Undergraduate

Global Studies

Global Studies is an interdisciplinary major designed to help students understand how countries across the globe are linked together ecologically, economically, geographically and politically.

Global Studies Program

Program Tracks Available

Major, Minor

Admission Deadline

Early Decision: November 15

Early Action: November 15

Early Action II: December 15

Regular Decision: February 15

Apply Now

Degrees Offered

B.A.

School

D'Amour College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Department

Program Overview
Learning goals:
1. To develop an understanding of the basic principles, concepts, and theories of the disciplines that we teach.
2. To develop an ability to interpret geographic and interdisciplinary information using appropriate disciplinary methodology.
3. To develop an ability to apply geographic knowledge to critically analyze problems throughout the world and their potential solutions.
4. To develop effective written and oral communication skills to better present information to those with interest in global concerns.
Become a Global Citizen

The world has perhaps never seemed so small. Economic and political events in one part of the globe echo through others in ways that present us all with new challenges as well as new opportunities. The founding of Assumption University is itself rooted in the global flow of people and ideas that resulted in Belgian Assumptionists moving first to Canada and then to Massachusetts. The Global Studies major and minor are thus deeply rooted in the University's history and in its mission to create thoughtful, ethical citizens and leaders.

Global Studies students study how different societies affect, and are affected by, economic growth, migration, climate change, poverty, conflict, and geo-locational constraints. Students take core classes in geography, economics, and political science, alongside a range of electives that allow them to gain a more in-depth understanding of the issues and parts of the world in which they are most interested. Along the way, students gain valuable communication and analytical skills that are applicable to a wide range of fields.

Students majoring in Global Studies are required to complete one of three options to enhance their undergraduate academic experience: a semester abroad, an internationally focused internship (possibly in Washington, D.C.), or a Senior Research Project on an issue of global significance. Additionally, all Global Studies majors complete a minor in a related field such as: economics, environmental studies, language history or politics. Many Global Studies majors double major and in those cases, no minor is required. The study of foreign language is encouraged, but not required.

The Global Studies Program with its interdisciplinary focus and experiential learning requirement fits perfectly with the mission of Assumption University. Working with The Center for Global Studies, the major will include elective coursework connected to Catholic Relief Services.

Program Contact

Kevin Hickey, MLA

Associate Professor of Geography

508-767-7269 khickey@assumption.edu Founders Hall - Room 308

An Ideal Place to Learn

100%

2017 global studies graduates who secured employment within 6 months of graduation.

Students from 33 states and 11 countries

13:1

Student/Faculty ratio

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Program Curriculum

Major

A major in Global Studies provides students with an opportunity to explore the problems facing our increasingly interconnected world, with a particular emphasis on regions outside Europe and the United States. Through a carefully selected set of courses from across the curriculum, students are not only given the tools necessary to understand contemporary global issues but are also empowered to respond effectively. In addition to required coursework, students are expected to complete a semester abroad where they benefit from immersion in a different place and culture. Students majoring in Global Studies may pursue careers in international business, media, education, law, government, or the non-profit sector.

There are five components to the major in Global Studies: the Global Studies Core, Global Studies Depth, Global Studies Electives, Study Abroad, and a required Minor.

Global Studies Core (6 courses)

GLS 100	Introduction to Global Studies
GEO 100	Human and Physical Geography
ANT 131	Cultural Anthropology
ECO 110	Principles of Microeconomics
ECO 252	Economic Development
POL 207	Peace and War

Global Studies Depth (2 courses)

One of the following:

GEO 108	World Population Issues
GEO 222	Regional Geography of South America

GEO 232	Regional Geography of Africa

One of the following:

HIS 242	Russia since 1917
HIS 281

HIS 283	Modern China: War and Revolution
HIS 291	Islamic Middle East II (Since 1800)
HIS 389	Special Topics (with the approval of department chair)
HIS 290
HIS 291
HIS 306
HIS 310 or WMS 385

Global Studies Electives (3 courses)

Any 3 of the following:

GEO 106, 108, 134, 252 HIS 242, 265, 282, 290, 291

ANT 236 POL 332, 345, 371, 376, 377

ECO 264, 353, 354 LAS 200 SPA 125, 126, 310, 311, 312, 313, 386

PCS 265 THE 286 WMS 385 ENG 379 ART 232

Study Abroad, Internship, or Senior Research Project

All global studies majors are expected to spend a semester in a college-approved study abroad program. Courses completed in such programs are likely to count as global studies electives subject to the approval of the department chair. As an alternative to studying abroad, students may choose to spend a semester in Washington D.C. through The Internship Program at The Washington Center (TWC), provided the internship placement is international in scope, subject to the approval of the department chair. Students who for financial or other reasons are unable to complete a semester abroad or Washington Internship will be expected to complete an independent research project which incorporates a multi-disciplinary approach to analyze a specific global issue. This project can be completed as an independent study, subject to the approval of the department chair.

