International and Global Studies

  • B.A./B.S. in International & Global Studies: Global Studies
  • B.A./B.S. in International & Global Studies: International Development Studies
  • B.A./B.S. in International & Global Studies: Asian Studies (not accepting new students)
  • Minor in International and Global Studies
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Global Studies
  • Undergraduate Certificate in International Development Studies
  • Undergraduate Certificate in Middle East Studies

Our International and Global Studies degree programs endeavor to foster a deep understanding of global concerns such as social justice, human rights, war and peace, development, environmental protection, gender, inequality, health, labor rights and poverty alleviation. The Bachelor’s degree offers opportunities to specialize in International Development Studies and Global Studies. We also offer a minor and three undergraduate certificates designed to add a global dimension to any degree. These programs offer an excellent foundation for careers in which an understanding of global economic, political, social, historical, and cultural processes is important. Students are also prepared to secure admission to top graduate programs in the US and overseas.

Degree Maps and Learning Outcomes

Admissions Requirements

B.A./B.S. in International and Global Studies

Minor in International and Global Studies

Certificate in Global Studies

Certificate in International Development Studies

Certificate in Middle East Studies

Education Abroad

International and Global Studies Courses

Global Studies Certificate

A Certificate in Global Studies may be earned simultaneously with a B.A. or B.S. degree, or post baccalaureate in any non-INTL major. The certificate offers students an opportunity to be recognized for their interest in and awareness of globalization and global studies in all of its aspects  economic, cultural, political, environmental and social.

The Certificate in Global Studies consists of 24 credits of global studies or globalization-focused coursework, including 8 credits of Intl foundational courses and 16 credits of elective coursework.

Students completing an International and Global Studies major or minor are not eligible to receive a Global Studies certificate.

Required Courses (8 credits)

Students must take the following foundational classes. These courses introduce concepts including nationalism, globalization, colonialism, imperialism, etc. and explore how the world works in general economic, political, and social terms.

Intl 201Introduction to International Studies

4

Intl 202The United States and the World

4

Elective Courses (16 credits)

Students must select four elective upper-division global studies-oriented courses (16 credits) from the list of university-wide electives maintained by the department.

Students who meet PSU's Second Language B.A./M.A. Requirement be automatically considered as having completed four out of 16 elective credits required for the certificate.

Study Abroad courses can count towards Global Studies Certificate electives when approved through the Course Substitution process. See an Advisor for more details.

Intl 399 and Intl 401-Intl 410 can count towards the electives when approved through the Course Substitution process. See a faculty or pathway advisor for more details.

All courses used to satisfy the departmental certificate requirements, whether taken in the department or elsewhere, must be graded C or above. Courses taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling departmental certificate requirements.