International Studies or Global Studies?
International Studies is a broad-based liberal arts major offered through the College of Letters and Science. Its coursework is drawn from numerous departments within the liberal arts tradition. Study abroad is not required for International Studies.
Global Studies is a joint degree program between the College of Letters and Science and professional schools at UWM. It was created for students who wish to combine an interest in international issues with pre-professional studies. Joint degrees are offered with the College of Community Engagement & Professions, the Sheldon B. Lubar College of Business and the College of the Arts & Architecture. Students are required to complete 12 credits of international experience for the Global Studies Major, choosing from a combination of study abroad and internship options.
Additionally, Global Studies Majors complete six semesters of foreign language study compared to the approximately four semesters that International Studies Majors complete.
| Program Type | Bachelor of Arts Degree in Global Studies | Major (L&S Bachelor of Arts Degree) |
|---|---|---|
| Tracks/Options (i.e. sub-majors or concentrations | Five tracks, including: Global Communications, Global Management, Global Security, Global Sustainability, and Global Health | Three Options, including: (A) International Politics and World Affairs, (B) International Economics and Development, and ( C) World Languages and Cultures Highly recommended |
| International Experience (12 credits) | Students will be required to complete 2 of the options below: | Optional – 1-6 credits for an internationally-focused internship in the US or overseas may be counted as an elective |
| Option 1: 3-9 credits of study abroad | ||
| Option 2: 1-6 credits of an international internship | ||
| Option 3: 1-6 credits of a domestic internship with a global organization or clear international focus | ||
| Foreign Language | 6 semesters or equivalent of one language other than English. Courses taken abroad, fully taught in the foreign language, fulfill a “semester” of language requirement. (Non-native English speakers should consult with a Global Studies advisor regarding a waiver.) | 14 credits in one foreign language or equivalent (maximum of 4 semesters depending on language studied and placement results) |
| Time to Completion | Normally 4 years for students who start as intended Global Studies students in their first year at UWM | While students may complete their major requirements in less than 4 years, they also need time to complete their L&S degree requirements |
Interested in learning more about Global Studies? Visit the Global Studies website here.