A Global Studies in Education degree not only equips you with a foundational knowledge of global educational trends — it also fosters critical thinking, empathy, and the ability to navigate and appreciate the rich tapestry of global cultures. Whether you're aiming to shape educational policies, design inclusive curricula, or simply bring a world perspective to your students, this degree is your passport to making a meaningful impact in the ever-evolving landscape of education.

What Can I Do With a Global Studies Degree?

Global studies major jobs let you combine your love of education with your passion for global studies. But what can you do with a degree in global studies? Check out these exciting jobs for global studies majors in the education sector. 

1. International Education Coordinator

Do you have a passion for bridging cultural divides and shaping educational experiences? An International Education Coordinator is pivotal in fostering global engagement within educational institutions. They design and manage international programs, act as a bridge between domestic and international students, and ensure compliance with local and international regulations. They also provide support for students navigating overseas experiences, promote cross-cultural integration through events, and handle the budgetary aspects of international programs. Their role is essential in enhancing the student experience and ensuring seamless international collaborations.

The salary for this position typically ranges from $49,960 to $74,940 in the US, with a national average salary of $55,089 per year.

2. Global Education Program Manager

A Global Education Program Manager is responsible for overseeing and implementing international educational initiatives within an institution or organization. This role involves designing global curricula, coordinating with international partners, managing study abroad and exchange programs, and ensuring that educational offerings align with global standards and trends. This role also collaborates with various departments to promote cross-cultural understanding and global competency among students and staff. 

The salary for a Global Education Program Manager in the US typically ranges from $55,000 to $68,345 per year, with a national average of $55,000 per year.

3. International Curriculum Designer

Are you interested in shaping the future of education? Then working as an International Curriculum Designer might be for you. This role specializes in creating educational content that caters to a global audience. It involves understanding diverse cultural contexts, integrating global perspectives into learning materials, and ensuring that the curriculum is relevant and accessible to students from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Curriculum designers collaborate with educators, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders to design courses that promote cross-cultural understanding and meet international educational standards. 

The salary for an International Curriculum Designer in the US typically ranges between $38,000 and $76,000 annually, with a national average of around $62,450. 

4. International Student Adviser

What can you do with a global studies degree that will make a difference in students’ everyday lives? If you’ve ever worked with an advisor, you know the impact they can have. An International Student Adviser provides guidance and support to international students studying in a foreign country. Their responsibilities encompass assisting with visa and immigration processes, offering advice on academic and cultural adjustments, and organizing events to foster integration and cross-cultural understanding. They serve as a crucial bridge between the institution and the international student body, ensuring that students have the resources and information needed to succeed academically and socially in a new environment. 

The salary for an International Student Adviser in the US typically ranges from $41,889 to $51,702 per year, with a national average salary of $41,889. 

5. Manager of International Affairs

A Manager of International Affairs oversees an organization's global initiatives and relationships, ensuring that international standards and regulations are met. They liaise with international partners, stakeholders, and regulatory bodies, and are often responsible for crafting strategies that enhance the organization's global presence and reputation. Their role may also involve monitoring global trends, managing cross-border projects, and addressing international challenges or disputes. Given the breadth of their responsibilities, they require a deep understanding of international relations, cultural nuances, and global regulatory environments. 

The salary for a Manager of International Affairs in the US typically ranges from $49,580 to $103,135 annually, with an average salary of $77,307 per year. 

6. International Admissions Specialist

Want to help others on their path toward global studies careers? An International Admissions Specialist is responsible for managing and overseeing the admissions process for international students seeking to study at an educational institution. Their duties include reviewing and processing applications, verifying academic credentials and language proficiency, providing guidance on visa and immigration procedures, and serving as a liaison between the institution and prospective international students. They play a crucial role in ensuring that international students meet the institution's admission criteria and are well-informed about the enrollment process. 

In the US, the salary for an International Admissions Specialist typically ranges from $50,240 to $88,580, with an average salary of approximately $63,521 per year.

7. Director of International Studies

Certainly, no entry-level position, this is one of the higher-paying jobs with a global studies degree. A Director of International Studies oversees and leads the international studies department or program within an educational institution. Their responsibilities include developing and implementing international curricula, fostering global partnerships and collaborations, and promoting cross-cultural understanding among students and faculty. They also play a pivotal role in shaping the institution's global strategy, securing funding for international initiatives, and ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a globalized world. They may oversee study abroad programs, international student exchanges, and faculty research opportunities abroad. 

With this global studies major, salary ranges vary quite a bit based on the institution and location. Pay can range from $76,370 and $162,785 annually, with a national average salary of $106,696 per year.

Get Your Global Studies in Education Degree With UIUC

Global Studies degree jobs in education offer a fulfilling career, full of rewarding experiences and the ability to help students pursue their dreams. There are many jobs for Global Studies majors out there, and it all starts with the College of Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. 

If you have a passion for education around the world, consider pursuing the Global Studies in Education (GSE) at the University of Illinois. This is a special focus within our Master of Education program — graduates earn a Master of Education in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership with a concentration in Global Studies in Education. Apply today to get started!