FAQs
For Prospective Students
For Current Students
For Current Students and the International Component
For Prospective Students
What does a typical four-year schedule of a global studies major look like?
See a sample four year Global Studies major schedule.
Do all global studies majors go abroad?
Almost all Global Studies majors study abroad, and an international experience is central to the Global Studies course of study. Loyola has many options for study abroad, including service experiences and summer programs. There is also financial support available for study abroad programs. If a student simply cannot study abroad, there are alternatives to fulfilling the International Experience requirement. Consult the Director of Global Studies for these alternatives.
What type of jobs/careers do global studies majors hold after the graduate?
Global Studies offers excellent preparation for jobs that value critical thinking, analysis, and research skills. The hallmark of a Global Studies graduate is the ability to approach any problem from a number of perspectives, and to understand and communicate the global implications of issues, policies and services. Our graduates currently work at Morgan Stanley, the U.S. State Department, Politico, Healthcare for the Homeless, and a number of non-profit organizations, consulting firms and government offices.
Can you have a double major with global studies?
Yes. Global Studies can be easily paired with a major from one the four disciplines it is based in: Economics, History, Political Science or Sociology. It can also be paired with a number of other majors and minors found at Loyola, such as Asian Studies, African American and Africana Studies, Gender Studies or International Business.
How many global studies majors are there in the program?
As of July 2023, there are 61 Global Studies majors at Loyola. The size of the major is large enough to include students with a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, and experiences while also being small enough to foster a sense of cohort and community.
For Current Students
How many required courses are there in the Global Studies curriculum?
There are 15 required courses in the Global Studies curriculum.
Can I take courses outside of Loyola for the major?
Yes. However, the student must seek approval from several different places. First the department that the class is located in (Political Science, Sociology, Economics, or History) must determine whether the class is eligible for transferable credit. Contact the department chair for this approval. If the class is deemed eligible for transferable credit, the student must then receive approval from the faculty advisor, who determines whether the course fits with the graduation requirements for the Global Studies major. If the course is approved by the advisor, the student must email an explanation as to why they are taking the course, a syllabus of the course, and any other relevant documents to the following people/departments: the student’s faculty advisor, the Academic Advising and Support Center, and the Global Studies Director.
How likely is it for someone to create their own topical component?
Students are free to develop their own topical component! To do so, students write up a one-page proposal that includes a title, a brief rationale, and lists some of the courses they intend to take. Students will then have to discuss their project with their advisor and – after an agreement between student and advisor has been reached – submit the final proposal to the Global Studies Director for acceptance, copying the advisor.
Can I cross count courses with my minor(s) or second major?
Yes. As long as there is an agreement in policy between the Global Studies major and the affected department, then the courses can be cross-counted. Check with your adviser to ensure that your classes will be cross-counted.
Should I go abroad? When/where? Or, should I get an internship?
We think all students should go abroad! Usually the study abroad experience is transformative—it deepens and broadens your understanding of the world, strengthens your confidence, and gives you invaluable tools for creating community and achieving your goals. Most students decide in their first semester, sophomore year, to go abroad, by speaking with International Programs. Most actually go abroad in their junior year. Visit the International Programs website.
Global Studies is currently building its internship-for-credit program, but students are welcome to pursue not-for-credit internships. Most Global Studies faculty and the Global Studies Director can point you to many excellent internships.
How can I take a sixth course?
To take a sixth course a student must gain official approval from their advisor.
For Current Students and the International Experience Component
Where can I find information about different study abroad programs?
Students can find information about Loyola and non-Loyola study abroad programs on the International Programs website.
Where can I find information about different internationally related service experiences?
Internationally-related service experiences change year by year, and there is always something exciting offered by the Center for Community, Service, and Justice (CCSJ). Contact them for what they have planned that matches your interests.
Where can I find information about different internationally related internships?
Meet with your Global Studies instructor or the Global Studies Director for internship suggestions. One excellent website to consult is www.idealist.org.
What courses should I take abroad? How do I determine my choices?
On the International Programs website, students can find links to each Loyola study abroad program. In each program's webpage there is a "Course Equivalencies" link or something similar. These lists are routinely updated and provide information on available classes in each location. In addition, International Programs has their own advisors who will make sure your courses will count towards your major.