About
The interdisciplinary Global Studies (BA) degree at Appalachian State University educates globally competent students at a very high level. Many of our students want nothing less than to change the world, and we are committed to preparing them to do that.
How do we achieve this? By getting students to think broadly of the issues that shape the world, while advancing their proficiency in a language and supporting their opportunities to study abroad. We help them understand the historical, social, political, geographic, cultural, and artistic dimensions of international, transnational, and global processes.
Students pursuing this degree generally come from one of two paths: they have a strong interest in a language not offered as a major at Appalachian and/or they have a thematic interest such as peace/conflict issues or development and globalization. This degree foster students’ intercultural skills and prepares them for an interesting, fulfilling career path that can go in many directions.
Example: A student talented in French may choose to focus in European Studies with intentions to work for a non-government organization or the United Nations.
After Graduation
Employment: About one-third of students move directly into their chosen careers, which include teaching English abroad, working with refugee resettlements, or joining Teach for America, Peace Corps or a non-government organization (NGO).
Graduate School: The majority of students pursue graduate education in fields such as global security, diplomacy, public health, social work, global ethics, immigration/migration and other disciplines. Destination schools include King’s College London and other universities abroad, plus domestic institutions such as UNC Chapel Hill, Florida International University, George Mason University, University of South Carolina, UNC-Greensboro and Winthrop University.
People
Minors
Students are required to minor in a foreign language: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian or Spanish. Other common choices for a second minor or double major are Anthropology, Art, Communication, History, International Business, Political Science, English as a Second Language.
Engagement Outside the Classroom
Among Appalachian’s more than 300 clubs and organizations, there are many groups that represent languages, cultures and international causes.
International Studies Association – ISA has over 6,500 members worldwide and is the most respected and widely known scholarly association dedicated to international studies.
Global Learning
Across all disciplines, Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.
Admission Requirements
To declare this major, students must have earned 30 semester hours, have a 2.0 (C) grade point average (GPA), and completed English 1000 and 1100.
Why Appalachian?
- A foreign language minor is required, plus 24 semester hours in a selected focus area.
- Students attracted to this degree tend to be curious, self-motivated and skilled at making connections, and have a healthy sense of adventure.
- This major has a strong focus on experiential learning, such as undergraduate research, service-learning and internships.
- The degree is housed in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, which promotes creative, cross-disciplinary investigation of complex systems and problems.
Location
On campus only
Careers
- Bilingual Educator
- Bilingual Officers/Clerks/Tellers
- Civil Service Employee
- Cultural Officer
- Customs/Immigration Officer
- Disaster Relief Organizer
- Foreign Correspondent
- Foreign Diplomat
- Fund-Raiser
- Importer/Exporter
- International NGO Manager
- Labor Relations Specialist
- Linguist
- Missionary
- National Security Agent
- Overseas Teacher
- Peace Corps Volunteer
- Travel Writer
- UN Employee
- Translator
- UNESCO Official
- Volunteer Manager
View more career possibilities
Contacts
Department of Interdisciplinary Studies
Dr. Mark Nunes
Department Chair
nunesm@appstate.edu
828-262-3178