mountains in Huaraz, Peru

Undergraduate Program

Global Studies offers an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to understanding global issues. Our undergraduate major encourages a broad understanding of the world while exploring the diversity and richness of other cultures. Our program places particular emphasis on study abroad, independent research, and language coursework. We are proud to offer:

  • 1 major with 6 available concentrations
  • 1 First-Year Program
  • Multiple first-year seminars
  • 100+ study abroad opportunities
  • An active honorary that plans several internationally-themed events each year
  • Support for independent and faculty-led research

Chart your Path

Requirements

What do you need to complete the Global Studies major? How do you satisfy our language requirement?

Learn more about the Global Studies requirements here

Courses

You may choose from a wide array of disciplines and content areas. Our program is designed to offer you the flexibility to tailor your major to your specific interests.

See our courses by concentration here

Program forms

Need to track your major progress, submit a course petition, or request assistance?

Access our program forms here

Explore the six concentrations of Global Studies

foreign city in mountains

Development

In this concentration, you take an interdisciplinary approach to examine why some societies develop politically, socially, and economically while others languish. Explore disparities in wealth, political freedoms, gender rights, urbanization, access to basic resources like food and healthcare, environmental conditions, and social justice.

Learn More about the Development Concentration
Caucasia

Eurasian Studies

This concentration focuses on the social, cultural, and economic interconnections among the peoples of Eurasia. You pull from a variety of disciplines to study not only specific geographical regions but also vital intersections and interrelationships among regions and peoples.

Learn More about the Eurasian Studies Concentration
Brussels

European Studies

Your interdisciplinary study focuses on the role of Europe in world politics and cultural exchange. You study both traditional and new European culture (literature, film, visual art, and electronic media), and also European institutions and contexts.

Learn More about the European Studies Concentration

Global Asias

“Global Asias” provides the means for you to study how Asia has been understood in political, social, and cultural realms, in the geographical region defined as Asia and throughout the world.

Learn More about the Global Asias Concentration
constantin

Global Cultural Studies

You study the issues arising from cross-cultural encounters around the world. You use several academic disciplines to examine conventional cultural products (literature, film, visual art, new media) in their political and social contexts.

Learn More about the Global Cultural Studies Concentration

International Affairs

Today’s global arena presents great opportunities and challenges. You take an interdisciplinary approach to examine complex issues and to help understand the processes of cooperation, compromise, and conflict among states and across societies.

Learn More about the International Affairs Concentration

Our Undergraduate Community Awaits You!

Join Sigma Iota Rho

The Washington University Sigma Iota Rho (SIR) chapter is a group of undergraduate students committed to furthering global awareness on campus while fostering an academic, social and professional community for students interested in global issues. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT SIR

Make the most of your first year with the Global Citizenship Program

Enabling you to acquire literacies of career and life relevant to Global Studies, this Ampersand Program for first-year students examines what it means to be a citizen of the world, challenging you to engage in both demanding texts and real-life scenarios.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GCP

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Student Resources

Declare Your Major

declare your major on Web STAC

Global Studies FAQs

you have questions, and we have answers

Undergraduate Honors & Awards

learn about our program honors and awards

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Kidest Taye headshot

"Being a Global Studies student with a concentration in International Affairs has allowed me to understand different global perspectives and uniquely apply that understanding in different fields. For example, I am able to apply various Global Studies principles to business approaches— where innovative strategies and creativity can be leveraged with a global mindset."

―Kidest TayeInternational Affairs major, Class of 2025

Contact

Have questions? Visit our FAQs to locate the right person to help you find the answer.

Browse our Contact FAQs