About us

Global Studies at San Jose State University is an interdisciplinary program that looks at the world holistically. The tremendous international migration of people, movement of goods, technology transfers, and mixing of cultures makes it important to study the world as a human community in ways we haven't considered in the past. Places are connected in all kinds of ways, and these connections change lives in distant places. Doctors trained in Cuba treat patients in sub-Saharan Africa. Toys made in Indonesia fill the shelves in WalMart stores in California. Soap operas made in Mexico are popular in the U.S. and those made in the U.S. are very popular in Japan. Health and education programs are contributing to lower infant mortality and increasing literacy in many poor nations. On the other hand, factories moving from one country to another seeking cheaper labor mean thousands of workers lose their jobs when factories move. Diseases travel around the world at startling speed while others are close to eradication for the first time. SJSU's Global Studies program brings together faculty that share an interest in these processesand problems.

 

Interdisciplinary Course of Study

The Global Studies major is different from traditional majors. As an interdisciplinary program it offers students the opportunity to take classes from professors from over a dozen departments across campus. Global challenges, now and in the future, cannot be easily understood from the perspective of one discipline. As a Global Studies student, you will gain a strong foundation in global affairs. You will learn how to engage in problem solving across cultures and political boundaries, and you will learn how to critically evaluate information from a comparative perspective. You will become an effective communicator and develop the skills to explain, argue, and defend complex views before a variety of global audiences.

 

International Experience

You will undertake an experience abroad that will provide you with opportunities highly desired in many fields. You will learn to succeed in unfamiliar situations with co-workers or fellow students from different backgrounds and cultures. During your time abroad, whether studying, engaged in research, doing an internship, or volunteer work, you'll learn problem solving in new situations with people from different cultures.

 

What Can You Do With a Major in Global Studies?

A Global Studies major can contribute to almost any organization or business. You will be prepared for a number of career opportunities available at home and abroad, such as:

    • Global Culture Industry: music, film, sports, MTV, Disney, NBA, Coca Cola

    • Global Environment: World Wildlife Fund, Greenpeace, Sierra International

    • Global Health: World Health Organization (WHO), Center for Disease Control (CDC)

    • Human Justice Organizations: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch International

    • Governing & Financial Agencies: UN, World Bank, IMF

    • International Service Agencies: Red Cross, CARE, UNICEF, Peace Corps

    • International Development Agencies: USAID, relief funds

    • International Business: Sony, Microsoft, Apple, medical and pharmaceutical companies

    • Mass Communication: CNN, ESPN, Rodale International, foreign correspondence

    • Travel & Tourism: travel agencies, global tours, cruise lines

    • US Government Offices & Agencies: Foreign Service, State Department, CIA, FBI

    • International Law: it is increasingly important to understand regional and global legal systems

    • Economic Development: In order to work with programs designed to improve economies we must understand the global forces that shape those economies

    • International Philanthropic Organizations: Many organizations and foundations are tackling global problems of poverty, illiteracy, human rights, lack of gender equality

    • Environmental Management: Environmental problems and issues cross national and political boundaries

    • Higher Education: Issues of globalization are on the forefront of research in many social science disciplines including sociology, political science, history, geography, and environmental studies.

    • Social Services: As our immigrant population continues to grow, we need people who understand the cultures of immigrants in order to best serve their needs.

You will also be prepared to continue your education at an institution offering MA and PhD programs in global or international studies.

Global Studies majors graduating from SJSU will have the knowledge, skills, and perspectives needed to thrive in the 21st century.