Required Minor

All global studies students are required to complete a minor. Two, listed below, are available within the Department although all minors are acceptable. The minor should be chosen in consultation with the student’s advisor. The department encourages students to consider minors offered by the Department of Modern and Classical Languages. Alternatively, minors in Latin American Studies, Economics, Business, Anthropology, History, and Political Science are valuable compliments to a global studies major. Other minors may be acceptable as long as they are approved by the department chair

Course Descriptions

A minor in global studies allows a student to add a global dimension to their program of study. By combining courses in geography, economics, history, politics, and anthropology students choosing to minor in global studies acquire an understanding of contemporary global issues that can complement many majors.

Minor in Global Studies (6 courses) Required

GLS 100 Introduction to Global Studies

GEO 100 Human and Physical Geography

ANT 131 Cultural Anthropology

ECO 110 Principles of Microeconomics

ECO 252 Economic Development

One of the Following

GEO 106, 108, 134, 251 HIS 242, 251, 282, 283, 291

POL 207, 332, 345, 371, 376, 377

Course Descriptions
- Academic Catalog & Advising Guide
- Minor in Global Studies Course Descriptions

Minor in Environmental Studies

In cooperation with the Department of Natural Sciences, students may expand their study of environmental problems with a Minor in Environmental Studies. This program will appeal to students who have an interest in environmental policy.

ENV 150

Introduction to Environmental Science

Section A choose (1) one of the following (may be taken with or without a lab):

ENV 120	Environmental History of New England
BIO 160	Concepts in Biology
CHE 105	Chemistry in Modern Society
CHE 131	General Chemistry

Section B choose (4) of the following:

GEO 101	Physical Oceanography
GEO 103	Introduction to Meteorology
GEO 108	World Population Issues
GEO 134	Conservation of Natural Resources
GEO 252	Land Use and Planning Law
ECO 235	Environmental Economics
ENV 260	Water Resources Planning and Management, available through the Marine Studies Consortium
OR
ENV 280	Coastal Zone Management, available through the Marine Studies Consortium

Course Descriptions

Faculty

Kevin Hickey, MLA Department Chair, Global Studies Associate Professor of Geography

Demetrius Kantarelis, Ph.D Professor of Economics

Smriti Rao, Ph.D Department Chair, Economics, Finance and International Business Professor of Economics

Justin Williams, Ph.D. Adjunct Faculty

Experiential Learning

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Students majoring in Global Studies are required to complete one of three options to enhance their undergraduate academic experience: a semester abroad, an internationally focused internship (possibly in Washington, D.C.), or a Senior Research Project on an issue of global significance.

Faculty/Student Research

The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment. Sample research projects include “An Investigation of Renewable Energy Projects and Their Potential Applications at Assumption University: Wind Turbines and Geothermal Heat Pumps” and “Pollution of the Yangtze and Ganges Rivers: An Inside Look at How India and China Respond to Environmental Degradation and Economic Development”

Study Abroad

At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.

Internships

Assumption starts planning for your future the day you arrive on campus. Our Career Development and Internship Center helps students secure exciting and fulfilling internships where you’ll apply knowledge obtained in the classroom in a professional setting, preparing for a future career or additional study. Assumption connects students to internship opportunities in corporations, government agencies, research hospitals, non-profit organizations, and more.

Assumption's Rome Campus

At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)

Explore the Rome Campus

Career Paths

Bloomberg LP

City of Lawrence, MA School System

City of Worcester Public Housing Administration

Coca Cola National

District Counsel U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Natick Army Labs

National Sexual Violence Resource Center

New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission

Reebok Corporation

Siemens Energy, Inc.

Sun Life Insurance International

T.J. Maxx, Corporate Legal Division

U.S. Department of State

Winter-Wyman Search Corp.

Sarah Clancey

Global Studies 2018
Special Education Paraprofessional, Dedham High School

Global Studies taught me that education is a determining factor in a person’s quality of life.

