Students sit along a table in a discussion about the Jackson School's Task Force program.

Study the political, historical and cultural contexts that shape global challenges such as inequality, climate change, security and human rights.

The Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies is one of the oldest and largest schools in the country to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in international and area studies. Dedicated to interdisciplinary and comparative teaching and research, the Jackson School offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as undergraduate minors. Classes are taught by award-winning UW faculty and practitioners from both the public and private sectors.

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Students walking on the UW campus.
Student giving presentation in Task Force course.

Careers

Although not all Jackson School alumni pursue international careers, many have a global aspect to their jobs in the public, private and nongovernmental sectors. With extensive analytical training and regional expertise, alumni have gone on to careers in city, state, federal, and foreign governments; and in the business, finance, consulting, technology, communications and law industries. They also work for nonprofits, think tanks and major universities. 

The School’s Office of Career Services connects international studies students to internships, an alumni-student mentor program and job opportunities throughout the year.

Career Paths

Some of the many employers who hire School of International Studies students include: 

  • Nintendo
  • Microsoft
  • Amazon
  • Boeing
  • UNICEF
  • Deloitte
  • CAIR Washington
  • Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
  • Starbucks
  • U.S. Department of State
  • University of Auckland in New Zealand
A portrait of a student on a study abroad trip.

Dive into international research

The Jackson School offers leading-edge research in global and area studies. The department’s prominent faculty represent a range of fields, including anthropology; economics; geography; history; political science; religion; sociology; and gender, women & sexuality studies. 

Some notable research projects include: 

  • The effects of free-trade agreements on human rights
  • Public health and environmental security
  • Nuclear non-proliferation in Asia
  • Civil society in Asia, Latin America and Europe
  • Defense industrialization in China
  • The relationship between religion and violence
  • U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East
  • History of U.S. foreign policy
  • The Mexican Revolution
  • Political economy of India
  • Post-Soviet politics
  • Politics of indigenous communities

Research at The Jackson School 

 

Find Yourself in the Jackson School

Expand your world through international and area studies. 

The Jackson School of International Studies Stories

Alex Minami with Seattle Opera sign on the wall behind him

Building Connections Through Opera

Lokela Alexander Minami (BA, 2010; MA, 2012) turned a lifelong passion for opera into a career that introduces others to the art form.

Phillip Meng on the UW campus

A Recipe for Exploration

At the UW, Phillip Meng juggled a triple major, research, internships, journal editorship, business consulting, and more. Here's his recipe for making the most of the University.

Poster for the Bollywood film "Mother India"

Lessons from Bollywood

Professor Anand Yang grew up on Bollywood films. Now he uses this popular entertainment to teach colonial Indian history.