Illinois Wesleyan University

What you'll study

The Globalization curriculum is built around an interdisciplinary core that draws on political science, economics, history, sociology, anthropology and modern languages. You will study the major theories and debates about global integration, transnational institutions, development, migration, global labour markets, cultural change and environmental challenges.

• Core subjects: theories of globalisation, international political economy, comparative politics, and global governance.
• Regional and thematic courses: courses on area studies (for example Latin America, East Asia, Europe), migration and diaspora studies, global health, and environmental policy.
• Methods and skills: qualitative and quantitative research methods, data analysis for international issues, policy analysis and academic writing.
• Language study: progressive coursework in one or more modern languages to develop communicative competence and cultural literacy.
• Capstone and research: a senior seminar or capstone project that typically involves original research, an internship report or a practicum with a community or policy partner.

Class sizes at Illinois Wesleyan are small, enabling close interaction with faculty. Students are encouraged to combine the major with minors or concentrations in related fields such as economics, environmental studies, computer science, or business to tailor their degree to career goals.

Programme structure

The programme is structured across four years. Early years focus on foundational theories, language progression and research methods; middle years allow for elective exploration and regional specialisation; the final year culminates in a capstone research project or practicum. Many students integrate at least one semester of study abroad and an internship into their programme of study.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements reflect Illinois Wesleyan’s liberal arts admissions standards. Applicants are expected to have:

• A completed secondary school diploma or equivalent with strong academic performance across a broad curriculum.
• Transcripts showing achievement in humanities and social sciences; coursework in history, geography, language or social studies is advantageous.
• Standardised test submissions where applicable (students should consult the university’s current testing policy).
• Personal statement or essay demonstrating interest in international issues and how the liberal‑arts environment will support the applicant’s goals.
• One or more letters of recommendation from teachers or counsellors who can speak to academic potential and readiness for a liberal‑arts programme.
• For applicants whose first language is not English, proof of English proficiency by accepted tests or other demonstrated evidence of English ability.

Transfer applicants are evaluated on college transcripts and typically need a record of strong performance in prior tertiary coursework. Mature applicants and those with relevant professional experience are considered on an individual basis.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Globalization pursue a wide range of careers that require analytical thinking, cross‑cultural communication and policy awareness. Common career paths include:

• International development and humanitarian organisations (programme officer, project coordinator, monitoring and evaluation).
• Government and public policy (diplomacy, foreign service, policy analyst at national or subnational levels).
• Non‑governmental organisations and advocacy groups focused on human rights, environment, migration or public health.
• Private sector roles in international business, consulting, supply‑chain management and risk analysis.
• Media, communications and international public relations.
• Further study in fields such as international relations, public policy, law, development studies, business or area studies.

Internships, study abroad and the capstone project are important ways students build practical experience and professional networks that support job placement and graduate study.

Why study at Illinois Wesleyan University

Illinois Wesleyan offers a liberal‑arts environment with small seminars, close faculty mentorship and an emphasis on experiential learning—features well suited to a Globalization major. The university supports language learning, study abroad opportunities and local internship placements that let students apply classroom learning to real‑world contexts.

Faculty teaching in the programme bring interdisciplinary perspectives and supervise independent research projects. The campus community and extracurricular organisations provide regular programming on global issues, including speaker series, cultural events and student groups, enabling students to deepen their understanding of international affairs beyond the classroom.