Global Studies

Bachelor of Arts

World affairs are no longer primarily defined by national boundaries, but by the global integration of resources, ideas, and communities.

It is more important than ever to be able to understand the complex factors that affect our world’s choices.

The Curriculum
A study of many factors

The Global Studies program offers courses that examine the actors (individuals, countries, non-governmental organizations), ideas, and processes that shape the cultural, social, political, and economic dimensions of global society.

Thematic courses

Courses are divided into three themes. These themes are used to illustrate how similar issues are understood across different communities in global society.

  • Global Culture and Identity – These courses examine how historical, cultural, racial/ethnic, gender and spirituality factors are understood within a global context.
  • Global Governance and Civil Society – These courses examine how actors encounter the political and social challenges and opportunities posed by integration and interdependence in global society.
  • Global Economy, Development and Resources – These courses examine the economic forces, technology and natural resources in the global community.
Experience the world you’re studying

Global studies students are required to engage in experiential learning through field research and through an internship or studying abroad. This fosters cultural sensitivity and an appreciation of global diversity.

Expand your capstone research

The best capstone projects are selected for the Pearson Scholar summer research program. If selected, you will work on expanding your project full-time during a summer break. Pearson Scholars can then present their work at professional and/or undergraduate research conferences.

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The Experience

Global Studies has given me an immensely global perspective to my biology passion, and how the health and environmental issues affecting our planet need global solutions. It is a major I would unreservedly recommend to anyone wishing to find a way to explore a different discipline in college or looking for a more well-rounded perspective to any other major.

Joseph Enders '16
Global Studies, Biology

Global studies has enabled me to look at the interrelations of societies from an objective point of view. As a freshman, I decided I wanted my college career to truly be a “global study” immersion. I studied abroad for three semesters in Costa Rica, Chile, Thailand, and participated on a travel seminar to Cuba. Being able to study and live the effects of globalization in both western and eastern cultures has inspired me to further my understanding of this phenomenon.

Erick Sandoval '16
Global Studies, Business Administration

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Your Future

Armed with knowledge, perspectives, and skills acquired through their degree, our alumni pursue their interests and careers everywhere in the world.

They take advantage of opportunities created in the global world and work with people from different cultural and religious backgrounds for peace, social justice, cross-cultural understanding, and business.


Our alumni study at:
  • Boston University
  • California State University Fullerton
  • Geneva institute for Development
  • University California Santa Barbara
  • University of Oxford/Exeter College
Our alumni work for:
  • Center for Teaching Language in China
  • City of Los Angeles
  • Reagan Presidential Library & Museum
  • Score Educational Centers
  • Tommaso Barletta
  • Wells Fargo Financial
Career paths:
  • Marketing and PR Director
  • Project Coordinator
  • Special Programs Coordinator
  • Teacher
  • Travel Agent

of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months

More Career Outcomes



Global Studies is where it all comes together. I had a lot of different interests within the humanities and social sciences (politics, education, international relations, literature, religion) coming into Cal Lutheran, and Global Studies was a way for me to bring these interests into conversation with each other. Declaring a double major in Political Science and Global Studies put me on an academic trajectory that led to my graduate work at UC Santa Barbara in Global and International Studies, where I focus on postcolonial education curriculum content and the national narratives present in the curriculum of various nation states.

Rachael Drew '14
Global Studies, Political Science Major
MA Global and International Studies, UCSB
Boise, Idaho

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