Future-proof your career—Major in Global Studies in Human Sciences.
If you are the type of person who wants to build a life and career filled with meaning and vision, majoring in Global Studies is for you.
Global Studies students are passionate about making a real impact - both in their communities and around the world. This program goes beyond the classroom, and students receive one-on-one mentoring from our faculty, opportunities to travel the world, and classroom experiences that refine their skillset to become effective global leaders.
Our unique model is built for the future. Through hands-on learning and teamwork, students build communication and problem-solving skills that set them up for success in a variety of careers. Global Studies is designed for students who want to explore new perspectives, solve real-world problems, and develop skills that will serve them throughout their careers—no matter what path they choose. From launching a legal career or becoming an industry leader, to working on Capitol Hill or leading an anti-trafficking organization, our grads MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
In Global Studies, we turn the classroom inside out; in other words, ACTIVE LEARNING is front and center. Once foundational concepts are introduced, students take on leadership roles in class, starting freshman year. Our instructors coach each student as they develop their own paths and crystalize their personalized career goals. Explore our page to learn more about the major, amazing careers our alumni are building, and more about how Global Studies can help guide you in creating a vision for your career and life.
Build your dream with us.
Programs of Study
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
In the Global Studies program, education goes beyond traditional learning. Every Global Studies student studies abroad at least once, with opportunities in Nepal, Fiji, New Zealand, Italy, Taiwan, Costa Rica and more. These experiences give students direct exposure to global challenges while working alongside local communities to develop practical solutions. Through project-based coursework and training in design thinking, students work with organizations to address pressing global issues like human trafficking, hunger, and community development. Graduates also leave with a strong foundational knowledge and the professional skills needed to enter careers in a variety of fields. Whether working in law, business, public service, or international development, students gain the knowledge and experience needed to thrive in their careers and lives.
Accelerated B.S./MDP (ABM)
The Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Program (ABM) offers outstanding undergraduate students in Global Studies an opportunity to earn both the bachelor's degree and continue on to the Master of Development Practice degree in less time and at less cost than usual. The ABM in Global Studies degree program provides an opportunity for highly motivated and academically strong students to gain a depth of understanding of global development issues beyond that of typical bachelor's level graduates and allows these exceptional students to count up to twelve hours toward both the bachelor's and master's degrees.
Additional Information
Student Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to identify, articulate, and debate the importance of a broad range of issues that have both local and global significance in human sciences.
- Students will be able to research and critically analyze empirical information to solve real-world problems relevant to human sciences.
- Students will be able to design and execute an independent and comprehensive project in the global studies field that will prepare them to function effectively in professional careers in this field.
- Students will increase their abilities to function effectively in four domains of Cultural Intelligence (CQ) which are drive, knowledge, strategy and action as measured by the empirically validated Cultural Intelligence test.
- Students will engage in critical thinking and analysis of real-world experiences and perspectives on global issues relevant to the human sciences and communicate their knowledge through structured writing assignments.
- Students will be prepared through relevant and intentional professional development projects to enter impactful careers in their chosen field of interest.
Internship
A 12-credit hour globally focused internship is required of all students enrolled in this major. Each student will work closely with an internship advisor to develop an individualized plan that meets career goals while also giving them real-world experience. This high-impact practice also ensures that all our students graduate with meaningful work experience.
How do students prepare for the internship?
Students take two foundational courses (GSHS 2000 & GSHS 3000/3010) that build their competencies in:
- Cultural Intelligence
- Effective Team Leadership
- Design Thinking and Problem Solving
- Professional Development & Networking
Do internships need to be outside of the United States?
Many internships are outside of the United States, yet students can also choose to complete their internships in the U.S., provided the internships have a global focus and are connected to their discovered career interests.
Auburn University also offers specific internship opportunities through select study abroad programs, including:
- Italy: Joseph S. Bruno Campus
- Nepal
Internships in Global Studies are Active!
Students are launching from their classroom environments during their internships. During this exciting phase, students are expected to take ownership of projects. At every step, Global Studies students act proactively to begin their professional journeys.
Minor
Job Opportunities
Auburn Global Studies graduates get great jobs.
They are prepared for careers in national and international companies, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic foundations, government agencies, and humanitarian organizations. Many use their degree as a stepping-stone for law school, or graduate studies in business, public policy, social work, nonprofit management, global health, and more. Currently, our graduates boast a 100% law school placement!
With a combination of coursework, international experiences, and hands-on training, graduates gain a strong advantage in the job market. Employers value the adaptability, global perspective, and problem-solving skills that Global Studies students develop throughout their education.
Global Studies in Human Sciences is about preparing students to engage with the world in a meaningful way. Building a top-tier network is a central component of the Global Studies major. Rather than swimming through a sea of online job posts, we teach our students how to network during their time in school, so they can secure excellent internships and jobs through an already burgeoning professional network. Global Studies students graduate with the knowledge, experiences, and professional connections needed to thrive in their careers and lives.
Here’s a list of some of the places where our alumni are building great careers:
|
Global Service & International Development |
Public Service & Nonprofit Impact |
International Business & Global Brands |
| Peace Corps |
Teach for America | New Zealand Green Building Council |
| AmeriCorps | United Way | Amazon |
| Council on International Education | Girl Scouts of America | Dell |
| World Relief | National Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children Association | Oracle |
| Compassion International | United States Government | American Airlines |
| Habitat for Humanity | United States Military Commissioned Officer | Sony Music |
| Love Justice | Chick-fil-A Corporate | |
| Vapor Ministries | Mars Petcare | |
| Miami Marlins | ||
| Brasfield & Gorrie | ||
| Shipt |
Study Abroad
At Auburn, education goes beyond traditional learning. Every Global Studies student studies abroad at least once, with opportunities in Nepal, Fiji, New Zealand, Italy, Taiwan, and more. These experiences give students direct exposure to global challenges while working alongside local communities to develop practical solutions. Many students choose to study abroad multiple times, recognizing the value of international experiences in shaping their understanding of the world.
Interested in Law School?
Planning to go into law or public policy? You’re in the right place. Many of our grads go into legal and legislative spaces. In fact, we have 100% law school placement. Global Studies undergrads (including several Fulbright Scholars) go on to study at top graduate programs around the world and launch into successful research tracks.
Program Faculty
