Global Studies Program
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Global Studies Program
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FAQ's
The Bachelor’s Degree program in Global Studies at UW-Milwaukee prepares students to excel as members of the “global generation.” As our society becomes ever more interconnected with other parts of the world&md ash;and more aware of the impact of global trends and processes which have long influenced our lives—this program seeks to give degree students the academic preparation to confront future challenges and to take full advantage of emerging opportuniti es. Q: What can I do with a Global Studies degree? An interdisciplinary, intercultural and multi-lingual education is a key part of successfully navigating the job market in an increasingly globalized world. Global Studies at UW-Milwaukee provides applicable work and life experi ence through international internships and study abroad, as well as coursework focusing on current world issues, enabling graduates to easily move between job sectors with a developed sense of global literacy. Job opportunities abound for the interdisciplinary, culturally savvy Global Studies graduate. Not only will graduates be trained in their profession, but they will also have the advantage of truly understanding the global dimens ion of their chosen field, and a global dimension can apply to virtually every occupation. Some examples of careers for Global Studies graduates include work in international business and consulting, government, and non-profit organizations. Q: Why should I choose Global Studies? Global Studies at UW-Milwaukee is an innovative and unique undergraduate degree program - the first of its kind in the nation to require eight semesters of foreign language study, a semester of study abroad, and an international interns hip! Global Studies is the ideal major for motivated students with a strong desire to interweave foreign languages and cultures into all aspects of their learning. Global Studies students receive individualized attention and advising at the Center for International Education (CIE). Our advisors can assist you in choosing courses to fulfill your major requirements, and also provide informatio n on future career possibilities. The staff of CIE is eager to help you incorporate experiential learning opportunities into your education, such as study abroad and internships. UW-Milwaukee’s diverse student body includes approximately 800 international students, some of whom could be your classmates, enhancing campus dialogue about globalization and international affairs. In addition, the faculty members teaching Global Studies courses are experts in their fields, and often are from, or have spent considerable time in, the countries about which they teach.
Q: What is the difference between the Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and the International Studies major? Global Studies is a joint Bachelor of Arts degree program between the College of Letters & Science and professional schools at UWM, introduced in 2003. It was created for students wishing to combine their interest in a global education with pre-professional studies. The International Studies degree is liberal arts major offered through the College of Letters & Science. It has been in existence at UWM since 1945. International Studies majors can choose from four options: Internationa l Politics and American Foreign Relations; International Economics; Regional Specialization; or International Development. One of the differences between these programs is the language requirement. Global Studies majors must achieve the equivalent of eight semesters of foreign language study, while International Studies majors are required to complete fourteen credits (about four semesters) of a single foreign language. In addition, Global Studies students must study abroad and complete an internship abroad. CIE administers both of these programs. For more information, please visit CIE Advising. Q: What do the “tracks” mean? Do I have to choose a track right away? The track you choose for your Global Studies degree is your opportunity to focus on a specific pre-professional field. When you declare your major (please see below for further details), you must also specify your track.&n bsp; It is not necessary to know which track you would like to follow until you are ready to declare your major, since the major core course requirements (common to all of the tracks) can be the courses you take prior to the courses required for your trac k. Q. What tracks of the Global Studies degree are currently available? The Global Management track of the degree has been available to students since 2003. The other four tracks – Global Cities, Global Classrooms, Global Communications and Global Security – are currently in a university a pproval process that should be completed by Fall of 2006. If you are interested in any of these tracks, our Global Studies advisors can guide you in selecting the relevant courses. Q: Why is Study Abroad required? Is financial aid available? Global Studies students are required to study abroad, for the equivalent of one semester (12 credits total), for two main reasons. In order to fully understand and analyze the complex effects of globalization, students need to exp erience immersion in a foreign culture for a significant period of time. Additionally, study abroad challenges students to become proficient in a foreign language and improves their chances to follow an international career path. Understanding that study abroad is a financial hurdle for many UWM students, CIE's Overseas Programs and Partnerships (Study Abroad) office can consult with students on the many financial aid options available to students. For further information, please visit [link to PDF with grant and scholarship info]. Q: Does UW-Milwaukee only offer undergraduate degrees in Global Studies? At the present time, Global Studies is solely an undergraduate degree program. We are currently researching the demand for and feasibility of an undergraduate certificate program. If you would be interested in a Global Studi es certificate, please send an email to Tracy Buss, tbuss@uwm.edu. Q: What do I do next if I’m thinking about getting a Global Studies degree? How do I eventually enroll in the degree program? Any student interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies should set up a meeting with one of the Global Studies advisors.
Admission to the Global Studies degree program is open to all UWM undergraduate students with a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 or higher. Once admitted, and in order to graduate, students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 in all courses requ ired for the degree. Students may enroll in the Global Studies degree program by declaring their major as Global Studies after they have earned 56 credits. The simple process includes: (1) reviewing the degree requirements with a Global Studies advisor, and (2) signing the Declaration of Major Form. Students who intend to pursue a Global Studies degree are strongly advised to declare before earning 75 credits.
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