by our College Data Analytics TeamInternational Security was the 548th most popular major in the 2020-2021 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 659 degrees in this year alone. This 90 less than the prior year, a decrease of 13.7%.
Our 2023 Best International Security Schools ranking analyzes 15 of these schools to determine the best overall colleges for international security students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of international security programs later in this article.
Talking to others to convey information effectively has been highlighted as one of the most essential skills for careers related to international security. Required skills include understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents and using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
international security degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Specific international security careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
International Security degree levels vary. International Security programs offered by schools range from a to a , which is the highest international security degree you can get. International Security programs can take anywhere between one to four or more years for a full-time student to complete.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to international security, with approximately 39.6% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for international security workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 36.6% |
| Doctoral Degree | 33.8% |
| Master’s Degree | 19.7% |
| Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 3.3% |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 1.6% |
Most workers in international security have at least a master's degree. The chart below shows what degree level those who work in international security have obtained.
The education level required is different depending on the international security career you are seeking.
Want a job when you graduate with your international security degree? International Security careers are expected to grow 8.0% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to international security.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Managers | 1,071,700 | 8.0% |
| Political Science Professors | 23,400 | 10.4% |
| Political Scientists | 7,500 | 2.7% |
As you might expect, salaries for international security graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for international security graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers international security grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Managers | $115,590 |
| Political Scientists | $115,300 |
| Political Science Professors | $99,480 |
With over 57 different international security degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased international security school rankings to help you with this.
One of 2 majors within the International Relations & National Security area of study, International Security has other similar majors worth exploring.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| International Relations | 13,117 |
| Other International Relations & National Security Studies | 530 |
