Online Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies

In an increasingly globalized society, it’s crucial that today’s leaders understand the impact of economics, the environment, culture, governance, human rights and religion throughout the world. Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Arts in global studies incorporates insights from multiple disciplines to support your growth as a student and a professional with an international focus.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 05/16/2024


Total classes:

Total classes: 39

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

Have questions about the Global Studies (BA)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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What is the purpose of global studies?

Explorations in global studies are designed to give you the tools needed to thrive in a globalized society and economy. By developing an understanding of how culture, trade, religion and international organizations affect individuals, countries and other entities throughout the globe, you can work toward becoming a change agent for important issues worldwide. The goal of this program is to connect theory with practice and policy as they pertain to global challenges.

Specifically, you’ll be encouraged to identify and address pressing global problems around issues like:

  • Climate change.
  • Economic and social development.
  • Global conflicts.
  • Human rights.
  • Urbanization.

By understanding these complex issues, you can strive to create new solutions.

What is a global studies degree?

 

The global studies degree is an undergraduate program that brings together multiple fields of study, including political science, sociology, history, economics and geography, to facilitate a more comprehensive foundation in how our interconnected world functions. With an emphasis on today’s emerging problems, internationally recognized faculty from a wide variety of perspectives can encourage you to imagine new solutions for global concerns. While completing the program, you’ll have the chance to engage in a global experience, which could take the form of an internship abroad or another international opportunity. The program also prioritizes coursework that focuses on global institutions and how to build a career in international organizational settings.

What can I do with a bachelor's in global studies?

 

With a bachelor’s degree in global studies, you can prepare for professional and graduate training to pursue positions with governmental organizations, international businesses or global policy entities. If you’re already working in your desired field, this program may provide you with additional assistance as you shift your professional focus to an international perspective.

In the global studies major, you can also develop transferable abilities related to:

  • Critical reasoning and argumentation.
  • Research and empirical analysis.
  • Writing.

These skills can support your efforts to move forward in a wide variety of careers that require advanced capabilities in critical thinking and communication.

This bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money, while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master’s degrees include:

Does my global studies degree say 'online'?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Featured global studies courses

Courses in the global studies major draw from a broad array of perspectives. Coursework covers topics like statistics, political inquiry, cultural understanding, global justice and more. In the capstone, you’ll have the chance to complete an internship abroad. You may also take part in a different global experience. Courses in the major include:


SGS 101: Thinking Globally (GCSI OR SB & G)


SGS 204: Professional Global Career Development


SGS 484: Internship


SGS 484: Global Experience


What kind of job can I get with a global studies degree?

Graduates of the global studies degree may work for government or foreign service offices, global businesses or nonprofit organizations. Examples of potential career paths include:

Advocate


Growth: 8.6 %
Salary: $38,520

Database Administrator (DBA)


Growth: 7.0 %
Salary: $99,890

Emergency Manager


Growth: 3.3 %
Salary: $79,180

Field Researcher


Growth: -3.8 %
Salary: $60,410

Human Behavior Researcher


Growth: 4.8 %
Salary: $50,470

Intelligence Officer


Growth: 1.5 %
Salary: $86,280

Marketing Associate


Growth: 1.9 %
Salary: $127,830

Political Analyst


Growth: 6.6 %
Salary: $128,020

Regulatory Affairs Manager


Growth: 3.3 %
Salary: $128,620

Global leaders with international experience

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • Nobel laureates.

Global leaders with international experience

From Royal Society and American Academy fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members.

  • Fulbright American Scholars.
  • Guggenheim Fellows.
  • MacArthur Fellows.
  • Nobel laureates.

Global studies degree admission requirements

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

Competency requirements

Additional admission requirements

High school equivalency

Homeschool

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.

*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.

An educational experience that crosses borders and transcends disciplines

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to be socially aware, critical thinkers and global citizens.

25,500+


currently enrolled students.

$140 million


in research expenditures in 2018.

23


interdisciplinary schools and departments.

95+


undergraduate degrees.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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