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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.
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.
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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.
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

  • 2023 UWM Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
    Congratulations to all of the 2023 inductees to Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society from UWM, including those from the Department of Global Studies: Emma Lynn Blanchette (French and Linguistics double major) Jennifer Olson (Global Studies major) Abby Schroder (English major, … Read more
  • Global Studies alum makes her Milwaukee Film Festival debut
    Congratulations to Amanda Platt ('18, BA Global Studies), an actor in Earlybird, a film that debuted in April 2023 at the Milwaukee Film Festival. Read more about the article here.
  • Winners of the Annual Department of Global Studies Ian Elliot Award
    Michael McCutcheon Global Studies Communications/Anthropology Major French Minor "I am grateful for the Ian Elliot scholarship this semester. 100% of the award will be going towards my study abroad this summer to Paris. This is fulfilling a dream many years … Read more
  • Podcast Intern Summer 2023
    Interested in all aspects of podcast creation from research to post-production? Apply for the Podcast Intern Summer 2023. Additional information about this posting can be found here.
  • 414 for UWM Giving Day
    On April 14, UWM celebrates “414 Day.” This year the 414 for UWM Giving Day campaign runs from noon on Thursday, April 13 through noon on Friday, April 14. Please consider supporting UWM and the students of Comparative Literature, French, … Read more

Global Studies Events

There are no upcoming events.


Global Monday 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.