Academics
Introduction to the Major
Through a flexible curriculum, students engage global issues from multiple perspectives while developing critical, analytical, and cross-cultural skills. Academic ‘tracks’ or ‘concentrations’ are designed to support deep regional or thematic study and to connect classroom learning with real-world global engagement.
Concentration Tracks
The Global Studies concentration tracks offer focused academic pathways within an interdisciplinary major in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Virginia. Each track addresses a distinct set of global issues, such as public health, sustainability, development, security, and global commerce. These concentrations allow students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals while gaining the knowledge and skills needed to address complex global challenges.
Global Commerce In Culture & Society
Explores how economic systems and institutions interact with social and cultural contexts.
Global Development Studies
Examines the meaning of “development” through an interdisciplinary lens.
Global Environments & Sustainability
Explores how growing population and consumption strain Earth’s limited resources.
Global Public Health
Advances understanding and solutions for improving global health and equity.
Global Security & Justice
Examines global conflict, security, and human rights while preparing students for justice‑focused work.
Which Program is Right for Me?
Global Commerce in Culture and Society (GCCS) students explore the history and diversity of economic institutions especially how these institutions and other systems of exchange are shaped by, and embedded in, social and cultural contexts that they affect in turn.
Global Development Studies (GDS) Info coming.
Global Public Health (GPH) students examine the complex cultural, social, political, economic, and environmental systems affecting the health and w ell-being of people and communities around the world.
Global Security & Justice (GSSJ) Info coming.
Global Sustainability (GSVS) students develop a deep understanding of Earth’s most pressing ecological and related social and economic challenges, and they gain experience developing solutions to them.
Amplify Your Major
- Showcase your Capstone research project at the Global Futures Symposium.
- Become a Global Studies ambassador and connect with prospective majors and program leadership.
- Participate in an education abroad program, whether for a full semester or during J-term/Summer.
What Can I Do With My Major?
Jobs and Employers
- Project Associate, University of Chicago Institute for Climate and Sustainable Growth
- Partnerships Coordinator, Northern Virginia Conservation Trust
- Advisory Analyst, Aurora Energy Research
- Policy Analyst, White House Office of Management and Budget
- Foreign Affairs Officer, U.S. Department of State
- Program Officer for Humanitarian and Development Assistance, Danish Ministry for Foreign Affairs
- Data Scientist, S2n Health
- Orthopedic Research Fellow, Columbia University Medical Center
- Population Health Epidemiologist Junior, Richmond City Health District
- Resident Physician, Yale New Haven Hospital
- Peace Corps Volunteer
Graduate Programs
- Environmental Management, MA
- Public Policy, MPP
- Law, JD
- Social Science and Humanities, PhD. (various)
- Management, MS
- Business, MBA
- Medical School, MD, OD
- Nursing, CNM, RN, NP, CNS, CRNA
- Public Health, MPH or MSc
- Physician Assistant programs, PA
Major Requirements
Interdisciplinary Major - Global Studies
The Interdisciplinary Major in Global Studies requires 30 total credits.
Admissions Info for Global Studies Major
Current Undergraduate students from across the University may apply for entrance to the Global Studies major in the spring semester of their first or second year.