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Global Studies Major

Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies

Develop a broad and sophisticated understanding of global changes, cultures and perspectives with the Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies program in Temple University’s College of Liberal Arts. This rigorous, interdisciplinary, 123-credit undergraduate program prepares students for the international workforce through its emphasis on global cultures, global economy and global security. 

The Global Studies Major draws from over a dozen fields of study, and it prioritizes a strong foundation in foreign language studies, with opportunities for you to intern and study abroad. Students are required to complete four levels of a foreign language, giving them a competitive edge when pursuing global professions. 

Through the Global Studies  curriculum, learn to analyze international problems and communicate ideas effectively. Study the complex global issues shaping our world, using tools from a variety of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. Graduates are well equipped to pursue international careers, and collaborate across and within foreign countries.

Concentrations

This degree program can be completed with or without a concentration. Your concentration options include

  • Global Economy

    Examine the evolution of cooperation among states in managing the global economy, and the role of history, politics and technology in shaping international, national and local relations.

    View Concentration Details

  • Global Security

    Access dozens of courses from multiple disciplines, including anthropology, criminal justice, geography, history and political science, in order to understand the causes of war, security strategies of states and the rise of new and challenging security threats in a constantly changing global environment.

    View Concentration Details

  • Global Cultures

    Examine the interaction of global and local cultures from the European imperialism of the 19th century, through the spread of Americanization in the 20th century, to the digital world of the 21st century. This concentration draws on courses from a wide list of options in anthropology, film, history, literature, religion and sociology.

    View Concentration Details

  • Latin American Studies

    Take an interdisciplinary approach to learning about the politics, economics, cultures and societies of Latin America and the Caribbean. Explore thematic issues in disciplines such as anthropology, art, history, political science, Spanish and Portuguese, and communication studies with Latin America at the center. 

    View Concentration Details
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Classes & Curriculum

Global Studies BA students take the following foundational courses. 

  • Introduction to Global Studies
  • Global Connections
  • International Politics
  • Macroeconomic Principles

Required and elective courses will vary, depending on which concentration you choose. The program culminates with a research-based and writing-intensive capstone seminar.

Learn more about Global Studies Major courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has 22 undergraduate certificate programs for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your Temple education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $19,608.00 per year
Out-of-state: $35,232.00 per year

Our Academic Advisors

Advising support is provided by the College of Liberal Arts Center for Academic Advising. You can find more information on the CLA Academic Advising webpage (https://liberalarts.temple.edu/students/academic-advising).

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development in the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond Temple. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. Learn more about the center.

Program Contact

For questions regarding the Global Studies Major, contact the following staff member.

Danielle K. Scherer is the assistant director of the Global Studies program.
Phone: 215-204-4283
Email:

The following staff member leads the Global Studies program.

Sanjoy Chakravorty is the director of the Global Studies program.
Email:  

University Honors Program

The College of Liberal Arts participates in Temple’s Honors Program. Learn more about the program and how to be admitted. 

Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies. 

  • Alpha Lambda Delta is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.
  • Golden Key is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service. 
  • Phi Beta Kappa is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

Learn more about Temple’s honor societies.

Student Clubs & Organizations

Supplement your College of Liberal Arts coursework and enhance your undergraduate experience at Temple with more than 300 student clubs and organizations. You’ll have opportunities to meet and network with other students, get involved with the community, grow your interest, and develop résumé-boosting skills and experience.

The Global Studies Society provides educational and professional development for students and the opportunity to build a social network to support them throughout their career.

Learn more about Temple’s student clubs and organizations.

Study Away

College of Liberal Arts undergraduate students are encouraged to study away for an academic year, semester or summer. All Global Studies students are strongly encouraged to study abroad as part of the program’s Regional Enrichment requirement, and our advisors will work with you to directly identify the study abroad option that best fits with your academic interests, career path and foreign language choices.

A limited number of Global Scholar Grants are awarded annually based on merit and need. The Global Scholar Grant is intended for Global Studies majors who study abroad for at least six weeks and take at least six credits. Awards include

  • up to $1,500 for summer programs, 
  • up to $3,000 for a semester abroad and 
  • up to $5,000 for an academic year abroad.

Learn more about your options for studying away.

Accreditation

The Department of Africology and African American Studies is accredited by the National Council for Black Studies (NCBS). NCBS was established in 1975 by African American scholars who recognized the need to formalize the study of the African experience, as well as expand and strengthen academic units and community programs devoted to this endeavor.

Temple University’s departments and programs are accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Additional Program Information