- Degree Level
- Undergraduate
- Degrees Offered
- Bachelor of Arts
- Department
- Historical and Political Studies
- school/college
- College of Arts and Sciences
Earn a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies
As an Arcadia undergraduate Global Studies major (formerly International Studies), you’ll tackle the most pressing interdisciplinary global issues of our time, such as human rights, climate change, forced migration, conflict, and inequality. You’ll explore how history, politics, culture, and economics shape today’s interconnected world, and learn to analyze how global systems affect local communities.
This Global Studies bachelor degree combines rigorous academics with hands-on, real-world learning on campus, in the community, and abroad. Through fieldwork, research, and immersive study abroad opportunities, you’ll build the cross-cultural skills and global perspective that prepare you for success in graduate or law school and in a wide range of global studies careers with nonprofits, think tanks, government agencies, and international organizations.
Arcadia’s International Global Studies program equips you with the knowledge and practical experience to thrive in a rapidly changing world and gives you a clear picture of what you can do with a global studies degree.
Program Benefits
The Global Studies program at Arcadia offers:
- Small classes that keep your learning personal and interactive
- Dedicated faculty mentors with global and cross-cultural expertise
- A flexible curriculum designed to match your academic interests and career goals
- A capstone research project that showcases your expertise and career readiness
- Community-based learning that connects classroom knowledge to real-world impact
- Strong support for study abroad and global immersion with diverse cultural experiences
- Preparation for graduate school and a wide range of global studies bachelor degree career opportunities
Global Studies Minor
Students can also pursue a Global Studies minor, gaining a strong foundation in human rights, migration, social justice, and other interdisciplinary global issues. Flexible by design, it pairs well with majors such as Political Science, International Business, Public Health, Education, and Sociology, adding a valuable cross-cultural perspective. A Global Studies minor enhances academic breadth and prepares you for success in today’s international job market.
“Global Studies is about learning not just one subject but many at the same time, which really helps me see how the world is interconnected.”
Explore a Typical Course Path to Graduation
Featured Courses
Social Life of War
Required Course
Gain a new and eye-opening perspective on war and violent conflict. You will not just learn theories of why human beings keep getting involved in wars, but will also understand how we are all part of these processes.
The Politics of Climate Change
Required Course
Examine case studies on the consequences of species extinction, natural disasters and conflict, and environmental racism in order to assess the possibilities for an intersectional, climate justice movement in this solutions-oriented course.
Migration Politics in the Americas
Required Course
Examine the internal workings of the politics of migration by exploring the historical formation and contemporary realities of migration and its related language practices. "Politics" refers not only to the workings of government; it is also a feature of everyday life that is shaped by language.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you do with a Global Studies degree?
A Global Studies bachelor degree sets you up for careers in international development, nonprofit leadership, government service, business, public health, education, and more. Many graduates also go on to law or graduate school.
Do Global Studies majors have to study abroad?
Yes. All Global Studies students complete at least one semester abroad or an approved immersive global experience. Arcadia is ranked #1 in Pennsylvania for study abroad by U.S. News & World Report and holds a strong national presence in global programs. See for yourself.
Is Global Studies an interdisciplinary program?
Yes. Arcadia’s undergraduate Global Studies program integrates history, politics, economics, and culture while addressing human rights, climate change, migration, conflict, and inequality, backed by classroom learning, research, and applied experience.
