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Erin O'Connell presents Global Studies research at Ramaley Research Celebration.
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Graduating global studies students complete exit interview over dinner.

Global Studies

The Global Studies Program at WSU offers both a major and a minor. Through this major and minor, students gain a sound understanding of the forces shaping our world and lives so that they are prepared to participate effectively in the world they encounter, whether they decide to work in the U.S. or abroad after graduation.

About the Global Studies Program

Global Studies is a multidisciplinary program that will enable you to understand the profound socio-cultural, political, economic and ecological changes taking place at the global level. In this program you will gain analytical and intercultural skills to engage with people from diverse backgrounds, which will enhance your problem solving capabilities. With a degree in Global Studies you can play a meaningful role in areas such as:

  • Diplomacy and conflict resolution
  • Business and economic policy-making
  • Environmental sustainability
  • Civic engagement through national and international governmental and non-governmental organizations
  • Research organizations

The advantage in majoring in Global Studies is that it allows you to select your own courses related to the global phenomena while working with a faculty advisor. Compared to other degree programs, Global Studies allows you the flexibility to design your own major (with some requirements) built around your global interests. By learning a language and studying abroad (which is highly encouraged), you can develop intercultural communication skills and engage in experiential learning.

Global Studies is different from international relations in that its focus is not exclusively on inter-country relations and issues of war, peace and foreign policy making. The focus of this program is on globalization, what is causing these phenomena, how they are impacting us and what can be done to steer them in a desirable direction. Hence the focus of this program is also on exploring the notion of global citizenship and related responsibilities. Courses from humanities, social sciences and the natural sciences are brought together and integrated to gain a more comprehensive knowledge about the forces shaping our world.