BA in Global Studies | Global Studies | College of Liberal Arts

BA in Global Studies | Global Studies | College of Liberal Arts
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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.
Full Requirements
Transfer Guide
Career Paths
Transfer Guide
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Transfer Guide
If you are exploring or planning to transfer to CLA, learning more about your intended major is important.
Click on the ” Full Requirements” button above to see all of the major requirements, and any limits or restrictions on certain kinds of courses or credits. Every major has a requirement of a minimum number of upper level credits or courses that must be taken through their department. Some departments also have limits to the number of 1xxx or 2xxx level courses that can count towards major requirements.
Courses to Prepare for the Major
If you are considering a major in Global Studies, you are encouraged to take a 1xxx-level (lower division) global studies-related course early in your college career to explore your interest. A lower division course can provide a broad introduction to this major or explore a specific area of study such as human rights, revolutions and social movements, global political economy, environmental justice, migration and displacement, global health, race/ ethnicity in global perspectives, gender/ sexuality in global perspectives, or globalization, culture and the arts. Here are examples of 1xxx level courses offered at UMTC:
GLOS 1015W - Globalization: Issues and Challenges
GLOS 1105 - From Climate Crisis to Climate Justice
GLOS 1112 - Social Justice Across Borders
It is possible to take an introductory course after transferring. This is common for students transferring from schools where a major similar to Global Studies  was not available.
A grade of C- or better is required in all courses approved to satisfy major requirements.
Transferring Courses and Credits
Use
Transferology
to help you plan your courses for the major. Remember, when using Transferology, look for courses that transfer as direct equivalents to UMTC major courses.
Check
Transferology
to see if an evaluation already exists for courses you would like to use towards the major. If you find a course that has not been evaluated, you can
submit an evaluation request
to find out if your course is equivalent to a specific UMTC course. A copy of the course syllabus is required for the evaluation.
Declaring the Major
Transfer students must apply and be admitted to the College of Liberal Arts in order to declare a major. Check out the information on the Global Studies declaration process on the
Advising
page.
BA Second Language Requirement
The BA degree does have a
second language requirement
. Consider completing or starting your second language before you transfer to CLA. Be sure to talk with a CLA transfer advisor about any questions.
Who Can Help as You Plan Your Transfer
CLA Transfer Advising
- CLA Transfer Advisors are ready to assist you as you plan your transfer to CLA. The
Transfer to CLA website
provides additional information to help you in your transfer exploration and planning.
Global Studies Department Advising
- The departmental advisor can answer questions that are specific to the major.
Office of Admissions
- Requirements for admission to CLA are not the same as the requirements to declare a major. Read through the
CLA Transfer Admissions requirements
to learn more, and contact the Office of Admissions with any questions.
If you are a current UMTC student or a UM-Rochester student, you will use
the Change of College application process
.
Career Paths
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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