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The Department of Global Studies offers four different majors: Global Studies, French, Italian, and Comparative Literature. In addition, we have two programs that can lead to both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years instead of the typical six years. These “Accelerated” programs are great for students entering college with advanced language skills.

Select the program of interest below for full details on requirements, advising and more. And be sure to explore our student resources to get a taste of what life as a UWM student is like. Successful college students take advantage of all the resources available to them and graduate, not just with a degree, but with a full resume of experiences that can lead to that first post-college job or acceptance to their preferred graduate program.

Contact Us

Prospective Students (not yet enrolled at UWM)

Prospective students, contact our admissions counselor at let-sci@uwm.edu or 414-229-7711.

Current Students

General questions such as how to declare, how to change a major, general education requirements, etc. should be directed to the College advising office at ls-advising@uwm.edu or 414-229-4654.

Specific questions about Global Studies, such as research opportunities, internship opportunities, major requirements, etc., should be directed to the Global Studies Department.

Undergraduate Programs

The majors and minors below are directly offered by the Department of Global Studies. There are other related programs offered by other units at UWM that we think might also be appealing to students in interdisciplinary global and language studies.

Major and Minor Degrees


Accelerated Graduate Degrees

These programs can lead to both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in five years instead of six for students who are starting college at an advanced level in the language. Early entry into the program is essential so students should consult with their advisor no later than the mid-point of first year.

Recommended Resources for Students

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There are additional programs at UWM outside of the Department of Global Studies that cover global topics.
View Related Programs
Experience matters just as much as a degree. Learn about international internships and domestic internships with international companies for students in Global Studies.
View Internships
Opportunities abound around the world for students to live and study outside of the U.S. for a few weeks, a semester or a full year.
View Study Abroad
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Understand how to create a scholarship application and sources of funding.
View Scholarships & Awards
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Earn honors in the major or join the UWM Honors College.
View Honors
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See what our alumni have done with their Global Studies degrees.
View Resources & Outcomes
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Find friends with similar interests through career-oriented organizations, social clubs, and community activities.
View Organizations
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Tutoring, accommodations, mentor programs, and more.
View Help
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Students who place beyond the first-semester of a language can earn up to 14 retroactive credits.
View Retro Credits

Campus Resources

UWM offers a wide range of on-campus resources, such as academic support and mental health resources. Students also find community within our student centers.

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UWM Land Acknowledgement: We acknowledge in Milwaukee that we are on traditional Potawatomi, Ho-Chunk and Menominee homeland along the southwest shores of Michigami, North America’s largest system of freshwater lakes, where the Milwaukee, Menominee and Kinnickinnic rivers meet and the people of Wisconsin’s sovereign Anishinaabe, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Oneida and Mohican nations remain present.   |   To learn more, visit the Electa Quinney Institute website.