As our world grows more integrated, complex and interconnected, it’s vital to understand the global issues that drive human flourishing. The major in global affairs gives you the tools to address these challenges, with a core curriculum that exposes you to all the areas of study that make up the field. You’ll learn about the political, economic, cultural, and environmental aspects of globalization. Through a choice of thematic and regional concentrations, you can tailor your degree to match your career aspirations. You’ll also acquire advanced skills to analyze the international dimensions of terrorism, refugee crises, global inequality and other pressing issues affecting our world.
A major in global affairs prepares you for a variety of careers in government jobs in international public policy, nongovernmental organizations and private business. These include roles as a foreign service officer, a peacekeeping or humanitarian worker and a corporate international affairs specialist.
As part of the major, you’ll take a series of language courses to develop your skills in the modern languages required for a global studies graduate program. In your capstone project, you’ll apply your academic training to a real-world issue that’s relevant to the field of global affairs. You can complete your capstone in the form of a policy task force, a research paper or in a senior essay course (GLBL 4499). Up to one summer term and two semester courses taken through an approved study abroad program may be counted toward your major requirements with DUS approval.