Global Studies

Global studies is a new interdisciplinary major that is based in four disciplines: economics, history, political science, and sociology. Global studies majors learn about the great diversity of human life on the planet. Students study a wide range of cultures and all world regions, and they learn about globalizing processes that are simultaneously drawing people closer and causing many to seek protection behind nationalist, ethnic, and religious boundaries.

Global issues such as terrorism, immigration, and disease pandemics do not fall neatly within any single academic discipline; thus, the program exposes students to economic, historical, political and sociological perspectives, and analytical skills.

The major requires a total of 15 courses, but five of these simultaneously meet the core requirements. It is therefore possible to combine global studies with another major, with minors, or with courses in various fields.

The major provides a solid foundation for graduate study in international studies, the social sciences, law, business, public health, environmental studies, peace studies and a number of other interdisciplinary fields. It also offers excellent preparation for entry-level employment with multinational corporations, government agencies, international organizations like the United Nations and the World Trade Organization and a vast array of international non-governmental organizations.