Global Studies, BA BA
UWM's Global Studies program uniquely offers students a blend of courses across disciplines and across colleges at UWM in preparation for a career abroad or within the U.S. that works on matters that cross borders and cultures. Our increasingly interconnected world demands future leaders who have global knowledge and skills including the ability to analyze problems from multiple perspectives and incorporate solutions that are inclusive of different viewpoints and cultures. Interpersonal and intercultural communication skills are also developed through our program as well as advanced competency in a language other than English.
These characteristics are valued by employers across industries and professions and are the launching pad for lifelong career growth and adaptability. There is no single job outcome for global studies graduates - you will find our alumni in all types of positions in locations around the globe. We have alumni who own international start-ups, some who work in a business management role at large multinational corporations, and others who have joined the Peace Corps or an NGO in social service types of positions.
To better serve the diverse career interests of our students, Global Studies majors choose from one of five tracks:
Global Communications - with a focus on language, culture and the technology of modern, global communication (by meeting certain requirements, students can receive a joint degree from both the College of Letters & Science and the College of Community Engagement & Professions)
Global Management - focusing on business and the world economy (a joint degree between the College of Letters & Science and the Sheldon B. Lubar College of Business)
Global Security - dealing with aspects of conflict and change such as water resources, war, human rights, borders, and global health
Global Sustainability - students develop expertise in matters of the environment and government systems
Global Health - a track for students interested in global careers in healthcare, international aid, healthcare policy, international health education, health outreach, and international health regulations (by meeting certain requirements, students can receive a joint degree from both the College of Letters & Science and the College of Health Professions & Sciences)
Students often wonder what the differences are between the Global Studies major and the International Studies major. International Studies is a more traditional broad liberal arts program that does not offer the specialties mentioned above. Courses from the College of Business, the College of Community Engagement & Professions or the College of Health Professions & Sciences cannot count toward the International Studies major like they can for the Global Studies major. Additionally, the Global Studies major requires a higher level of world language fluency (through the sixth semester) and requires an international experience such as study abroad, an international internship, or an internship that takes place domestically but with an international aspect.
Read more about the tracks within this major:
Global Studies: Sustainability
Program Type
Major
Program Format
On Campus
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The Global Studies Undergraduate Advisor works closely with students to develop an individual course of study that fulfills program requirements, prepares them to meet their professional and educational goals, and and devise a plan for varied and valuable international experiences through study abroad and international internships.
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at UWM, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.
College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:
- Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
- Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
- Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
- Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
- Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:
- Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department.
- Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
- Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.
Currently enrolled students should use the Navigate360 website to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
Two experiential learning experiences are required for the Global Studies major.
Students choose two of these three options: a study abroad, an international internship abroad, a domestic internship at an international company or organization.
We recommend students work closely with their advisor beginning about 18 months prior to traveling abroad. This will leave ample time to explore destinations, secure travel requirements, and plan for academic coursework to be taken prior to and during the time abroad. Learn more about study abroad here.
Our program maintains close relationships with organizations around the world to help students find meaningful internship placements that align with their career exploration goals. Check out examples of recent student experiences and our partnerships to learn about the places you might get to go!
With a BA in Global Studies, you can pursue a career in numerous areas. As is true of most liberal arts degrees with countless job options, you will need to research, explore and gain hands-in experience while in college to match your skills, knowledge and interests to jobs in the marketplace.
Internships, research projects, and part-time jobs can help you determine which career path is right for you. Global Studies majors often find job opportunities in international business, global trade, transportation, hospitality and tourism, marketing and market research, politics and government services, community development, health services, NGOs, journalism, social media and technology, e-commerce, and lobbying.
We encourage you to begin exploring career options when you declare your global studies major or at the start of your sophomore year, whichever comes first.