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College of Arts & Sciences

Global Studies

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Why pursue a global studies degree at North Central College?

Go global with a cultural and politically enriching Global Studies major! Students studying Global Studies learn the skills necessary to build relationships and establish careers in other cultures. Global Studies provides the best of history, culture, politics and traveling, creating well-rounded individuals who are ready to thrive in any environment. At North Central College, you'll study three thematic areas: global power and security, culture and globalization and markets and development. Global Studies students are ready with the critical thinking skills to launch them into graduate school or roles in international business, global marketing, health, tourism, government and more. 

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

  • Analyzing interactions between states, societies and cultures
  • Tackling issues from a global perspective
  • Understanding the dynamics associated with living and working abroad

then a degree in GLOBAL STUDIES might be for you.

Why study global studies at North Central College?

Coursework topics: 

  • Business and Economic Statistics
  • Chinese History
  • Comparative Political Systems
  • Cultural Anthropology
  • East Asian Thought
  • Economics
  • Ethnic and Religious Conflict Resolution
  • Global History and Geography
  • Globalization and Society
  • Historical Methods
  • Intercultural Communication
  • International Business
  • International Law
  • International Relations
  • International Politics
  • Nature of Political Inquiry
  • Research methods in social sciences
  • Scope and Practice of Political Science

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Beyond the Classroom

As a global studies major, you can: 

  • Apply for internships and jobs through robust faculty and alumni networks or the Center for Career and Professional Development.
  • Present your own research projects at the Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research and other forums.
  • Gain valuable practical experience in law and international relations through the faculty-led Mock Trial and Model United Nations organizations.
  • Join the International Club, Asian Student Konnection, Korean Club, Japan Club, Chinese Club, Ecce, German Club, Le Cercle Français, Fusion Española or Raza Unida.
  • Engage with global communities firsthand through study abroad. 

More Department information

Global Studies, B.A.

North Central College's global studies program operates on the premise that participation in a globalized world demands an understanding of the various issues that confront all the earth's citizens. In order to achieve this objective the global studies program brings together courses from a variety of disciplines so that students come to understand the diversity of our world, the problems that face us and the possible solutions from which we can choose. Students who major in global studies accept the idea that boundaries, both physical and intellectual, must be crossed. Upon completion of this major, graduates are prepared to serve in the public, private and non-profit sectors, whether at the international or national level, in the world of business or the world of global politics.

For additional information and courses in this program, see Global Studies.

Core Courses

Global Power and Security

Culture and Globalization

Markets and Development

Research Methods

One of the following:

Study Abroad

Twelve credits through an approved study abroad program

Language Requirement

College level proficiency in a language through 102.

Advanced Electives

Twelve credit hours, with one course from each area and at least two courses at or above the 300-level.

Global Power and Security

Culture and Globalization

Markets and Development

Note:

*ECON 375 and ECON 380 need to both be taken to meet Markets and Development elective requirement as both courses are two credit hours each.

Capstone Seminar

Students must demonstrate elementary competence in a foreign language. For more information, see the B.A. Degree Requirements within the Academic Regulations section of this catalog.

Global Studies Minor

For additional information and courses in this program, see Global Studies.

The Global Studies minor requires 24 credit hours, including core and advanced electives within the program's three thematic areas: (1) Global Power and Security, (2) Culture and Globalization and (3) Markets and Development.

Core Courses

Global Power and Security

Culture and Globalization

Markets and Development

Advanced Electives

Twelve credit hours, with one course from each area and at least two courses at or above the 300-level.

Global Power and Security

Culture and Globalization

Markets and Development

Global Studies Internships and Jobs

A North Central education integrates career preparation with rich academic study. Our faculty encourages you to refine and apply your knowledge in an interconnected world. Here you'll learn to think independently and work internationally to solve global challenges and lead.

Internships

  • Coleman Group, consulting firm, Chicago
  • Non-government organizations (NGOs)
  • International business
  • Service and ministry work
  • Government
  • International relations
  • Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme

Graduate Schools

Recent graduates in global studies have been accepted to graduate study programs at:

  • University of Minnesota
  • Texas A&M University, Bush School of Government and Public Service
  • Yale University
  • Northwestern University
  • Marquette University

Careers

Career opportunities in global studies include:

  • International businesses
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Non-governmental organizations
  • Global health
  • Global marketing agencies
  • Human justice organizations
  • International governing agencies
  • Mass communication
  • Travel and tourism
  • U.S. government offices and agencies

Invest in your future

Choosing the right college is a big decision. Don’t make it alone. North Central’s admission and financial aid team is here to help you design a financial aid solution that works best for you and your family.

Merit scholarships, grants, loans, campus employment - these are just some of the resources available to you. Over 95 percent of students and 100 percent of all eligible students receive aid. Let our team partner with you in finding the best value for your education.

Learn more about financial aid and costs for North Central College
 

Apply to North Central College

The first step to becoming a North Central student is reading the application instructions specific to you. Find out everything you need to know about applying by selecting the group you belong to below.