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Global Studies

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

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What is Global Studies?

Global Studies allows you to create an individualized plan of study that prepares you for a future in global thematic areas. These include:

  • Environmental change
  • Wealth and poverty
  • Human rights and migration
  • Global health
  • Governance, conflict resolution, law, and public policy
  • Globalization and culture
  • Global business and markets

This major focuses on creating leaders on contemporary global issues. Foundational coursework is based in the social sciences. It explores global social, cultural, and economic interactions and impacts. Thematic coursework is individualized from courses across the campus. You’ll enhance your learning with experiential opportunities such as internships and earning credit for field work, service, and research while studying abroad. This program requires at least one semester of study abroad and advanced language coursework. You’ll develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address and lead on complex global issues.

Career Options

  • Business
  • Education
  • Government & International Security
  • Medicine & Healthcare
  • Law
  • Public Policy
  • Culture & the Arts

Post-Graduation Success1

85% employed or continuing education

65% employed after graduation

19% attending graduate school

1% volunteering

$44,179 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: U.S. Senate, Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE), Microsoft View All

Sample grad school destinations: American University, Depaul University, Chicago-Kent College of Law View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Guide

Graduation & Retention2

4.2 years to degree

94% first-year retention rate

90% four-year graduation rate

93% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $12,712
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,222
  • Total: $35,862

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $31,832
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses:$18,562
  • Total: $55,322

International

  • Tuition: $34,280
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,562
  • Total: $57,770

Related Majors

1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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