BA in Global Studies
Global studies students cultivate broad perspectives on the contemporary world. For example, you’ll learn to think of climate change not only in terms of carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, but also in terms of politics, ecologies, social movements, and global inequalities.
When you examine migration, you’ll better understand immigration laws and the analyses of human mobility trends as well as the geopolitical upheavals and food systems failures that drive these trends.
And you’ll always keep in view the grassroots and community initiatives that address these problems on the ground since that is where people feel the impacts of problems most powerfully and where they work out creative solutions. In short, global studies is a major for students who are committed both to understanding the world and to making it a better place.
Courses
Global studies courses traverse geography and time. Some analyze the workings of global institutions and explore the operations of the global health, food, and financial systems. Others use works of art and philosophy from around the world to expose you to cultural forms like Indigenous art and prison literature. Still others explore long-term historical trajectories, such as the growth of global communications, media, and tourism industries.
Learning Experiences
You can also study abroad, intern, and engage deeply with on- and off-campus communities. In capstone projects, you’ll bring together what you’ve studied to define, explore, and create new visions of the world. You’ll learn both critical thinking and practice the empathy needed to construct global citizenship for the 21st century.
All learning experiences offer ample opportunities to develop communication and organizational skills that support success in future careers in many sectors including nonprofits, government, and industry, as well as graduate study in law, policy, social sciences, and the humanities.
Add an Additional Major or Minor
Many of our students choose to complement their global studies degree with a major or minor in programs such as:
- Public health
- Economics
- Geography
- History
- Anthropology
- English
- Asian & Middle Eastern studies
- Spanish & Portuguese studies
- French & Italian
- German, Nordic, Slavic & Dutch
- African American & African studies
- Sociology
- Political science
- Journalism & mass communication
- Communication studies
- Art
- Gender, women & sexuality studies
- Cultural studies & comparative literature
Declare
In order to declare your major, email a peer advisor to set up an appointment. Declaring a global studies major is a simple process, but you should make sure you are familiar with the major requirements and have at least a tentative idea about your thematic and regional concentrations before you declare.
Career Paths
All liberal arts degrees help CLA students develop their Core Career Competencies, and global studies majors develop specific skills that are applicable to lots of different careers. These skills include strong verbal and written communication skills, deep understanding of the institutions and processes that shape the world, cross-cultural knowledge, and understanding, and listening, clarifying, questioning, and responding skills.
Students who take the SuperStrong Interest Inventory receive a three-letter interest code, which identifies their top three areas of interest, work activities, potential skills, and personal values. The interest code "SEI" is often associated with this major, however, the SuperStrong assessment can help you understand how your interests connect to a variety of majors and career options. You can learn more about common employer types and occupations associated with this major. You can also see CLA specific examples of alumni careers below.
Internship & Job Search Websites
- Handshake
- Global Development Jobs
- Global Jobs
- International Relations EDU
- Jobs Abroad
- Overseas Jobs
- Peace Corps
- Resources for Working Overseas
- Transitions Abroad
- UN Careers
- US AID
- US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
- US Department of State
- USA Jobs
- Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
- Idealist (Nonprofit positions in the US and internationally)
- Public Service Careers (Check out “Why Public Service?”)
Student Groups
- University of Minnesota Global Undergraduate Leaders Program
- Gold Humanism Honor Society
- Humphrey Public Affairs Review
- Business Association of Multicultural Students
- International Buddy Program
- Circle K International
Professional Organizations
- Central Intelligence Agency
- Defense Intelligence Agency
- Disaster Relief Agencies
- Go Government
- Humanitarian Relief Organizations
- National Security Agency
- Peace Corps
- Riley Guide International Resources
- US AID
- US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
- US Department of State
- American Institute for Foreign Study
- American Translators Association
- Council on International Educational Exchange
- Fulbright Scholars Program
- International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language
- International Center for Journalists
- International Journalists Network
- International School Services
- National Association of International Educators
- Academy of International Business
- Center for International Private Enterprise
- Center for Strategic and International Studies
- Council for Foreign Relations
- Council of the Americas
- Europages
- Export.Gov
- Export-Import Bank of the United States
- Foreign Policy Association Students Corner
- International Chamber of Commerce
- United Nations
- United States International Trade Commission
- World Bank
- World Economic Forum
- World Trade Organization
Alumni Career Examples
Below is a small sampling of what alumni with this major have pursued, organized by the most common career fields they go into (although keep in mind that there are alumni in all eight of the career fields). You can also utilize the LinkedIn's Alumni Tool and the Maroon and Gold Network to further explore alumni career pathways and connect directly with professionals.
