Global Studies
Program Overview
The Global Studies major is designed for students interested in an interdisciplinary approach to international issues, ranging from politics, economics, culture, migration, the environment, sustainable development, and beyond. The major will prepare Simpson University students for a variety of career paths, including in international education, foreign service and government employment, Christian missions, international business, development work, further graduate studies in a wide variety of disciplines across the humanities and social sciences, and any professional environment that requires intercultural sensitivity and insight. It is also a program that can be easily paired with your existing program as a double major or a minor. We also offer a certificate program for people in international and multi-cultural work environments who desire further training but are not able to pursue a full-time degree.
Required Courses
Core Courses (9 credits)
- Introduction to Political Science
- Language Acquisition
- Senior Seminar
Elective Clusters in the following areas (30 credits)
Complete 24 credits by taking the following courses:
- International Politics (choose 2)
- International History (choose 2)
- Cross-cultural Competency (choose 1)
- Global Art, Literature, and Music (choose 1)
- World Regions and Religions (choose 1)
- Health, Development, and the Environment (choose 1)
After completing the required cluster courses, choose 2 additional elective courses (6 credits) from any of the six clusters above.
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED (39)
Program Learning Outcomes
Students will graduate with the ability to:
- Apply critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills to explain the complex nature of globalization, including the interplay among global, regional, national, and local factors.
- Apply multidisciplinary theories, methods, and tools to analyze and develop solutions to complex global issues.
- Deepen comprehension of our heavenly citizenship through intercultural competence and intelligence in order to communicate with people from diverse backgrounds and worldviews.
- Understand how Christian faith and calling intersect with international issues, and develop short-term service and long-term vocational plans of how to engage in the global arena.
Internship & Career Opportunities
- Work for an international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) like Oxfam, the International Red Cross, or Amnesty International in a variety of issue areas
- Work for Christian relief and development organizations like World Vision or World Relief
- Work for an international Governmental Organization (IGO), like the UN, ASEAN, World Bank etc.
- Become a cross-cultural missionary
- Work for the State Department or other government agencies with an international orientation
- Work as an educator in an international or multi-cultural environment
- Work for an international business/corporation
- Go on to graduate school in international relations, diplomacy, anthropology, etc.
- Work in the fields of International or Immigration Law
- Become a policy consultant for corporations or government
Global Studies Minor
The Global Studies minor consists of 6 classes, one from each cluster of electives.
Total Credits (21)
Global Studies Certificate
The Global Studies minor consists of 5 classes, one from 5 of the elective clusters.
Total Credits (15)
ADVISORY BOARD
Dr. Ryan Brasher
Program Coordinator, Global Studies
Associate Professor of Political Science
Dr. Timothy Orr
Associate Professor of History
Director of Simpson Scholars
Department Chair of the History and Political Science Department
