urban area at night, drone view

Students have a number of options within the Global Studies Program.

Within the major there are five tracks to choose from, allowing students to specialize in a particular area of global interest:

  • Global Communication
  • Global Health
  • Global Management
  • Global Sustainability
  • Global Security

Several of these degrees are jointly conferred by the College of Letters & Science and another professional college at UWM. For example, the Global Management track is a collaborative program with the UWM Lubar College of Business.

The minor in Global Studies is broad-based and does not offer specialty tracks. Students receive a well-rounded overview of global issues as part of the minor to complement any other major.

Advanced students who enter their first year prepared to take upper-level classes in a world language other than English may be interested in the accelerated master’s program. This program can lead to a bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and a Saster’s degree in Translation and Interpreting Studies in five years total instead of six. Students interested in this option should consult with their advisor by the middle of their first year

Global Studies Program Contact

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 Christine Wolf.

Undergraduate Programs in Global Studies

In addition to the traditional major and minor options, we have an accelerated program. Students who begin their first year at UWM with advanced skills in a language other than English can earn both the bachelor’s degree in Global Studies and a Master’s degree in Translation and Interpreting Studies in five years instead of six. Students interested in this option should consult with their advisor by the middle of their first year.

Major, Minor, and Accelerated Degrees


Ready to Declare?

Select the declaration that’s right for you, and you will find more instructions on how to declare and what to expect.

Student Resources

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Understand who your advisors are and the ways they help you successfully navigate college life.
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See all the options for electives and upcoming courses.
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Understand how to create a scholarship application and sources of funding.
View Scholarships & Awards
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There are additional programs at UWM outside of the Department of Global Studies that cover global topics.
View Related Programs
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Tutoring, accommodations, mentor programs, and more.
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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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Earn honors in the major or join the UWM Honors College.
View Honors
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
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
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Students who place beyond the first-semester of a language can earn up to 16 retroactive credits, depending on the language.
View Retro Credits

Global Studies Highlights

Value of Global Competence for Career Growth

people planting somethingAdaptive on the job — comfortable with change and complexity
person preparing teaEffective communicator —engage with others across languages
interns cleaning pondLifelong learner — enhanced natural curiosity
Leader among peers —embrace cultural and interpersonal differences
water faucet in water tankProblem solver — examine issues from multiple perspectives

Global Studies Virtual Information Session

  • The main differences between the Global Studies and International Studies programs
  • Meet alumni and learn about careers and opportunities after graduation
  • Hear about a current student’s experience in the program
  • How the experiential requirements work
  • Where internship sites are being developed for students
  • How to make an appointment or get more information.

Global Studies News

Global Studies Events

There are no upcoming events.


Global Minute

  • Global Minute
    https://sway.cloud.microsoft/R5iVgZnwkyHKHLnN?ref=Link
  • Global Minute
    https://sway.cloud.microsoft/dIceWFPNRNh8dsgh?ref=Link
  • Global Minute
    https://sway.cloud.microsoft/Z45WV5VflqiVhWBC?ref=Link
  • Global Minute
    https://sway.cloud.microsoft/rH2KVfWM67M547mO?ref=Link&loc=play

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.

Photo of UWM Campus from above looking south, with downtown Milwaukee in background.

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.