Click to expand each accordion panel below for opportunities pursued by alumni in this major!
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Research Intern - Advanced Infrastructure Development Group
- Coffee Production Intern - Finca Maputo
- Sales Intern - Avirat, Inc.
- Business Development Intern, McKinsey and Company
- Marketing Intern, Softbank
- Events & Marketing Intern, Alliance Francaise
Entry-Level
- Sales Communication Specialist - Chamilia LLC
- Production Manager - Woodchuck USA
- Assistant Buyer and Customer Service - World Cycling Productions
- Administrative Assistant - Coldwell Banker Burnet
- Business Development Representative - Epicor Software
- Operations Manager - Varsity Theatre/Loring Pasta Bar
- International Sales Coordinator - Vascular Solutions
- Customer Service Specialist - Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc
- Employment Consultant - Kaposia, Inc.
- Sales Executive - Kaposia, Inc.
- Team Lead - Target
- Marketing and Strategy Manager - Procter & Gamble
Experienced
- Owner - J&C Wireless, INC
- Co-Owner - Madison Log Rolling
- Executive Assistant - Amazon
- Associate Consultant - SPS Commerce
- Sales, E-Commerce, Purchasing and Receiving - Freewheel Bike
- QA Engineer - Conversant, Inc.
- Sales, Marketing, & Internal Customer Relations Manager, Sibbach, P.C. - Realty One Group
- Senior International Sales Coordinator - Vascular Solutions
- MSP Coordinator - Volt Workforce Solutions
- Security Operations Specialist - U.S. Bank
Graduate Programs
- MBA, Executive Education - University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management
- MBA, Business Administration - University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Intern - Domestic Abuse Project
- Education Program Intern - The Advocates for Human Rights
- Campus Organizer, Board Member - Haiti Justice Alliance
- Intern - Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights
- Intern - Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless
- Public Policy Intern - Minnesota AIDS Project.
- Campaign Intern, Sierra Project
- Youth Organizer, Voices for Racial Justice
- Campus Organizer, NARAL Pro-Choice Minnesota
- Refugee and Immigrant Program Intern, The Advocates for Human Rights
- Professional Exchanges Intern, Global Minnesota
- Research Intern, Neighborhood Development Center
- Administration Intern, Global Rights for Women
- Somali Outreach Intern, The Arc Minnesota
Entry-Level
- Administrative Intern - Global Rights for Women
- Rural Development Specialist - Network MACRENA
Experienced
- Spanish Language Access Specialist - Think Small
- Ecuador and Costa Rica Country Manager - Global Volunteers
Graduate Programs
- MA, Counseling Psychology - University of Minnesota
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Student Engagement Intern - International Student and Scholar Services
- Teachers of Critical Language Program Intern - American Councils for International Education
- Communications Intern, ACARA
- Cultural Academic Advisor, The LINK
Entry-Level
- Outreach Assistant - Center for Social Studies Education
- Associate Educator - Minneapolis Public Schools
- Program Manager - Rasmussen College
- Events Coordinator - Institute for Global Studies
- Program Coordinator - Center for German and European Studies
- Native English Teacher - English Program in Korea
Experienced
- Graduate Program Coordinator - University of Minnesota
- Writing Center Coordinator and ESL Instructor - Quality Leadership University, Louisville
- Social Studies Teacher - Hardy Middle School*
- Admissions Manager - Rasmussen College
- Academic Adviser - University of Minnesota*
- Career Counselor, University of Minnesota*
- Elementary School Teacher - St. Anthony Elementary School*
- ELL Teacher - Osseo Area Schools
Graduate Programs
- MA, Social Studies Education - Teachers College of Columbia University
- MA, Teaching - University of St. Thomas
