Global affairs is the study of international relations and interactions between countries, societies, cultures, economies, and environments. As such, it requires a multidisciplinary approach that spans the social sciences and humanities. Today, global challenges – from terrorist attacks and refugee crises to economic disparity and environmental degradation – demand sophisticated understandings of the complex interactions between nations. Students who pursue a degree in global affairs will develop a deep and nuanced understanding of these issues, as well as the ability to apply their skills in government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector.
The discipline of global affairs is closely related to the study of international relations, but also draws from other fields such as history, political science, and sociology. The field of international relations has long emphasized the importance of power in diplomacy and conflict resolution, but more recently it has come to incorporate an increasing emphasis on economic development and sustainable growth, as well as the study of interdependent systems such as energy and the environment. The study of global affairs also includes the examination of emerging issues such as global health, security, and education.
As a part of their studies, all Global Affairs majors take a series of required core courses that provide a broad and rigorous foundation in the discipline. In addition, they select one thematic or regional concentration to tailor the major to their specific interests and career goals. The program encourages participation in study abroad and internship opportunities. In some cases, up to two semester or summer term courses taken at another institution may be counted towards the major requirements with DUS approval.