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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.
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There are additional programs at UWM outside of the Department of Global Studies that cover global topics.
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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.
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Find friends with similar interests through career-oriented organizations, social clubs, and community activities.
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Earn honors in the major or join the UWM Honors College.
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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.
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Experience matters just as much as a degree. Learn about international internships and domestic internships with international companies for students in Global Studies.
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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

  • Momcilovic Discusses Zombies on Central Time
     On October 23, Dr. Drago Momcilovic (Comparative Literature and Global Studies) was a guest during the call-in show "Central Time" on the Ideas Network, answering questions about COMPLIT 135, Experiencing Literature in the 21st Century: Zombie Metaphors, as well as … Read more
  • Pickering-Iazzi in conversation on her latest translation
    On September 20, Prof. Robin Pickering-Iazzi had the opportunity to engage in a lively online conversation of her translation of Maria Rosa Cutrufelli's Tina, Mafia Soldier with Chiara Durrazini (Boston Italian Theater Company), Juliet Grames (Soho Press), and Cutrufelli through I Am … Read more
  • Join the Global Student Alliance!
    The Global Student Alliance is a student organization of both undergraduate and graduate students with a mission to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive community of students dedicated to fostering global awareness, cross-cultural understanding, and sustainable change within our college campus … Read more
  • Black Lives Matter UWinteriM Study Abroad now accepting applications!
    Black Lives Matter: A Global Comparative Study in the UK, an award-winning study abroad program, returns in 2024! Join Global Studies affiliated faculty Portia Cobb (Peck School of the Arts) and Ermitte Saint Jacques (African and African Diaspora Studies) in … Read more
  • Black Lives Matter: A Global Comparative Study wins GoAbroad Innovation Award
    The Global Studies Program and Study Abroad, along with UK study abroad partners CEA CAPA Education Abroad, have won the 2023 Innovative Study Abroad Program award from GoAbroad.com for the 2023 UWinteriM Study Abroad course BLM: A Global Comparative Study! GLOBAL … Read more

Global Studies Events

There are no upcoming events.


Global Minute

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.