Cost & earnings at University of Colorado Boulder What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
This bachelor's-level programme in International with a focus on Globalization examines the political, economic and cultural processes that connect people and institutions across borders. It suits students who want an interdisciplinary grounding in global affairs, practical experience such as internships or study abroad, and preparation for careers in international policy, development, business or further study.
The degree combines courses in international relations, political economy, cultural and social dimensions of globalisation, research methods and language study. Core topics typically include globalisation theory, comparative politics, global governance and international law, transnational migration, international development, and global political economy. Students usually complete a mix of required core units and electives that allow concentration — for example in development, security and diplomacy, or global business.
Programme structure often includes a research methods sequence to build quantitative and qualitative skills, a capstone seminar or senior thesis, and opportunities for experiential learning such as internships, practicum courses or community-engaged projects. Many students take regional or thematic course clusters (e.g. Latin America, East Asia, Europe, conflict and peacebuilding) and advance one or more foreign languages to proficiency.
Applicants are expected to hold a secondary-school diploma or equivalent with a strong academic record. Admissions typically consider high-school coursework in social studies, history, languages and mathematics, alongside grades and other achievements. The university evaluates applications holistically, so extracurricular experience, essays and references that demonstrate interest in international affairs and cross-cultural engagement are important.
International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements as set by the university, usually via recognised tests or approved waivers. Transfer applicants should have completed college-level coursework in relevant subjects; specific credit-transfer policies are provided by the registrar and admissions office.
Graduates go on to a wide range of careers in public, private and non-profit sectors. Common pathways include roles in diplomacy and foreign service, international development and humanitarian organisations, policy analysis and government, international business and trade, consulting, journalism and media covering global issues, and advocacy or programme work with NGOs.
The degree also prepares students for postgraduate study in international relations, public policy, law, development studies or business. Practical experiences gained through internships, study abroad and language competence often help graduates secure positions with multinational firms, intergovernmental organisations, think tanks and regional agencies.
University of Colorado Boulder offers an interdisciplinary environment with access to faculty whose work spans political science, economics, anthropology and environmental studies — an asset when studying the many dimensions of globalisation. Students benefit from campus resources such as study-abroad advising, internship and career services, and a range of research centres and institutes that support international scholarship and experiential learning.
The campus location provides connections to a dynamic regional economy and a network of NGOs, start-ups and policy organisations in the Boulder/Denver area, which can facilitate internships and applied projects. Small-class settings for seminars and capstone projects, combined with opportunities to pursue language study and fieldwork, help prepare graduates for practical roles in international contexts or further academic study.
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