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Global Studies (BA)

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
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Alexandra Sterling-Hellenbrand

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

    Meet more faculty

  • 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.

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide

    Click on the pdf for your major

  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

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.

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.

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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

Boone and Hickory*

*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.

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

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

Dr. Maria Pramaggiore
Department Chair
pramaggioremt@appstate.edu
828-262-6400

  • Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

    The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies offers degrees in three program areas: global studies; gender, women’s and sexuality studies; and interdisciplinary studies. The department is also home to Watauga Residential College, an interdisciplinary, alternative general education program. The department promotes creative and imaginative engagement through a cross-disciplinary investigation of complex systems and problems.

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the university's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning and service among all its constituents.

    By the Numbers

    • 1/3 of the degrees awarded at Appalachian
    • More than 70% of general education courses are taught in the college
    • 93 majors offered
    • 53 minors offered
    • 6,411 undergraduate majors
    • More than 460 full-time faculty members
    • 41,203 living alumni
    • $8,754,800 awarded to the college in external grants during the 2020–21 academic year
    • $236,914 awarded to students through 6 collegewide scholarships and 98 departmental scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated Master’s program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 12 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, English, Geography and Planning, History, Mathematics, Romance Languages (French/Spanish), Political Science, Psychology (Experimental Science) and Public Administration. Other master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.

    Top Employment Sectors

    • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
    • Federal, State and Local Government
    • Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
    • Legal Services
    • Health Care
    • Biotech/Engineering
    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Nonprofit Organizations

Appalachian Cares

It's up to me|us

Appalachian Cares is a place to find resources and support available for our students faculty and staff regarding student health and safety.

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