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.

Career Exploration website

People

• 

  Faculty Profile: Dr. Alexandra Sterling-Hellenbrand

  This professor changed majors a couple times during her academic career, but the experiences make her a more compassionate and knowledgeable teacher and advisor.

  Meet more faculty

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  Student Profile: Emma Labovitz

  This major is ideal for students who travel for the purpose of “understanding new cultures, bringing your perspective and looking at their perspective, and thinking how we can create a better world,” says Emma Labovitz.

• Alumna Profile: Camille Hesterberg ’11

  With a strong interest in Eastern Europe’s developing democracies, Camille Hesterberg felt right at home in Appalachian’s interdisciplinary Global Studies degree.

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.

Global Connections Certificate

There is also a Global Connections Certificate that is available to all Appalachian students, regardless of their major. It includes 15-21 hours of course work, study abroad, and at least 40 hours of community service.

View all minors

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. Also, students must make an appointment with the Global Studies director to discuss a focus area and draft a plan of study for the Global Studies major.