Whether you dream of making the world more safe, healthy and equitable or of launching a career in global business, international law or humanitarian aid, this major equips you with the tools and experience to tackle big-picture challenges and make an impact. You’ll develop the critical thinking, communication and hands-on research skills that employers across sectors value. And you’ll gain real-world experience through international internships, study abroad and co-ops.
The interdisciplinary major focuses on the ways nations and other global actors interact in a rapidly changing world, including diplomacy, trade, security, environment, culture and international development. It is informed by a range of disciplines such as political science, history, economics and sociology.
Students apply to the program in the fall of their sophomore year. The number of majors is limited and admission is competitive.
The global affairs major consists of core courses in political science, history, sociology and the economics of international relations as well as an elective course. Majors are also required to take a L4 language course and complete a senior project, either as a capstone thesis in GLBL 4499 or as a written paper in GLBL 4500, the senior essay class. Up to two courses taken during summer or term-time study abroad may count toward the major with DUS approval.