Case Western Reserve University

What you'll study

The programme is built around a core of international studies and social‑science methods, plus a concentration on globalization that explores transnational flows of capital, people, ideas and culture. Core modules typically include Introductory International Relations, Comparative Politics, International Political Economy, and Research Methods for the Social Sciences.

• Globalization and Development — theories and case studies on development, inequality and global governance.
• Global Governance and International Law — institutions, treaties and regulatory frameworks that shape global interaction.
• Transnational Migration and Diaspora — patterns, causes and policy responses to human mobility.
• Global Cities and Urbanization — how cities operate as nodes in global economic and cultural networks, with opportunities to study Cleveland as a living laboratory.
• Political Economy of Trade and Finance — trade policy, multinational enterprises and financial globalization.
• Area Studies and Language — electives focused on regions (e.g. Latin America, East Asia, Europe, Middle East) plus a compulsory or strongly recommended foreign‑language sequence.
• Capstone Seminar or Senior Thesis — independent research project integrating theory, methods and empirical evidence; many students pair this with an internship or study‑away experience.

Students are encouraged to take complementary courses across departments — economics, anthropology, history, sociology, political science, and management — and to participate in study abroad, internships with international organisations, or community‑engaged projects that provide applied experience.

Entry requirements

Admission to Case Western Reserve is selective and based on a holistic review of academic record, extracurricular engagement and personal qualities. Typical expectations for applicants include a strong high‑school GPA, evidence of rigorous coursework (for example, advanced placement or IB where available), and strong writing skills.

• Recommended academic preparation: social studies, history, economics, mathematics and at least two years of a foreign language.
• Standardised tests: applicants should consult the university’s current testing policy; submission requirements can vary and may be optional in some admission cycles.
• For international applicants: proof of English proficiency is required unless exempt; acceptable tests and score expectations are set by the university.
• Successful applicants typically demonstrate extracurricular interest in global issues — for example, Model UN, international volunteering, language study or relevant internships.

Career prospects

Graduates with a concentration in Globalization are well placed for a wide range of careers that require cross‑cultural understanding and analytic skills. Common sectors and roles include:

• International organisations and non‑governmental organisations (programme officer, policy analyst, advocacy coordinator).
• Government and diplomacy (foreign service, policy advisor, trade and development agencies).
• Global business and consulting (international business development, market research, supply‑chain analysis).
• Media and communications (international reporting, public diplomacy, communications for nonprofits).
• Research and higher education (graduate study in international relations, public policy, development studies).

Students benefit from Case Western Reserve’s career services, campus recruiting, and connections with Cleveland’s nonprofit and corporate community, which can lead to internships and entry‑level positions that build professional experience.

Why study at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve offers an interdisciplinary approach to globalisation grounded in rigorous social‑science training and supported by strong departments across the university. The campus’s location in Cleveland provides access to international nonprofits, consular offices, multinational firms and active community partnerships for applied learning.

• Interdisciplinary faculty and research centres that allow students to combine political, economic and cultural perspectives on global issues.
• Opportunities for experiential learning — internships, practicums, study abroad programmes and community‑based research projects.
• Collaborations with professional schools (for example, management and law) that help students gain practical skills relevant to international careers.
• Dedicated advising and career support to help students plan study‑away experiences, secure internships, and prepare for graduate study or professional pathways.

Together these features make Case Western Reserve a strong setting for students who want a rigorous, practice‑oriented education in globalization and international studies.