Global Studies

Play a critical role in shaping our world.

In SDSU’s global studies program, students engage critically with global issues, hone verbal and written communication skills essential in a global marketplace and society, and develop intercultural competence necessary to make a positive difference in the world. The interdisciplinary global studies major combines a set of required core courses, a modern language series and a diverse series of electives from disciplines such as modern languages, economics, English, geography, history, philosophy, political science, religion and sociology. These electives are designed to educate students in the complexity of the numerous cultural, political, social, environmental and religious interactions that comprise our modern world. As a global studies major, your examination of current issues will be enhanced by a credit-bearing cross-cultural experience outside of the United States. You can spend a summer, semester or academic year participating in a study abroad program or completing an international internship. The global studies major offers flexibility and can easily be combined with another major, several minors or teaching certification.

Is it for you?
This program will be a good fit if you:
  • Want to travel, broaden your horizons and engage with diversity.
  • Enjoy learning about global cultures and hope to work internationally.
  • Are interested in global issues and how the world is impacted by globalization.
  • Seek to gain proficiency in a second language, hone your communication skills or develop your intercultural competence.
Career Opportunities
Explore possible career opportunities with this degree:
  • Diplomacy or government: foreign service, civil service, international organization
  • Healthcare: doctor, nurse, physician’s assistant, Doctors Without Borders
  • International Business: sales, trade, management
  • International Development: public health, community education, human rights, nonprofit organization, NGO
  • International Education: teaching ESL, nonprofit organization, NGO
  • Law: international law, immigration law, human rights law
  • Tourism: director, hotel management, tour guide
  • Translator or Interpreter: public or private sector
Recent Employers
Graduates have gone on to work at employers such as:
  • U.S. Department of State
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • New York Civil Liberties Union
  • Sioux Falls School District
Internship Opportunities
We have provided the following internship opportunities:
  • Youth development and after-school programs in the U.S. and overseas
  • Teaching English as a Second Language in the U.S. and overseas
  • Nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and overseas
  • Dental and medical clinics overseas
  • U.S. Department of State
Clubs & Organizations
We offer the following extracurricular clubs to participate in:
  • Global Studies Club
  • International Relations Club
  • Spanish, French, German Clubs
Suggested Certificates
View of the US Capitol building.
Lobbying and Government Advocacy Certificate (Undergraduate)
Leading meeting
Public Service Certificate (Undergraduate)
Handshake made of many photos
Workplace Intercultural Competence Certificate (Undergraduate)
Suggested Minors
Aerospace Studies
Aerospace Studies Minor
French Studies minor
French Studies Minor
Student operating a large video camera wearing a headset.
Journalism Minor
Administrative Affairs Masters students
Leadership and Management of Nonprofit Organizations Minor
ROTC cadet standing in front of a cannon.
Military Science Minor
Philosophy Busts
Philosophy Minor
Political Science Students Discussion
Political Science Minor
Suggested Dual Majors