Global Studies instilled in me an appreciation for the intersectionality of the world’s biggest dilemmas, and how they translate into daily life. I majored in Global Studies because I wanted to learn more about the world around me, to make a positive change where I can.

Grace Levesque

Global Studies 2017
Licensed School Psychologist, Westborough, MA

The Global Studies major helped me develop a more expansive lens through which to see the world.

I gained a greater understanding of how political and economic systems, culture, history, geography, and recent events shape how we live our everyday lives. As a school psychologist, I can evaluate the many factors and circumstances that impact the students in front of me.

Emma Salachi

Global Studies 2109
Consulting Analyst in Government & Public Services at Deloitte

Discovering the Global Studies major at Assumption kickstarted my love for international relations.

The Global Studies Department provided me with an environment to explore my interests, the interdisciplinary nature of the program encouraged me to develop knowledge in a range of subjects, and the flexibility of the program allowed me to spend a semester abroad.

Julie D.

Global Studies 1995
Assistant District Counsel, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Understanding how governments and economies function in a global scale.

I took classes in micro and macroeconomics as well as physical geography and economic geography. All of these classes gave me an understanding for the balance between economic growth and the protection of natural resources. It was a great career foundation.

Patrick Williams

Global Studies 2012
Production Associate, Coulter Partners

“Assumption gave me a hands-on education experience with an intimate class environment where I got to know my classmates and professors quite well. The college and the professors I had fostered a culture of accountability, thoughtfulness and genuine intellectual curiosity”

Jessica Stewart

Global Studies 2010
Program Coordinator, HIV Biomedical Prevention Field at Boston Medical Center

Without the lessons I learned from the faculty, I don’t believe I would be where I am professionally

“Working in the interdisciplinary field of public health, I still drew from lessons I learned at Assumption and consequently have chosen this career because my mind was trained to think not only about “the haves” and ‘the have nots’ but also about ‘the why.'

Sarah Clancey

Global Studies 2018
Special Education Paraprofessional, Dedham High School

Global Studies taught me that education is a determining factor in a person’s quality of life.

Global Studies instilled in me an appreciation for the intersectionality of the world’s biggest dilemmas, and how they translate into daily life. I majored in Global Studies because I wanted to learn more about the world around me, to make a positive change where I can.

Grace Levesque

Global Studies 2017
Licensed School Psychologist, Westborough, MA

The Global Studies major helped me develop a more expansive lens through which to see the world.

I gained a greater understanding of how political and economic systems, culture, history, geography, and recent events shape how we live our everyday lives. As a school psychologist, I can evaluate the many factors and circumstances that impact the students in front of me.

Emma Salachi

Global Studies 2109
Consulting Analyst in Government & Public Services at Deloitte

Discovering the Global Studies major at Assumption kickstarted my love for international relations.

The Global Studies Department provided me with an environment to explore my interests, the interdisciplinary nature of the program encouraged me to develop knowledge in a range of subjects, and the flexibility of the program allowed me to spend a semester abroad.

Julie D.

Global Studies 1995
Assistant District Counsel, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Understanding how governments and economies function in a global scale.

I took classes in micro and macroeconomics as well as physical geography and economic geography. All of these classes gave me an understanding for the balance between economic growth and the protection of natural resources. It was a great career foundation.

Patrick Williams

Global Studies 2012
Production Associate, Coulter Partners

“Assumption gave me a hands-on education experience with an intimate class environment where I got to know my classmates and professors quite well. The college and the professors I had fostered a culture of accountability, thoughtfulness and genuine intellectual curiosity”

Jessica Stewart

Global Studies 2010
Program Coordinator, HIV Biomedical Prevention Field at Boston Medical Center

Without the lessons I learned from the faculty, I don’t believe I would be where I am professionally

“Working in the interdisciplinary field of public health, I still drew from lessons I learned at Assumption and consequently have chosen this career because my mind was trained to think not only about “the haves” and ‘the have nots’ but also about ‘the why.'

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Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.

Our Mission

Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

We’ll help cut through the complexity of financing your education, ensuring you understand what you need, how to apply for aid, and what’s expected of you. You will be assigned a personal financial aid advisor who will guide you through the process and answer all of your financial aid-related questions.

