Global Studies

Department Office
Geography, Environment, and Planning
Stevenson Hall 3016
(707) 664-2306

Major Coordinator
Rheyna Laney (707) 664-2183

Programs Offered

The Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for international or intercultural service through the study of other cultures, world history, political and economic systems, world geography and environment, cross-cultural communication and conflict resolution, and a modern language. Recognizing the increasing interdependence of the world and the global nature of contemporary issues, the major is designed to increase awareness and understanding of other cultures and systems as well as global issues, while developing the skills needed to work effectively in a global or multicultural context.

The Approved concentrations are Development, and Area Studies through Study Abroad.

Intermediate-level (or higher) proficiency in a modern language other than English is required of all global studies majors. Students may demonstrate this proficiency either by passing an intermediate-level proficiency exam or by completing a fourth-semester standard language course (202 [plus lab] or equivalent) with a grade of C or better.

All global studies majors are expected to participate in an intensive cross-cultural experience of at least 135 hours of duration, during which they speak primarily a language other than their mother tongue. Students normally will meet this expectation by studying or working abroad. When travel abroad is impossible, students may arrange an extended cross-cultural experience closer to home, e.g., living and working for a summer in an immigrant community. (Students who have spent extended time in other than mainstream-U.S.-American circumstances, speaking a language other than English, may already have met this expectation.)

Students interested in declaring a global studies major are urged to take MATH 165 to meet the GE requirement for mathematics, category B.

Careers in Global Studies

Most global studies majors intend to pursue international careers. Positions most readily available to new graduates without specialized training are with non-profits such as the federal government (Peace Corps, Foreign Service), international service agencies (CARE, UNICEF, or Direct Relief International), and English-language teaching jobs.

Many overseas careers require an advanced degree (e.g., law, business, and international affairs) and/or working your way up within an organization and positioning yourself for an international assignment.