Global Studies, BA


At a Glance: program details

  • Location: Tempe campus, or online
  • Additional Program Fee: No
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • Math Intensity: General program math intensity general
  • Initial Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics

Required Courses (Major Map)

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Major Map on-campus archive

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Study how cultures, economics, institutions and social issues shape our increasingly globalized world. Through a global experience or an internationally focused internship, you can put your learning to work as you help to address real-world challenges.

Program Description

The BA program in global studies examines both the causes and consequences of problems that cross national boundaries and the governance of these problems in social, cultural and economic contexts.

The degree program aims to address real-world problems and their solutions. This mission is enabled by an internationally recognized faculty with extensive global experience from a wide variety of disciplines in the social sciences and humanities. Global studies faculty members orient their work toward solving global problems by drawing on expertise in diverse disciplines.

The global studies program uses teaching, research and public policy activities to address some of the most challenging issues that include:

  • economic and social development
  • global cities and urbanization
  • global governance of health and climate change
  • justice and human rights
  • religious identities, rights and conflicts
  • world culture

In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit the college's website for more information and requirements.




Admission Requirements

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Freshman Transfer International Readmission


Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.


Change of Major Requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.


Flexible Degree Options

Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:

Global Security

Learn from a world-class faculty of global thought leaders, seasoned practitioners and scholars from security-related fields. You'll have firsthand experience paired with the academic rigor of challenging, interesting and relevant coursework.

Website | Locations: ONLNE

Political Science

Craft a program that meets your individual interests within subfields of the discipline. Enjoy a low student-to-faculty ratio as you receive a rigorous introduction to graduate study in political science.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Global Security (Cybersecurity)

Learn from a world-class faculty from across a range of security-related fields who can offer you firsthand experience as well as the academic rigor of challenging, interesting and relevant coursework.

Website | Locations: ONLNE


Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.

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Career Outlook

A global studies degree prepares graduates for professional and graduate training in fields like law, business and public policy and prepares them with the broad foundational knowledge required for future decision-making in government, business and policy entities.

Example Careers

Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:

Social and Human Service Assistants


  • Growth: 8.6%
  • Median Salary*: 38520
  Bright Outlook

Database Administrators


  • Growth: 7%
  • Median Salary*: 99890
  Bright Outlook

Emergency Management Directors


  • Growth: 3.3%
  • Median Salary*: 79180

Survey Researchers


  • Growth: -3.8%
  • Median Salary*: 60410

Social Science Research Assistants


  • Growth: 4.8%
  • Median Salary*: 50470
  Bright Outlook

Intelligence Analysts


  • Growth: 1.5%
  • Median Salary*: 86280

Advertising and Promotions Managers


  • Growth: 1.9%
  • Median Salary*: 127830

Political Scientists


  • Growth: 6.6%
  • Median Salary*: 128020
  Bright Outlook

Regulatory Affairs Managers


  • Growth: 3.3%
  • Median Salary*: 128620

Interpreters and Translators


  • Growth: 4.3%
  • Median Salary*: 53640

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).



Global Opportunities

Global Experience

Study abroad not only satisfies degree requirements within the global studies major but also helps students develop a portfolio of experience, with research and internship opportunities available in an international setting. It provides students the chance to challenge themselves to adapt and persevere under potentially difficult social and cultural circumstances. When studying abroad, students encounter many opportunities to improve their language and cultural competency skills which help them effectively communicate across populations.

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends specific study abroad programs for students majoring in global studies.

Attend Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.



Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.