Global Studies

Bioswale West 1 Parking Lot, Purchase College

The Global Studies BA prepares you to engage with the world as a global citizen.

Why Global Studies?

We live in an increasingly global world, which requires an equally global-minded workforce with dynamic multidisciplinary and intercultural competency. Develop global competence and the life skills needed to address far-reaching contemporary issues and their implications for our future.

Think Big

Global in scope regarding world regions and culture, but also in subject matter, Global Studies addresses critical topics like food, water, health, migration, or energy that affect populations worldwide.

What’s Global Is Local

As you consider large-scale issues in places all over the world, you’ll learn how they connect to local issues that affect you and those around you. Apply the crucial management and leadership skills you’ll build to make an impact.

Uncertain About Your Major?

Global Studies encourages you to explore more than one subject. Dip into different majors, learn to appreciate diverse worldviews, and explore topics from varying traditions that cross time and space.

Minors Add Context

We encourage students to declare a minor in one of four programs in particular: Political Science, History, Language and Culture, or Economics. Or others that you find compelling.

Transfer Friendly

We aim to maintain flexibility and offer online course options.

What Is Global Competence?

Global competence is the ability to critically examine local, global, intercultural, and interdisciplinary complexity and interconnectivity; to appreciate and apply varying worldviews and perspectives; and to constructively engage with people different than ourselves.

(OECD, 2018)

Career Focus: The Capstone

As you culminate your studies, you’ll consolidate your skills and develop a signature capstone project. Using select research methods, you’ll make connections across disciplines to explore a relevant topic of your choice.

You’ll develop a carefully curated ePortfolio that showcases your work, talent, and training as you prepare for employment or advanced study.

Global Studies Requirements

See how you’ll progress through the program.

(Recommended) Introduces interdisciplinary study of politics, socioeconomics, culture, and knowledge diversity on the global stage.

Coursework examines the history and theories of globalization, origins of the United Nations as a formative global institution, and the ambitions behind the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Students explore the local-global dimensions of relevant topics.

Introduces the importance of integrating interdisciplinary perspectives in problem-solving, as well as combining academic and experiential learning in confronting real-world challenges.

Coursework explores the meanings and purpose of higher education, introduces transdisciplinary research methods, and features activities that strengthen academic skills.

Artificial Intelligence (LBS 3015)
Migration: World on the Move (LBS 3019)
Health and Human Rights (LBS 3011)
Science of Happiness (LBS 3016)
Food for Thought (LBS 3013)
Water (LBS 3012)
Housing Humanity (LBS 3011)
Decolonization and the Arts (LBS 3030)
Energy and Society (LBS 3021)
Waste Worldwide (LBS 3023)

The culmination of student coursework and training throughout their college education. Students apply and synthesize the methods, data analysis and theories they have learned across course curricula, and develop a signature research project on a topic of their choosing. Each unique project builds on a literature review or equivalent assessment of existing knowledge on a topic. Students assemble their work in an e-portfolio showcasing their achievements and talent.