Our program is multidisciplinary in nature—with a focus on contemporary issues that are truly global in scope, such as poverty, refugees, human trafficking, environmental degradation, climate change, systemic conflict, etc. We focus on these complex problems as well as innovative solutions. You’ll choose an area of concentration in one of the following multidisciplinary theme areas:
- Social Justice
- Sustainable Development
- Peace and Conflict
- Cultures in Contact
In addition, you’ll build skills in a foreign language, learn about non-Western cultures, and develop an understanding of theories related to globalization. Majors are also required to study abroad in order to gain firsthand experience in our interconnected world.
Major and Minor Offered
- Global Studies (BA major, minor)
Why Study Global Studies at Principia College?
- Students learn to communicate and work across disciplinary boundaries.
- Our faculty train students in systems thinking—understanding the various components of complex problems and how they interrelate.
- Our students make connections between nations and peoples and identify trends that shape our lives.
- Our students gain intercultural competence and develop transferable skills such as complex problem solving, critical analysis, and research skills.
- As a community of Christian Scientists, we discuss how to pray effectively about global issues.
- Our students build leadership skills by working on student-run conferences and participating in globally focused student clubs.
- We’ve developed internship opportunities in the U.S. and abroad, and stipends are available. Our majors recently interned at WorldBlu, Foster Care India, Children’s Future in Denver, International Development Enterprises, Ashoka, and FINKA International.
- Our 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows invaluable access to faculty, and we mentor our students beyond graduation.
- We prepare students to continue their education at top graduate schools, including Cornell University and American University.
- Our majors often conduct research abroad for their senior capstone projects.
Abroads
Principia abroad programs are open to all majors, and students are encouraged to apply for any abroad program that interests them. All abroads involve individual research that students can tailor to their interests. The abroad program to India and Nepal is especially popular among global studies students.
See the College Catalog for more detailed information about our program and departmental learning outcomes.