Learn about financial aid

Opportunity awaits

Center for Global Studies

At the Center for Global Studies at Assumption University, internationally focused academic and study abroad programs will join together to provide a comprehensive experience for students interested in global learning, in particular, the global studies major and minor. The Center helps students develop a deeper and more meaningful appreciation of the world and its history, diverse cultures and customs, geography and economics. Professors provide perspective on what it means to be a true citizen of the world through a wide range of interdisciplinary courses designed to broaden students' horizons while helping them understand how the pieces fit together to create the world we live in.

Visit the Center

Graduate School Preparation

The global studies program will prepare you for an exciting career or the pursuit of additional study. Assumption global studies graduates have pursued additional study at institutions such as Boston College; Claremont University; McGill University; New England School of Law; Suffolk Law School; University of Colorado; Joseph Korbel School of International Studies; University of Vermont; and University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs

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Visit Assumption

Global Studies

Global Studies is an interdisciplinary major designed to help students understand how countries across the globe are linked together ecologically, economically, geographically and politically.

Global Studies Program

Kevin Hickey, MLA

An Ideal Place to Learn

2017 global studies graduates who secured employment within 6 months of graduation.

Students from 33 states and 11 countries

Student/Faculty ratio

Program Curriculum

Faculty

Experiential Learning

Learn the Skills Employers Seek

Faculty/Student Research

Study Abroad

Internships

Assumption's Rome Campus

Career Paths

Global Studies taught me that education is a determining factor in a person’s quality of life.

Global Studies instilled in me an appreciation for the intersectionality of the world’s biggest dilemmas, and how they translate into daily life. I majored in Global Studies because I wanted to learn more about the world around me, to make a positive change where I can.

The Global Studies major helped me develop a more expansive lens through which to see the world.

I gained a greater understanding of how political and economic systems, culture, history, geography, and recent events shape how we live our everyday lives. As a school psychologist, I can evaluate the many factors and circumstances that impact the students in front of me.

Discovering the Global Studies major at Assumption kickstarted my love for international relations.

The Global Studies Department provided me with an environment to explore my interests, the interdisciplinary nature of the program encouraged me to develop knowledge in a range of subjects, and the flexibility of the program allowed me to spend a semester abroad.

Understanding how governments and economies function in a global scale.

I took classes in micro and macroeconomics as well as physical geography and economic geography. All of these classes gave me an understanding for the balance between economic growth and the protection of natural resources. It was a great career foundation.

“Assumption gave me a hands-on education experience with an intimate class environment where I got to know my classmates and professors quite well. The college and the professors I had fostered a culture of accountability, thoughtfulness and genuine intellectual curiosity”

Without the lessons I learned from the faculty, I don’t believe I would be where I am professionally

“Working in the interdisciplinary field of public health, I still drew from lessons I learned at Assumption and consequently have chosen this career because my mind was trained to think not only about “the haves” and ‘the have nots’ but also about ‘the why.'

Global Studies taught me that education is a determining factor in a person’s quality of life.

Global Studies instilled in me an appreciation for the intersectionality of the world’s biggest dilemmas, and how they translate into daily life. I majored in Global Studies because I wanted to learn more about the world around me, to make a positive change where I can.

The Global Studies major helped me develop a more expansive lens through which to see the world.

I gained a greater understanding of how political and economic systems, culture, history, geography, and recent events shape how we live our everyday lives. As a school psychologist, I can evaluate the many factors and circumstances that impact the students in front of me.

Discovering the Global Studies major at Assumption kickstarted my love for international relations.

The Global Studies Department provided me with an environment to explore my interests, the interdisciplinary nature of the program encouraged me to develop knowledge in a range of subjects, and the flexibility of the program allowed me to spend a semester abroad.

Understanding how governments and economies function in a global scale.

I took classes in micro and macroeconomics as well as physical geography and economic geography. All of these classes gave me an understanding for the balance between economic growth and the protection of natural resources. It was a great career foundation.

“Assumption gave me a hands-on education experience with an intimate class environment where I got to know my classmates and professors quite well. The college and the professors I had fostered a culture of accountability, thoughtfulness and genuine intellectual curiosity”

Without the lessons I learned from the faculty, I don’t believe I would be where I am professionally

“Working in the interdisciplinary field of public health, I still drew from lessons I learned at Assumption and consequently have chosen this career because my mind was trained to think not only about “the haves” and ‘the have nots’ but also about ‘the why.'

First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting

Assumption is dedicated to providing a clear understanding of what your education will cost

Opportunity awaits

Center for Global Studies

Graduate School Preparation

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