B.A. in Global Studies

Are you looking for a major that takes you places you never thought possible? Global Studies is an interdisciplinary program that draws from at least ten disciplines. Rooted in humanities and social sciences, you learn multiple ways of approaching global problems, issues, cultures, and relations. You graduate exposed to various ways to study the world and depth in two regional concentrations.

Get Ready to Study and Explore the World

Get ready to give your passport a workout. Whether you’ve been bitten by the travel bug or are just curious about expanding your cultural horizons, UNE’s Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies will give you experiences you’ll never forget. And with nearly three out of four U.S. employers seeking new employees who are knowledgeable in international cultures, your degree will give you the global fluency and multidimensional perspective needed to succeed in the workforce. So explore a fjord in Iceland, gaze upon the Mona Lisa in Paris, cross the Moroccan desert on camel-back, or engage in the seemingly endless nightlife in Seville. Your adventures await you.

Two students stand in front of a white building with a green and gold dome

Why UNE for Your B.A. in Global Studies

Uniquely equipped for Global Studies, UNE has its own international campus in Tangier, Morocco, situated at a crossroads of civilizations that blends the languages, religions, and cultures of the Middle East, Europe, and Africa. It’s no wonder that UNE students travel abroad at five times the national average.

  • Select two semester-long programs (Morocco, Spain, France, and Iceland) or one semester and 12 travel course credits
  • No additional cost for study abroad
  • Choose two regional concentrations
  • Internships available in Morocco and Spain
  • Senior capstone thesis
  • Lab sciences offered in Morocco and Spain
Claire Alden

Claire Alden ’20

History, Political Science, Global Studies

Why UNE

UNE was my first choice in New England because I had a really keen interest in Maine in general. I think it’s beautiful, so the first thing that I was looking for was a beautiful campus, and UNE is absolutely stunning.

The first thing that stuck out to me when I toured UNE was the friendliness of the staff and the close integration of the students. Compared to other campuses that I visited, the students here were the nicest and friendliest. Everyone seemed more academically focused too. All of the students who I talked to while touring seemed to put academics first, which I liked.

I love travel, and history is a big part of that. Both History and Global Studies are strong programs here, and I like the broadness of studying the humanities. I study History and Political Science of course, but I also study international relations, anthropology, cultural studies, and more. It is all interconnected. I don’t think I really consider myself to have a double major and a minor because it all feels like one package deal to me. I think that there is a lot to benefit from global studies, but I also think that it’s important to understand the world and its different cultures and people.

Last year, I studied abroad in Paris, and while I was there, I got to work with the global education department a little bit. I’m leaning towards a global education career now. Because I’ve lived abroad, I've experienced people helping my family try to get over there and set that up for us and then experienced it again when I went abroad to Paris for a semester. It’s important to me to be able to make that same positive difference in other people's lives.

Global Opportunities

I originally chose UNE’s study abroad program in France because it was more political science-directed. It’s a newer program, and it’s set at a graduate school there. I knew that would be challenging for me, and that was exciting. The classes were incredible. I can’t put into words how amazing the experience was overall.

The professors were so smart, and so were the students. My peers ranged from people just a little older than me to people in their fifties trying to get their doctorate degrees. It was energizing to be among so many scholarly people, some of whom were even writing their theses. The school was amazing.

In the beginning, we ventured out around Paris a bit timidly, but by March, we felt settled and part of the big city. We were swiping our cards to get on the metro and knew which lines to take; we knew how to get to school and the Eiffel Tower; and we even picked up some shortcuts for getting through our neighborhood. We had the hang of things. I think that’s my fondest memory of being there. It was the moment when I realized that I had made my own home there. I knew my way around. Once we were comfortable in Paris, we took our first trip to Belgium. It was about a two-hour train ride. Then we went to Brussels next, and then we planned a big spring break trip. It was such a great opportunity to see new parts of the world.

The classes [at the study abroad program in France] were incredible. I can’t put into words how amazing the experience was overall.

History, Political Science, Global Studies

What Will You Study? Global Studies Degree Curriculum Overview

The Global Studies major offers three different regional concentrations. You will select two on which to focus your studies.

