Brookings Main Campus
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
- 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
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- New York Civil Liberties Union
- Sioux Falls School District
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
Suggested Certificates
Suggested Dual Majors
Suggested Minors
Clubs and Organizations
- Global Studies Club
- International Relations Club
- Spanish, French, German Clubs
Undecided or still deciding on a major and future career?
If you are uncertain about your major and have questions about career planning, you are not alone. Choosing a major or career can be a very difficult decision. The exploratory studies program may be a good fit if you are unsure of your major and career focus. Entering the university in the exploratory studies program will help you gain confidence and valuable insights on majors and minors available at SDSU and future career choices.
In addition, , a self-guided assessment, education and career planning program, will help you reflect on your values, interests, personality traits and skills to provide valuable insight as you explore major and career choices. SDSU students may access FOCUS 2 Career by using their student email and password. After completing FOCUS 2 Career, you may find it helpful to discuss your results with a career coach in the .