- MA, English as a Second Language, K-12 ESL Licensure - Hamline University
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Communications and Outreach Intern - Growth & Justice
- New Face Intern - Vision Management Group, Inc
- Photography Intern - City Pages
- Media and Education Coordinator - Other Worlds
Entry-Level
- Writer/Translator - Surtrek Tour Operator
- Underwriting Director - Radio K, KUOM: Real College Radio
- Government News Reporter - The Winchester Star
- Associate Brand Manager - Procter & Gamble
Experienced
- Social Media & Communications Consultant - Minnesota Innocence Project
- Lead Writer and Producer, Environment Reports - The Institute on the Environment
- Commercial Department Leader - Procter & Gamble
- Global Marketing Manager - H.B. Fuller
Graduate Programs
- MA, Strategic Communication - University of Minnesota
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Information Technology Intern - Deloitte
Entry-Level
- Project-Based Research Consultant - Ergo
- Business Development and Account Manager - Amerilab Technologies
- IT Program Director - Optum
Experienced
- Data and Print Technician - Maximum Graphics
- Marketing/Web Development - CAD Technology Center
- Senior Business Development Coordinator - Amerilab Technologies, Inc.
- Sr. IT Support Director - UnitedHealthcare Global*
Graduate Programs
- MA, Information Architecture - Illinois Institute of Technology
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Intern - US Attorney's Office
- Development Intern - Council on Crime and Justice
- Press Officer, U.S. Department of State
- Legal Intern, Schmidt Law Firm
- Intern, United States of America, Department of State, Foreign Service Institute, The Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations
- Match Granting/Employment Intern, The International Institute of Minnesota
- Marketing & Program Advisement Intern, World Endeavors
- Recruitment Intern - DAI
- Intern - Grupo FARO
- Community Program Intern - Global Minnesota
- First Year Intern, Minnesota Student Association
- Intern, FairVote Minnesota
- Communications Intern, US Department of State
- Legislative Intern, Minnesota State Senate
Entry-Level
- First Lieutenant, Platoon Leader - US Army
- Law Clerk - Crowley, Hoge, & Fein
- Legal Secretary - Fredrikson & Byron
- Volunteer Program Developer - Americorps VISTA
- Paralegal - Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
- Economic Development Specialist - United Nations Institute for Training & Research (UNITAR)
- Experienced
- Captain/Commanding Officer - US Army
- Counsel - Cravo Pastl e Balbuena Associated Attorneys*
- Immigration Paralegal - Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
- Senior Maritime Infrastructure Advisor - Committee on the Marine Transportation System
Graduate Programs
- JD - University of Minnesota
- Masters in Public Policy Management - University of Maryland
- JD - Americans University, Master of Laws Instituto Superior de Derecho y Economía
- MA, Public Policy - University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs
- MS, Water Policy - University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Note: *Asterisks denote that further education and/or training is often required
Internships
- Caregiver - Self-employed
- Direct Care Professional - ACR Homes
Entry-Level
- First Floor Assistant - Presbyterian Homes
- Recruiter - ACR Homes
- Human Service Technician (Direct Care Employee) - Meriwether Ventures
Experienced
- Health Improvement Manager - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota
- Global Research and Training Coordinator - Center for Global Health
- Global Marketing Manager, Structural Heart - Medtronic
- Senior Pharmacy Technologist - Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota*
Graduate Programs
- MPH - University of Minnesota
- MPH, International Public Health - Boston University
- Ph.D., Nursing - University of Minnesota