SJSU has a cosmopolitan faculty, hundreds of courses on international subjects and an extremely diverse student population. In order to offer more international career options for our graduates, a task force made up of administrators and professors began to fashion a program and create a curriculum for a B.A. degree in Global Studies. Since 2002 this unit has spearheaded campus internationalization efforts.

The Global Studies mission is to transform SJSU into a global university by promoting new study programs, research, international exchanges and public programming. Such a broad mission requires making SJSU into a learning community in global studies, in which all participants—students, staff, faculty, alumni and residents of Santa Clara valley—seek to comprehend the global village and act more effectively in the processes of globalization. We strive to graduate persons who understand world affairs, possess language and cultural skills to operate comfortably overseas and have the competencies necessary to be global citizens and professionals. The Global Studies Intiative also seeks external funding to support research and provides clearinghouse services for students, staff, and faculty members.

Administratively Global Studies is co-located in International and Extended Studies (for outreach programs) and in the College of Social Sciences (for the degree program).

Global Studies is a founding member of Globalization Studies Network.