Global Studies

WELCOME, NEW BRUINS!

GLOBAL
STUDIES

Understand the processes of globalization, and their consequences and become empowered to shape your world as the next generation of global leaders. Our interdisciplinary major and minor draw insights from disciplines across the humanities and social sciences to give students the theoretical and methodological skills and the knowledge base necessary to understand this complex and rapidly changing world.

"Start looking at what clubs you may want to be a part of towards the end of the summer! [It's] an amazing way to find a community on campus..." - Elizabeth Zelinsky
"[Global Studies] is an interdisciplinary major that requires me to take classes in [different] departments. It's also a very customizable major. Since I am interested in international politics and business, I can take classes that concentrate more on those topics." - Will Flanagan
"Studying is important, but nothing has fulfilled me more than being able to grow alongside encouraging, passionate individuals who make me a better person and gave me opportunities to develop personally and professionally." - Elisa Ciappi

COURSES

These are a few of the many interesting courses you could take during the summer! They have no pre-requisites:

GLBL ST 1 | Intro to Global Studies
GLBL ST 140 | Hollywood & America's Global Image

STUDY ABROAD

Participate in an immersive summer Travel Study program to earn major/minor credit

TRANSFER STUDENTS

See our Transfer Students tab!

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RESOURCES TO SUPPORT BRUINS

Information on healthy and safety, campus life, nature of instruction, and more to help you navigate your UCLA experience.

See the Guidebook here

QUESTIONS?

See our FAQ page! You can also email us or make an appointment.

CONNECT WITH US

The UCLA International Institute stands in solidarity with our Black, Asian, and Asian American students and colleagues, and against racial injustice. We pledge to continue to promote research, education, and service that strive for a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive world. Please visit our Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion committee's webpage for resources for racial trauma and anti-racism.

Global Studies Major and Minor

Courses in the major and minor study processes and consequences of increasing inter-connectivity in matters related to the expansion of the world economy, the demands for new forms of international cooperation and governance among states, and the mixing of cultures associated with the increased mobility of populations and the wide dissemination of information and media images.

Students receive one-on one faculty attention, travel study courses incorporated in the curriculum, and small seminar courses

Pillars we use to study globalization:

Culture & Society courses concentrate on the tensions between local ways of life with deep historical, linguistic, ethnic, and religious roots, and today's pressures for transnational cultures and multiple identities, fueled by the communication of ideas and the movement of people all around the world.

Governance & Conflict courses focus on challenges to the nation-state from forms of governance above (regional and global governance) and below (autonomy and secessionist movements), and from security threats beyond interstate warfare (ethnic conflict, terrorism, civil wars).

Markets & Resources courses address the interactions among global, regional, national, and subnational economic processes over resources and market dynamics, their effects on different societies with respect to economic growth, poverty, inequality, the environment, and interactions among market forces, political institutions, and public policy.

The pillars capture the principal dimensions of the multifaceted interconnections increasingly defining the world we live in—among nation-states, international institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and ethnic, cultural, and religious groups.

GLOBAL STUDIES
FACULTY ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE 2024-25

Margaret Peters, Chair, Global Studies
Michael F. Thies, Interim Chair

John A. Agnew, Ph.D., Geography, Italian
Elizabeth DeLoughrey, Ph.D., English, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability
Robert M. McCann, Ph.D., Anderson School of Management
Eric Min, Ph.D., International Institute, Political Science
Tejas Parasher, Ph.D., International Institute, Political Science
Margaret Peters, Ph.D., International Institute, Political Science
Shaina Potts, Ph.D., Geography, International Institute
Michael F. Thies, Ph.D., Political Science

Meet your Major/Minor Advisors!

We strive to provide holistic and comprehensive support to our students through one-on-one advising, workshops and events. Our ultimate goal is to encourage our students to make a positive impact in the world both during and after their college careers as informed and responsible global citizens.

Global Studies & IDS Advisor Sandy Valdivieso

Sandy Valdivieso

Global Studies & IDS Advisor

Liz Alvarez

We can assist you with:

• Thoughtful academic and professional planning
• Exploration of research
• Inspire internship opportunities and experiences abroad
• Helping you connect your major to your career and personal goals
• Clarifying the scope and requirements of the major or minor

Contact your Counseling Unit with questions about GE/IGETC Requirements, Course Add/Drop Petitions, Degree Plan Contracts, College-specific requirements, Holds, Grad Checks, Probation status, Readmission, etc.

Contact the Registrar's Office with questions about registration, fees, classes, etc.- view FAQ's

E-mail us:

Please include your name and UID in all emails. idps@international.ucla.edu

Appointments

Current UCLA students only. If you're not a UCLA student, please e-mail us. The appointment will be cancelled if you're not present (online or in person) within 5 minutes of the scheduled time. Our offices are located in Bunche Hall 10270 & 10274. MY.UCLA APPOINTMENT SCHEDULER

Our Students

The Academic Programs offered through the UCLA International Institute allow students to focus on a particular area of study - either a specific geographic area, or a global comparative and issue-oriented approach - through a variety of disciplines across campus. The Institute also offers its own courses taught by core teaching faculty under the following subject areas: African Studies, Global Health, Global Studies, International & Area Studies, International Development Studies, International Migration Studies, and Latin American Studies.

B.A. just the starting point for these graduating seniors

Kyilah Terry (B.A., European Studies 2019) is headed to graduate school this fall, while Maria Amaya Morfin (B.A., International Development Studies 2019) is currently preparing for the GRE and grad school applications.
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Two projects win funding at Global Development Lab showcase

The winning projects will provide an Internet connection for Atutur Hospital in Kumi, Uganda, and deliver food and after-school tutoring to unsupervised children in Tijuana, Mexico, respectively.
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International internship: Enabled Children's Initiative

UCLA senior Kawsar Nasir Ahmad did a 10-month internship with the Afghanistan-based Enabled Children's Initiative, an experience that has only solidified her plans to work for Doctors without Borders after she becomes a doctor.
read more