Global Studies

The Department of Global Studies offers interdisciplinary approaches to human wellbeing. We are inspired by human-centered approaches to development and globalization, with an emphasis on both theory and practice. Throughout the department, we focus on bottom-up approaches to problem solving rather than top-down policy promotion, and our research-active faculty focus on integrating cutting edge scholarship with innovative solutions to pressing real-world issues.

Commencement Ceremony

We are delighted to announce that the commencement ceremony for undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Global Studies and Languages will be held on 

Sunday, June 16th at 10 am 
East Campus Green

The commencement will be followed by a reception nearby. Stay tuned for further details and updates!

100%
of our students participate in a hands-on learning experience, via study abroad or internships
23%
First-generation students
100%

of students in our major have a dedicated faculty mentor to advise on career goals

What you can do with a degree in Global Studies

A Global Studies degree can lead to a variety of career fields. From media to politics, government, the non-profit sector, and tourism, Global Studies prepares students to step into the career of their dreams well-equipped with the necessary experience to be successful.

Annika Hearn

How Global Studies Jump-Starts Your Career

"As a Global Studies major focusing on Global Health, I learned a lot about social determinants of health and the poor health outcomes some vulnerable populations face. Around 80% of the patients at the clinic where I work are Spanish speaking only, and I would guess around 40% of my patients are undocumented immigrants from Latin America or refugees from around the world. Global Studies taught me a lot about cultural humility, which has been extremely helpful in my work as a primary care provider."

—Annika Hearn, Global Studies, '15

Our Degree Programs

After gaining a solid foundation in global skills and knowledge from our core courses, students do a deep dive into their preferred professional concentration. Students may choose electives from every department and school across campus to complete their major and can tailor their coursework to best meet their own career aspirations. 

Learn from Experts in the Field

Learn from Experts in the Field

Every student in our major has a faculty mentor whose research aligns with the student’s interests. Students are encouraged to conduct original research, either as part of an ongoing faculty project or working on a thesis. Our faculty are seasoned field researchers with community connections and language proficiency in at least one language other than English.

Interest areas include:

  • Detention as a determinant of immigrant health in the U.S.
  • Food systems and agroecological transitions in Oregon
  • Environmental justice and indigenous rights in Bolivia
  • How lifestyle, nutrition and social structures shape physical and mental health around the world
Student boxing lettuce on farm

Get Real-world Experience

Students can draw on our faculty’s extensive networks, both domestic and international, to choose an immersive, intercultural experience that ties their coursework together with their career aspirations. These range from study or internships abroad to an internship with a local organization right here in Eugene.

Hands-on learning can include:

  • Volunteering at a food bank
  • Working with shelters and medical outreach for the houseless
  • Refugee and immigrant support programs
  • Participating in accessibility projects for persons with disabilities

Scholarships & Funding

The Department of Global Studies offers the Judy Fosdick-Oliphant Scholarship and. the Oregon Consular Corps Scholarship to undergraduate students. For graduate students, we offer a variety of funding opportunities, from the Gary E. Smith Professional Development Scholarship to the George and Conni Slape Fellowship.

Undergraduate Scholarships
Graduate Funding

Academic Support

Faculty and staff work closely with Tykeson College and Career Advising to provide seamless support for students academically, personally and professionally. Every major student has a faculty mentor who is available to meet for career and academic planning. The department communicates regularly with students through newsletters, social media and timely updates.

Undergraduate Advising
Support for Graduate Students

Global Studies News and Events

March 11, 2024
GLOBAL HEALTH, GLOBAL STUDIES - Associate Professor Jo Weaver published research in the December 2023 issue of SSM-Mental Health that examines the mental health needs of women in India. Because of the gaps in mental health care that emerge from cultural mismatch, Weaver and her research team urge health workers to prioritize culturally informed methods of distress management and address the social and structural causes of suffering rather than delivering standardized clinical mental healthcare.
February 5, 2024
FOOD STUDIES, GLOBAL STUDIES - 'Up on the Mountain' follows Southeast Asian refugees, Latino immigrants, and rural Americans on a year-round migration to harvest and sell wild mushrooms. The film screening is 4pm Thursday, Feb. 15 in McKenzie 229.
January 29, 2024
GLOBAL STUDIES - Kathryn Desvignes Holder (MA, '17) earned her global studies master's degree, specializing in cross-cultural communication and Africa, which she said provided her with the experience and skills to speak and communicate with a diversity of stakeholders. She is now the public affairs officer and public engagement lead for the Umatilla National Forest.

All news »


Let's Talk Drop-In - Wednesdays 2-4PM @ BCC
Mar20
Let's Talk Drop-In - Wednesdays 2-4PM @ BCC Mar 20 Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center
Special Collections Research Fellows Speaker Series: Tp Coughlin, 2023 Le Guin Feminist Science Fiction Fellow
Mar21
Special Collections Research Fellows Speaker Series: Tp Coughlin, 2023 Le Guin Feminist Science Fiction Fellow Mar 21
¡Juntos! Latinx Support Group
Mar21
¡Juntos! Latinx Support Group Mar 21 Carson Hall, Ramey Room
Physical Chemistry Seminar Series
Mar21
Physical Chemistry Seminar Series Mar 21 Willamette Hall
Let's Talk Drop-In - Fridays 1-3PM @ CMAE/Zoom
Mar22
Let's Talk Drop-In - Fridays 1-3PM @ CMAE/Zoom Mar 22
International & Economic Development Careers - Millennium Challenge Corporation
Apr4
International & Economic Development Careers - Millennium Challenge Corporation Apr 4 440 Lill
EXTRA! EXTRA! DON'T KILL THE MESSENGER
Apr4
EXTRA! EXTRA! DON'T KILL THE MESSENGER Apr 4 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
"'Surplus' White Nationalism and GOP Climate Obstruction"
Apr4
"'Surplus' White Nationalism and GOP Climate Obstruction" Apr 4 Knight Library
Reading by Victor Lavalle
Apr4
Reading by Victor Lavalle Apr 4 Knight Library
EXTRA! EXTRA! DON'T KILL THE MESSENGER
Apr5
EXTRA! EXTRA! DON'T KILL THE MESSENGER Apr 5 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)

All events »