2023 Best Area Studies Schools in Massachusetts
Finding the Best Area Studies School for You
Area Studies is the #77 most popular major in Massachusetts with 414 degrees and certificates awarded in 2020-2021.
With all the programs available today, it can be tough to choose which one is the best for you. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Alternatively, you may choose a trade school that prepares you to enter the workforce with knowledge in a specific field.
To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Course Advisor has developed this Best Area Studies Schools in Massachusetts ranking. This report analyzed 10 schools in Massachusetts to see which ones offered the best programs for students.
View our full ranking methodology.
Featured Area Studies Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Explore societal similarities and differences as seen through cultural, biological, archaeological and linguistic lenses when you earn one of your degrees in anthropology from Southern New Hampshire University.
2023 Best Area Studies Schools in Massachusetts
The colleges and universities below are the best for area studies majors pursuing a .
Top 10 Best Area Studies Schools
Our 2023 rankings named Williams College the best school in Massachusetts for area studies students. Williams is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Williamstown.
Full Area Studies at Williams College Report
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The excellent programs at Amherst College helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the best area studies schools in Massachusetts. Amherst is a small private not-for-profit school located in the large suburb of Amherst.
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Out of the 10 schools in Massachusetts that were part of this year’s ranking, Wellesley College landed the # 3 spot on the list. Wellesley is a small private not-for-profit school located in the large suburb of Wellesley.
After completing their degree, area studies graduates from Wellesley carry an average student debtload of $9,725.
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You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Brandeis University. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Best Area Studies Schools in Massachusetts list. Located in the city of Waltham, Brandeis is a private not-for-profit school with a moderately-sized student population.
While working on their degree, area studies majors at Brandeis accumulate an average of around $27,000 in student debt.
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A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Tufts University is a great place for area studies students. Tufts is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Medford.
On average, area studies graduates from Tufts take out $13,500 in student loans while working on their degree.
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With a ranking of #6, Wheaton College Massachusetts did quite well on this year’s best schools for area studies students. Wheaton College Massachusetts is a small private not-for-profit school located in the large suburb of Norton.
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With a ranking of #7, Smith College did quite well on this year’s best schools for area studies students. Located in the suburb of Northampton, Smith is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population.
After completing their degree, area studies graduates from Smith carry an average student debtload of $19,000.
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Mount Holyoke College landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best area studies programs. Mt. Holyoke is a small private not-for-profit school located in the large suburb of South Hadley.
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University of Massachusetts Amherst landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the best area studies programs. Located in the suburb of Amherst, UMass Amherst is a public college with a very large student population.
Read full report on Area Studies at University of Massachusetts Amherst
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University of Massachusetts - Boston ranked #10 on this year’s Best Area Studies Schools in Massachusetts list. Located in the city of Boston, UMass Boston is a public school with a fairly large student population.
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Request InformationBest Area Studies Colleges in the New England Region
Explore all the Best Area Studies Schools in the New England Area or other specific states within that region.
| State | Degrees Awarded |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | 217 |
| New Hampshire | 60 |
| Maine | 75 |
| Rhode Island | 107 |
| Vermont | 45 |
More Area Studies Rankings in Massachusetts
Related Programs
Learn about other programs related to Area Studies that might interest you.
Explore societal similarities and differences as seen through cultural, biological, archaeological and linguistic lenses when you earn one of your degrees in anthropology from Southern New Hampshire University.
Gain a rich foundation of knowledge ranging from early history to modern times with this online bachelor's degree in history from Southern New Hampshire University.
The online Master of Arts in History degree program can deepen your understanding of how history is made.
Rankings in Majors Related to Area Studies
One of 2 majors within the area of study, area studies has other similar majors worth exploring.
Most Popular Related Majors
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Ethnic Studies | 9,231 |
| Ethnic, Culture, & Gender Studies (Other) | 46 |
Notes and References
*These averages are for the top 10 schools only.
- Read more about our ranking methodology.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of the rest of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
- Credit for the banner image above goes to Karl Udo Gerth.
More about our data sources and methodologies.