Augustana University

What you'll study

This major combines humanities, social sciences and practical training to explore how globalisation shapes societies, markets and governance. Core themes include theories of globalisation, international political economy, global governance and human rights, comparative development, migration and diasporas, transnational cultural flows, and the environmental dimensions of global change.

• Core modules: Globalisation Theory; International Political Economy; Comparative Development; Research Methods for Global Studies; Global Governance and Human Rights.
• Regional and topical modules: Area studies (e.g. Latin America, East Asia, Europe); Migration and Diaspora Studies; Religion and Globalisation; Global Environmental Change; Global Cities and Urbanisation.
• Skills and practicum: Academic and applied research methods, data analysis for social science, foreign-language study, professional writing for international contexts, and a capstone project or senior thesis.
• Experiential learning: Study abroad programmes, internships with NGOs, government agencies, international businesses or media organisations, and community-based research projects.
• Electives and minors: Students often combine the major with minors such as Economics, Political Science, Environmental Studies, Business or a modern language to tailor their focus.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on a successful high-school record and a holistic review of academic credentials. Typical requirements include a secondary-school diploma (or equivalent) with strong grades across a broad curriculum. International applicants should provide proof of English language proficiency where required; commonly accepted evidence includes recognised tests or prior instruction in English. Applicants are also asked for a personal statement and may submit letters of recommendation, extracurricular information and evidence of community or work experience to support their application.

For transfer applicants, college transcripts demonstrating readiness for upper-division coursework are required. Advanced-placement, A‑level, International Baccalaureate and other recognised credentials are considered in meeting general education and placement needs.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of careers that require cross-cultural understanding, analytical ability and practical project skills. Common pathways include:

• International development and humanitarian organisations (programme officer, project coordinator)
• Public sector and diplomacy (policy analyst, consular services, foreign affairs support roles)
• International business and trade (market research, corporate social responsibility, supply-chain coordination)
• Non-governmental organisations and advocacy groups (campaigns, research, fundraising)
• Media, communications and international journalism
• Graduate study in international relations, development, public policy, law or related fields

Why study at Augustana University

Augustana offers this major within a liberal-arts setting that emphasises small classes, close faculty mentoring and interdisciplinary learning. Students benefit from accessible professors with expertise across political science, economics, environmental studies and languages, and from opportunities for undergraduate research and supervised internships that connect classroom learning to real-world work.

The university’s commitment to study abroad and off-campus programmes helps students gain lived international experience, while on-campus centres and career services assist with internship placement and professional development. The supportive campus community and emphasis on ethical leadership make Augustana suitable for students seeking both analytic rigour and practical preparation for global careers.