Introduction to the Major
The Global Studies major allows students to explore interactions between states, societies, and cultures and their outcomes. Students pursuing an undergraduate degree in global studies will engage in thinking critically about how global change has (and can) come about during the course of their lifetimes. Students focus on issues relevant to them in a way that provides intellectual flexibility.
A major and minor in Global Studies is offered by the Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Program, which also offers a major and minor in Political Economy as well as the Human Rights Interdisciplinary minor.
“My courses had incredibly engaging material related to us by eloquent lecturers.”
- Graduating Student, Class of 2019
The Global Studies Curriculum
Students pursuing the Global Studies major select one of three concentrations: (1) Global Development, (2) Global Peace and Conflict, or (3) Global Societies and Cultures. Students also choose one of five regions (Asia, Africa, Europe/Russia, The Americas or the Middle East) in which to specialize, both in terms of content and language. Students work with Global Studies faculty and advisors to devise a program that best captures their interests and allows them to reach their intellectual and professional potential.
Amplify Your Major
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Get involved with a student organization such as The Global Citizen or the United Nations Association of Berkeley.
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Engage with global issues firsthand through study abroad.
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Attend local events on global issues hosted by World Affairs.
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Complete a major paper or capstone project as part an optional Senior Thesis.
First Year
Explore Your Major
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Meet with your major and college advisor to discuss your academic plans.
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Familiarize yourself with major and college requirements, and consult the Global Studies Handbook.
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Get started on the foreign language requirement for the major.
Connect and Build Community
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Get 1:1 mentoring with Berkeley Connect and L&S Mentors Program.
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Find study groups, tutoring, and academic support at the Student Learning Center.
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Enroll in UGIS 98: College Success in L&S.
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Stay updated with IAS News and Notes.
Discover Your Passions
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Discover new interests in a Freshman Seminar such as GLOBAL 24, L&S 1, or a student-run DeCal course.
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Attend the Undergraduate Research and Scholarship Fair in October.
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Explore related minors such as Global Poverty & Practice or Global Public Health.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Attend the Calapalooza student activities fair and get involved with a student organization.
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Find service opportunities through the Public Service Center.
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Explore study, internship, and research abroad options with Berkeley Study Abroad.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Visit Berkeley Career Engagement and the Career Counseling Library.
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Develop a plan for getting career ready.
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Sign up for Handshake and CareerMail.
- Explore career fields through the Career Connections Networking Series or a winter externship.
Second Year
Explore Your Major
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Take a methodology class such as GLOBAL 102: Critical Thinking in Global Studies. See Appendix C of the major handbook for a complete methodology course list.
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Complete lower division prerequisites and declare the major.
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Review major guidelines for study abroad and look into programs in Global and International Studies.
Connect and Build Community
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Join a student organization such as The Global Citizen or the United Nations Association of Berkeley.
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Practice your language skills through the SLC Language Exchange Program.
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Get to know professors and graduate student instructors during their office hours.
Discover Your Passions
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Continue exploring with a Sophomore Seminar, Big Ideas or Discovery Course.
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Assist faculty in their research through URAP.
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Enrich your studies with a certificate, course thread, or summer minor.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Work with a community organization in an American Cultures Engaged Scholarship course.
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Consider a Berkeley Global Internship in the United States or abroad.
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Apply for a FLAS award, Boren Scholarship or Critical Language Scholarship to support your language study.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Reflect on your education so far and skills and experience you still wish to build.
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Discuss career options and goals with a Career Educator.
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Learn about graduate and professional school. See Step-by-Step for planning help.
- Think about doing an internship and attend an internship fair.
Third Year
Explore Your Major
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Focus on core courses, geographic focus courses, and remaining upper division electives.
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Review your degree progress with your major and college advisors.
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Ask the major advisor about the Global Studies Honors Program or an optional Senior Thesis.
Connect and Build Community
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Explore International and Area Studies Centers & Institutes and start attending IAS events.
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Consider becoming a Golden Bear Orientation Leader and welcome new students to UC Berkeley.
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Attend local events on global issues hosted by World Affairs.
- Make international connections at I-House.
Discover Your Passions
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Planning a senior thesis or project? Apply to the Haas Scholars Program or SURF.
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Apply to the Undergraduate Research & Travel Grant for funding support.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Experience life at another UC or college on a visitor and exchange program.
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Study and intern in Washington D.C. with UCDC or Cal in the Capital.
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Interested in transatlantic policy initiatives? Check out the Schuman Challenge.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Discuss post-graduate options with advisors and professors.
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Update your resume and LinkedIn profile.
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Attend career and graduate school fairs like the “Nonprofit, Education, & Public Service Career Fair.”
- Ask for recommendation letters and take any exams required for graduate school.
Fourth Year
Explore Your Major
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Do a degree check to ensure you are on track to graduate.
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Complete any “bucket list” courses and remaining major,college, and campus requirements.
Connect and Build Community
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Join a professional association such as the International Studies Association.
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Connect with alumni groups and build your network as you prepare to graduate.
Discover Your Passions
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Teach your own DeCal course.
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Undertake an optional honors thesis or independent project and submit your work to the Berkeley Undergraduate Journal.
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Keep pursuing your interests through a fellowship or gap year after graduation.
Engage Locally and Globally
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Hone your leadership skills with the Peter E. Haas Public Service Leaders program.
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Interested in a public service career? Apply for the John Gardner Fellowship.
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Explore service opportunities after graduation, such as Peace Corps, Teach for America, or U.S. Department of State.
Reflect and Plan Your Future
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Utilize job board tools in your job search.
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Meet employers at Employer Info Sessions and On-Campus Recruiting.
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Apply to jobs, graduate school, and other opportunities.
The Global Studies major offers solid training in acquiring knowledge to become agents of positive change on global issues. Graduates develop an interdisciplinary understanding of contemporary and global issues regarding history, geography, and large-scale events, and go on to careers in a wide variety of fields.
Jobs and Employers
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Business Development Assoc., Sift
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Consultant, SGR Consulting
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Content Manager, U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce
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Corps Member, Americorps
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Field Director, CA Democratic Party
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HR Specialist, SK Innovation
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Investment Analyst, Mercer
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Medical Interpreter, Alta Bates
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Product Specialist, Everlaw
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Project Manager, Imagine Creativity
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Reporter, The NY Times
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Research Data Analyst
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Software Engineer, Pivotal Software
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Teacher, Teach for America
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Youth Development Facilitator, Peace Corps
Graduate Programs
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Education, Masters
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Intl. Relations and Affairs, PhD
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Law, JD, PhD
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Sociology, Masters
Examples gathered from the Career Center First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates and LinkedIn.
Connect With Us
Cal Day
Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.
Golden Bear Orientation
Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.
Events
Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit globalstudies.berkeley.edu for news and updates.
Advising
Students can schedule appointments with a Global Studies advisor through CalCentral.
How to Use this Map
Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.
