
Depending on the institution, this degree may:
- Blend international relations with security and defense studies
- Focus on geopolitical strategy and global power dynamics
- Emphasize intelligence, counterterrorism, or threat analysis
- Integrate economics, technology, and security policy
- Address emerging nontraditional security challenges
Rather than focusing only on diplomacy or military history, this degree emphasizes:
- Strategic thinking and global systems analysis
- Understanding conflict, cooperation, and competition
- Policy analysis and decision-making under uncertainty
- Ethical and legal frameworks in national security
- The role of institutions, alliances, and international law
Colleges and universities offer this degree to:
- Prepare students for careers in global affairs and security-related fields
- Address workforce needs in government, defense, and international organizations
- Support interdisciplinary analysis of global challenges
- Provide a foundation for graduate study or professional service
What Will You Learn?
Students learn how the international system operates and how security priorities are defined and pursued. You’ll study historical and contemporary conflicts, diplomatic relationships, alliances, and global institutions while analyzing how power, economics, culture, and technology influence outcomes.
The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking and perspective. Students are trained to evaluate competing narratives, assess risks, and understand how decisions in one region can have global consequences.
Core Skills You’ll Build
Graduates typically develop skills such as:
- Geopolitical and strategic analysis—understanding global power dynamics
- Policy analysis and evaluation—assessing security decisions
- Research and intelligence literacy—interpreting complex information
- Critical thinking and synthesis—connecting global trends
- Risk and threat assessment—anticipating security challenges
- Professional writing and briefing—clear communication of analysis
- Cross-cultural and global awareness—working across regions
- Ethical reasoning—balancing security, rights, and responsibility
These skills are valuable in government, policy, research, and international roles.
Topics You May Explore
Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies by institution but often includes:
- International Relations Theory: realism, liberalism, and alternatives
- National Security Policy: strategy and decision-making
- Geopolitics and Global Power: regional and global analysis
- War, Conflict, and Peace Studies: causes and resolution
- Terrorism and Counterterrorism: asymmetric threats
- Intelligence and Security Analysis: information and assessment
- Cybersecurity and Information Warfare: digital-era security
- International Law and Institutions: rules and norms
- Global Economics and Security: trade, sanctions, and resources
- Capstone or Strategic Analysis Project: applied global research
Many programs emphasize research papers, simulations, and policy briefs.
What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?
An International Relations and National Security Studies degree prepares students for analytical, policy, and support roles related to global affairs and security. Some positions require additional training, clearances, or graduate education.
Common career paths include:
- International or Security Policy Analyst: policy evaluation roles
- Intelligence or Threat Analyst: research and assessment
- Foreign Affairs or Diplomatic Support Officer: international engagement
- Defense or Security Research Analyst: strategic studies
- Government or Legislative Affairs Assistant: policy support
- International Organization Program Officer: global initiatives
- Risk or Geopolitical Analyst: corporate or consulting roles
- Graduate or Professional School Path: international affairs, law, or security studies
This degree is especially useful for behind-the-scenes strategic roles.
Where Can You Work?
Graduates work in organizations engaged in global and security-related activities:
- Federal government and national security agencies
- Foreign service and diplomatic institutions
- Defense and security research organizations
- International organizations and NGOs
- Think tanks and policy institutes
- Consulting, risk analysis, and global firms
- Universities and research centers
Professionals in this field often influence decisions through analysis and expertise.
How Much Can You Earn?
Earnings vary by sector, role, and education level.
Typical ranges include:
- Entry-level analysis or international roles: often $45,000–$60,000
- Policy analysts or security specialists: commonly $60,000–$90,000
- Senior analysts, advisors, or consultants: can reach $95,000–$130,000+
Advanced degrees, language skills, and clearances can significantly increase earning potential.
Is This Degree Hard?
International Relations and National Security Studies, Other is considered academically demanding. Students must synthesize history, theory, current events, and data while thinking strategically about complex global systems. Strong reading, writing, and analytical skills are essential.
The challenge lies in understanding rapidly changing global dynamics without simple answers.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This degree may be a strong fit if you:
- Are fascinated by global politics and security issues
- Enjoy analysis, strategy, and big-picture thinking
- Want to work in government, international affairs, or defense-related fields
- Are comfortable with complex and ambiguous problems
- Are considering graduate study in international affairs or law
How to Prepare in High School
To prepare for an international relations and security studies program:
- Take history, government, economics, and geography courses
- Develop strong writing, reading, and critical thinking skills
- Follow global news and international events
- Study foreign languages and world cultures
- Participate in debate, Model UN, or research activities
International Relations and National Security Studies, Other (CIP 45.0999) is a compelling degree for students who want to understand and influence the global forces shaping security and cooperation. It builds analytical rigor, strategic insight, and global awareness—skills essential for navigating an increasingly complex and interconnected world. For those drawn to diplomacy, strategy, and global problem-solving, this degree offers both intellectual challenge and meaningful real-world impact.
Personality Fit (RIASEC Profile)
Official assessment tool by the U.S. Department of Labor