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.

 

Elizabeth Zelinsky "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

Will Flanagan "[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

Elisa Ciappi "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

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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.

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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

 

Learn more about our Global Studies program and faculty by visiting this link

Major/Minor Academic Advising


We strive to provide our students with holistic and comprehensive support through one-on-one advising, workshops and events.

 

Students should work in partnership with their college advisor, major advisor and other campus units to maximize their time at UCLA and 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

Advisors 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

College Counseling:  with questions about deciding on a major, GE/IGETC Requirements, Course Add/Drop Petitions, Degree Plan Contracts, College-specific requirements, Holds, Grad Checks, Probation status, Readmission, etc.

Registrar's Office with questions about registration, fees, classes, etc.

Email us

With questions regarding major requirements, research, internship, etc. Include your name and UID in all emails. Expect approx 2 business days for a response idps@international.ucla.edu

Virtual/In-Person appointments

Current UCLA students only. If you're not a UCLA student, please e-mail us. Our offices are located in Bunche Hall. Please come prepared with questions and make sure you reviewed our website prior to our meeting. The appointment will be cancelled if you're not present (online or in person) within 5 minutes of the scheduled time. 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.
read more

 

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.
read more

 

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

More Student Stories>>

 

Our Alumni

Alumni of the UCLA International Institute Academic Programs live across the globe, and are involved in a multitude of fields, including the education, government, cultural, nonprofit, health, legal and business sectors and international affairs. Below are a few bios of our alumni.

  

Global Studies graduate wins UCLA Young Alumnus award

Katya Daniel (UCLA 2008) was named 2019 Young Alumnus of the Year at the annual UCLA Alumni Association awards ceremony held June 8, 2019, at the Luskin Conference Center.
read more

   

UCLA and an international career were not on his radar screen

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.
read more

   

Chasing race car dreams

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

More Alumni Stories>>

CAREERS WITH GLOBAL STUDIES

These are just a few of the many paths your career could take with Global Studies!

 

Career Infographic

More info can be found on Career Resources Tab