Program Description
We are all citizens of a global community. The range of cultural diversity in American society and the world beyond demands that people in an ever-growing range of careers have the knowledge and communication skills to navigate cultural differences. Students in this major will choose a particular cultural or global area to study in depth. Possible areas of focus include African and African Diaspora studies, American Indian studies, cultural competency, East Asian studies, European studies, Latin American and Latino studies, and Middle East and Islamic studies, and social justice and global health.
Put Your Degree to Work
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics sample data
Below is a list of potential careers, median salary over the course of the career and projected job growth.
| Job | Median Pay | Job Growth through 2026 |
|---|
| Political scientist | $115,110 per year | 3% (200 more jobs) |
| Social worker | $47,980 per year | 16% (109,700 more jobs) |
| Lawyer | $119,250 per year | 8% (65,000 more jobs)
|
Program Overview
The course listings below are a representation of what this academic program requires. For a full review of this program in detail please see our official online academic bulletin AND consult with an academic advisor. This listing does not include the General Education courses required for all majors and may not include some program specific information, such as admissions, retention, and termination standards.
(Click on the course name or number for a complete course description.)
Cultural and Global Studies Major
The Cultural and Global Studies Major is designed with three important purposes in mind. It will equip students with broad understanding of the contemporary global context and its implications for human experience and action. It will help students to gain deeper knowledge and understanding of at least one culture other than their own. It will also equip students with critical tools in analysis, criticism, and communication that they can use to assess and navigate cultural differences. The knowledge and competencies gained in this program will provide students with critical skills sought by 21st-century employers in a wide range of fields, including business, health professions, government, non-governmental organizations, and social service agencies. This program can also prepare students for graduate study in their field of interest.
The specific design of the major is as follows:
Total: 31-33 semester hours
Required Courses I
(3 hours)
Select one of the following:
ANT 170
Cultural Anthropology
3
Comparative study of contemporary cultures and impact of globalization on cultural diversity, including methods and theories employed. May be offered as Writing Intensive. (University Program Group III B: Studies in Social Structures)
GEO 121
Human Geography and Globalization
3
This course is an introduction to human geography that provides geographical perspectives on population, the economy, politics, urbanization, and culture. This course may be offered in an online or hybrid format. This course may be offered as writing intensive. (University Program Group III-B: Studies in Social Structures)
Required Courses II
(3 hours)
CGL 496WI
Seminar in Cultural and Global Studies
3
An interdisciplinary capstone seminar in Cultural and Global Studies integrating themes in current research and practice, focusing on global movements, cultural institutions, and current issues. Writing Intensive. Prerequisites: ANT 170 or GEO 121. Minors must have completed at least 12 hours of additional course work for the program. Majors must have completed at least 21 hours of additional course work.
Required Courses III
(12 hours)
Study in Depth
Select 12 hours from one of the following Undergraduate Certificate Programs. Students completing the certificate will follow the curriculum for that certificate, found under the degree search tab and scrolling down to Undergraduate Certificates, or in the index of the paper bulletin). Students not completing the entire certificate must complete the required courses for that certificate in the 12 hours. They will choose additional electives in consultation with a CGS advisor.
African and African Diaspora Studies
American Indian Studies
Cultural Competency
East Asian Studies
European Studies
Human Geography
Latin American and Latino Studies
Middle East and Islamic Studies
Social Justice in Global Health
Note: No course counted for Required Courses III may be used to fulfill requirements listed under Required Courses IV.
Required Courses IV
(10-12 hours)
Select one of the following options:
MR3A-CGS
Option A
(10-12 hours)
MR3B-CGS
Option B
(12 hours)
Required Courses V
(3 hours)
Global Citizenship
Complete 3 hours from one or more of the following:
MR5B-CGS
Internship or Service Learning