  • Europe and the Mediterranean
  • Latin America and the Caribbean
  • Africa and the Middle East

B.A. in Global Studies Courses

There are many ways you can navigate this major. The following are some examples of the exciting courses that you can take:

  • International Political Economy
  • Society, Population, and the Environment: A Global Perspective
  • Tangier — Crossroads of Civilization
  • Rebellion and Revolution in 20th Century Latin America
  • Caribbean Sustainable Development
  • Middle East and North Africa Through Film
  • Center for Global Humanities Seminar

For more information, contact Kenneth Courtney, Ph.D., Global Studies coordinator at kcourtney1@shorinji-kempo.net or (207) 602-2156

Meet our faculty and professional staff

Learn about the Center for Global Humanities Seminar

Career Paths for Global Studies Majors

In an increasingly globalized world, cross-cultural fluency has never been more valuable. We give you the tools and knowledge to relate to global issues and diverse populations. By honing foreign language skills and acquiring greater intercultural competence through your travels and internships, you will be prepared to assume leadership roles in a variety of fields. Potential professions include:

  • Policy Expert
  • Elected Official
  • International Attorney
  • Teacher
  • U.S. Foreign Service Agent
  • Consultant
  • Nonprofit Administrator
  • International Businessperson
  • Global Health Care Provider

Employers seek employees with skills and experience in communication, critical thinking, teamwork, problem solving and ability to adapt to new environments and challenges. As a Global Studies major, you will be well prepared to apply your knowledge to these skill sets desired. You will be able to speak on the value of your extensive study-abroad and foreign language experience and be a strong applicant for business, non-profit, teaching, and government environments.

How Does Global Studies Relate to Other Majors, Minors?

Have you already declared a major and/or minor and wondering how adding a focus in Global Studies will correlate to the career path of your current major? Here are a few examples:

Program + Global StudiesHistory + Global Studies
Potential CareersInternational History Professor, Archivist, Foreign Services, Reporter, Civil Service, Cultural Officer
Program + Global StudiesPre-Med Biology + Global Studies
Potential CareersMedical Career Abroad (i.e., Doctors Without Borders, PeaceCorp, International Medical Corps)
Program + Global StudiesBusiness + Global Studies
Potential CareersInternational Trade, International Hotel Administrator, International Account Manager
Program + Global StudiesMarine Sciences + Global Studies
Potential CareersGlobal careers through companies such as Earthwatch, Nature Conservancy, Oceana
Program + Global Studies Potential Careers
History + Global Studies International History Professor, Archivist, Foreign Services, Reporter, Civil Service, Cultural Officer
Pre-Med Biology + Global Studies Medical Career Abroad (i.e., Doctors Without Borders, PeaceCorp, International Medical Corps)
Business + Global Studies International Trade, International Hotel Administrator, International Account Manager
Marine Sciences + Global Studies Global careers through companies such as Earthwatch, Nature Conservancy, Oceana

Any of the possible career choices can also be done in the U.S.

 

Career Advising for B.A. in Global Studies Students

Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.

Global Education in the Bachelor’s Degree in Global Studies

Global experiences are the cornerstone of the Global Studies major. You’ll get to apply the concepts you learn in the classroom as you navigate different cultures and languages, all while experiencing immeasurable personal growth.

You are required to spend two full semesters abroad or spend one full semester and acquire a minimum of 12 travel course credits. You may even complete an internship abroad.

Choose from our programs in:

Our shorter, faculty-led travel courses include exciting trips to Cuba, Mexico, Iceland, Italy, and Kenya.

A Day in the Life Studying Abroad in Morocco

Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s Degree in Global Studies Program

Hands-On Activities

This multidisciplinary program exposes you to global issues, problems, cultures, and relations through the lenses of the humanities, social sciences, business, and more. But there is no better view than the one through your own eyes. When it comes to cultural competencies, we believe in learning by doing.

  • Engage in multiple travel-abroad experiences
  • Participate in global internships for culturally immersive on-the-job experiences
  • Conduct original research in an area of interest for your senior capstone thesis
a female student overlooks a village

Internships for Global Studies Majors

As a Global Studies major, you are highly encouraged to complete a globally-oriented internship. Our Academic and Career Advising Center will work with you to find the right opportunity to suit your interests. You may consider an internship in a number of fields, including:

  • Diplomacy
  • Law
  • Trade
  • Social and Environmental Nonprofits

Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies FAQ