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Global Studies Major

Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies

Develop a broad and sophisticated understanding of global changes, cultures and perspectives with the Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies program in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s College of Liberal Arts. This rigorous, interdisciplinary, 123-credit undergraduate program prepares students for the international workforce through its emphasis on global cultures, global economy and global security.Ìý

The Global Studies Major draws from over a dozen fields of study, and it prioritizes a strong foundation in foreign language studies, with opportunities for you to intern and study abroad. Students are required to complete four levels of a foreign language, giving them a competitive edge when pursuing global professions.Ìý

Through the Global Studies Ìýcurriculum, learn to analyze international problems and communicate ideas effectively. StudyÌýthe complex global issues shaping our world, using tools from a variety of disciplinesÌýin the humanities and social sciences.ÌýGraduates are well equipped to pursue international careers, and collaborate across and within foreign countries.

Concentrations

This degree program can be completed with or without a concentration. Your concentration options include

  • Global Economy

    Examine the evolution of cooperation among states in managing the global economy, and the role of history, politics and technology in shaping international, national and local relations.

  • Global Security

    Access dozens of courses from multiple disciplines, including anthropology, criminal justice, geography, history and political science, in order to understand the causes of war, security strategies of states and the rise of new and challenging security threats in a constantly changing global environment.

  • Global Cultures

    Examine the interaction of global and local cultures from the European imperialism of the 19th century, through the spread of Americanization in the 20th century, to the digital world of the 21st century. This concentration draws on courses from a wide list of options in anthropology, film, history, literature, religion and sociology.

  • Latin American Studies

    Take an interdisciplinary approach to learning about the politics, economics, cultures and societies of Latin America and the Caribbean. Explore thematic issues in disciplines such as anthropology, art, history, political science, Spanish and Portuguese, and communication studies with Latin America at the center.Ìý

Two students work in front of a window in Charles Library.

Classes & Curriculum

Global Studies BA students take the following foundational courses. 

  • Introduction to Global Studies
  • Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
  • International Politics
  • Global Economics
  • Research Skills for Global Studies

Required and elective courses will vary, depending on which concentration you choose. The program culminates with a research-based and writing-intensive capstone seminar.

Learn more about Global Studies Major courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your 51³Ô¹ÏÍø education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Advising support is provided by the College of Liberal Arts Center for Academic Advising. You can find more information on the CLA Academic Advising webpage ().

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional DevelopmentÌýin the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. .

Program Contact

For questions regarding the Global Studies Major, contact the following staff member.

Danielle K. Scherer is the assistant director of the Global Studies program.
Phone: 215-204-4283
Email:

The following staff member leads the Global Studies program.

Sanjoy Chakravorty is the director of the Global Studies program.
Email: Ìý

University Honors Program

The College of Liberal Arts participates in 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s Honors Program. .Ìý

Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies.Ìý

  • is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.
  • is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service.Ìý
  • is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

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Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your College of Liberal ArtsÌýcoursework and enhance your undergraduate experience at 51³Ô¹ÏÍø with more than 300 student clubs and organizations. You’ll have opportunities to meet and network with other students, get involved with the community, grow your interest, and develop résumé-boosting skills and experience.

The ÌýprovidesÌýeducational and professional developmentÌýfor studentsÌýand the opportunityÌýto build a social networkÌýto support them throughout their career.

Learn more about 51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s student clubs and organizations.

Study Away

College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students are encouraged to study away for an academic year, semester or summer. All Global Studies students are strongly encouraged to study abroad as part of the program’s Regional Enrichment requirement, and our advisors will work with you to directly identify the study abroad option that best fits with your academic interests, career path and foreign language choices.

A limited number of are awarded annually based on merit and need. The Global Scholar Grant is intended for Global Studies majors who study abroad for at least six weeks and take at least six credits. Awards include

  • up to $1,500 for summer programs,Ìý
  • up to $3,000 for a semester abroad andÌý
  • up to $5,000 for an academic year abroad.

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Accreditation

51³Ô¹ÏÍø’s departments and programs are accredited by the .

Additional Program Information