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Global Studies Major « Academics « LAS Global Studies « College of Liberal Arts & Sciences « University of Illinois


Global Studies Major

Global Studies develops knowledge sets, skills and values necessary for the analysis and solution of contemporary world problems. The requirements of the major enrich, complement, and coordinate departmental offerings with the goals of:

  • providing knowledge of diverse cultures: their social, economic and political interactions and impacts on the world;
  • developing skills for successfully negotiating realities of contemporary societies;
  • fostering values that respect diverse ways of living and deepen commitment to sustainability.

This program of study was developed in response to the growing demand for knowledge and skills to successfully navigate concerns at international and global levels. The competencies established through this program are critical for students preparing for careers or further study in a variety of fields including international affairs, public policy, business, law, finance, education, and communications.

The Global Studies major is interdisciplinary, drawing upon the resources of faculty and departments across the university.  The major has three elements: Global Studies Foundation Courses, Language and Culture Studies, and a Thematic Area. Students work with an advisor to customize their major curriculum most appropriate to their individual interests and career aspirations.

More information about the major can be found in the Global Studies Handbook.

Global Studies Foundation Courses

All majors are required to take a set of foundation courses which introduce a variety of global issues and the skills necessary to analyze these issues from multiple disciplinary perspectives. View Foundations requirements

Language and Culture Studies

Majors delve into the language and culture of a specific world region through on-campus courses and a semester-long program abroad. This experience allows majors to explore global processes and flows from a local perspective, while also developing valuable language and cross-cultural skills. View Language and Culture Studies requirements

Thematic Area

This portion of the major is designed to focus on one specific theme of global importance to allow for an in-depth and interdisciplinary understanding of relevant historical and emerging issues, how they are analyzed and how they are addressed. View Thematic Areas