Global Studies, BA
Study how cultures, economics, institutions and social issues shape our increasingly globalized world. You'll build intercultural skills and problem-solving abilities that prepare you for a variety of domestic and international careers.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Global Studies, BA degree description
In the Bachelor of Arts program in global studies, you examine the causes and consequences of problems that cross national boundaries, and the governance of these problems in social, cultural and economic contexts.
The program's award-winning and internationally recognized faculty have extensive global experience from a wide variety of disciplines in the social sciences and humanities. Courses use case studies, research and public policy activities to address current problems and their solutions in various fields, including:
- economic and social development
- ethnoreligious identities, rights and conflicts
- global cities and urbanization
- global governance of health and climate change
- justice and human rights
- world cultures
In addition to reviewing the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, if you're interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can visit The College's website for more information and requirements.
Why study global studies at ASU?
This global studies degree at ASU spans political science, sociology, history and geography, drawing insights from each field to help you understand an increasingly connected world. You'll study how political institutions, international organizations and global trends interact, and you'll learn to communicate complex ideas accurately to decision-makers. As part of the program curriculum, you take two, semester-long diplomacy simulation courses, and you'll receive coaching as you pursue a required global experience or internship.
ASU is a global research leader with extensive international programs and research centers, plus campuses in Arizona, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. The program attracts leading scholars and practitioners in diplomacy, along with environmental and migration issues so you learn from experts with deep field experience. In focus groups and surveys run by the School of Politics and Global Studies' Experimental Research Lab, students highlighted the number, variety and quality of experiential and internship opportunities the school offers as what sets this program apart.
This global studies degree also prepares you for graduate and professional programs. Through internationally focused internships, study abroad and research, you connect classroom concepts to global challenges and gain the analytical and cross-cultural skills employers value.
Additional details
Outside the classroom, you can join the Model United Nations at ASU, where students meet to discuss international affairs, research complex global issues, and simulate the work of the United Nations. It's a practical way to test your skills and connect with peers who share your interest in global affairs.
This program is available fully online, giving you a flexible path to the same faculty and coursework as on-campus students.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| SGS 101 Thinking Globally |
| SGS 204 Professional Global Career Development |
| SGS 303 Global Trends |
| SGS 484 Internship |
| SGS 340 Violence, Conflict and Human Rights |
| SGS 323 International Development |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Analyze key contemporary global issues.
- Compare cultural perspectives of governance and/or global issues.
- Effectively communicate, in writing, insights from their global experience or internship.
Analyze key contemporary global issues.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Global Experiences not only satisfy degree requirements within the global studies major but also help students develop a portfolio of distinct experiences, with research and internship opportunities available in an international setting. Students have the chance to challenge themselves to adapt and persevere under potentially unfamiliar social and cultural circumstances. When studying abroad, students encounter many opportunities to improve their language skills and cultural competence, helping them to effectively communicate across populations.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends specific global experience programs for students majoring in global studies.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advocate | 7.4% | $45,930 | Learn more |
| Database Administrator (DBA) | -0.1% | $104,620 | Learn more |
| Emergency Manager | 3.9% | $93,330 | Learn more |
| Human Behavior Researcher | 5.0% | $61,990 | Learn more |
| Intelligence Officer | 0.2% | $93,790 | Learn more |
| Marketing Associate | -3.7% | $133,660 | Learn more |
| Political Analyst | -2.0% | $142,080 | Learn more |
| Regulatory Affairs Manager | 4.9% | $141,900 | Learn more |
| Translator | 2.0% | $60,170 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this global studies degree prepares you for
Graduates have skills useful for success in political or government careers, law school, graduate study, business or the nonprofit sector. Many program graduates have found positions in:
- the courts and judicial administration
- foreign service organizations
- international organizations
- legislative staff organizations
- lobbying and advocacy groups
- local and national media organizations
- local, national and global nonprofit organizations
- multinational corporations
- national, state, and local government agencies
- political consulting
- research institutions
In addition, some graduates have gone on to other top-tier graduate and professional schools. These students have found a variety of employment opportunities in the fields of:
- communication
- education
- foreign service
- journalism
- law
- political science
- public service
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Politics and Global Studies
|
COOR 6797
spgs-ugadvising@asu.edu
480-965-8563
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
