Oct 12, 2024  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Undergraduate Catalog

Global Studies, B.I.S.


Return to: 3030.30 Interdisciplinary Studies  

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.) with a concentration in Global Studies. The degree prepares students to be globally aware in their chosen careers. Students develop a broad set of perspectives and skills. Our aim is to equip students with the knowledge and abilities needed to be successful in today’s fast-moving and inter-connected world. We encourage students to explore critical issues like conflict, terrorism, peace building, human rights, immigration and global inequality. In addition to focusing on global issues, students develop deep regional knowledge of the world. Students are encouraged to pursue world language study at an advanced level.

Program Admission

Students may enroll in a concentration upon admission to Georgia State University. Students who wish to change their major to this degree program should select a concentration in consultation with their academic advisor and the faculty coordinator. A 2.0 Georgia State University GPA is required.

Students who enroll in a concentration will submit a course plan checklist to demonstrate their understanding of the degree requirements. It is highly recommended that students develop a course of study with their specific faculty coordinator before taking coursework in the degree program to avoid taking courses that will not count towards graduation. We recommend that students decide to become global studies majors early in their sophomore year to maximize the opportunities for experiential learning and study abroad.

Degree Requirements (120 Hours)


Please refer to the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies College Degree Requirements  of this catalog for academic regulations for this program.

Students must complete coursework in at least three disciplines (defined by course prefixes) in the Major Area and in at least two disciplines in the Allied Studies Area. Each area should be constructed so that students take courses in distinct disciplines in each area (with some overlap expected); that is, the same prefix should not predominate in both areas.

In addition to the Program Degree Requirements, students must fulfill the College of Arts and Sciences Degree Requirements (see College Degree Requirements ) and the University Degree Requirements (see 1400 University Degree Requirements and Graduation ).

In selecting courses for this program, students are responsible for completing any required prerequisites. Courses below marked with an asterisk (*) have prerequisites. Students should ensure that they include prerequisites for selected courses elsewhere in their degree program.

Internship experiences may be undertaken only after completing at least 21 hours of credit in the concentration area.

University Grade-Point Average and Grade Requirements

Georgia State University undergraduate students must achieve an overall institutional grade-point average of 2.0 and a major GPA of 2.0 in the Major and Allied Studies areas to receive a bachelor’s degree from the university. Grades of C- can be used to satisfy graduation requirements. However, some courses have prerequisites that require a grade of C or higher. (See GPA Requirement for additional information.)

Field of Study Area (18 Hours)


Intermediate World Language (3-9 Hours)


Students must complete a world language 2001 or higher course, or demonstrate intermediate proficiency through a CLEP, SAT, or other exam approved by the Department of World Languages and Cultures.

Field Electives


Select additional elective courses from the following to complete 18 hours in the Field of Study Area. Pay close attention to prerequisites for courses planned for the Major and Allied Studies areas. No more than two courses (6-8 credit hours) may be completed from the same department without advisor’s authorization.

Major Area (27 Hours)


Students must complete coursework in at least three disciplines (defined by course prefixes) in the Major Area.

All Global Studies students must combine courses from the following categories to achieve a minimum of 27 hours. A grade of C or higher is required in all major courses.

Review the course description to determine if courses have prerequisites.

Research/Analytic/Writing Skills (6 hours)


Required Course (3 Hours)

Students must take the following:

Additional Course (3 Hours)

Select one additional course from the following. Another relevant course may be approved by your advisor.

Global Understanding (9 Hours)


Select courses from at least two departments from the following suggested offerings. Other relevant courses may be approved by your advisor. Courses not used to satisfy Area G may count towards Area H requirements.

Regional Understanding (6 Hours)


  • Advanced world language courses at or beyond the 2002 level. If the language is not offered at Georgia State, speak to your advisor about agreements with other USG institutions.
  • Select courses that address a region of the world other than the United States, such as the following:

Experiential Learning (6 Hours)


A minimum of 3 credit hours of designated experiential learning courses must be completed as part of the degree program. Additional credit hours of experiential learning may be counted in other relevant areas of the degree program pending approval by your academic advisor.

Study Abroad

  • Credit hours from any GSU-sponsored study abroad program.
  • Non-GSU study abroad programs may also count with preapproval from your academic advisor.
Honors Thesis Research and Writing

Select from Global Studies or any other Arts and Sciences discipline

Allied Studies Area (15-21 Hours)


Students are encouraged to identify a thematic area or topic and choose courses in consultation with the Global Studies program coordinator. Suggested themes are: Conflict, Violence & Peace-Building; Globalization, Power & Culture; International Development, Trade, & Urbanization; Global Information & Media; Global Health & Environment; Migration Issues; Human Rights & Democracy; or International Business.

Students must complete coursework at the 3000- or 4000-level in at least three disciplines (defined by course prefixes). Students should consult with the program coordinator for current course offerings and explore the following departments to find coursework that addresses their thematic area: AAS, AL, ANTH, ECON, ENGL, FLME, GEOG, GLOS, HIST, IB, MUS, PHIL, POLS, PSYC, RELS, SOCI, and WGGS. 

Graduation with Distinction in the Major


This unit offers undergraduate students with the opportunity to earn the designation of graduation with distinction in the major. Please contact the undergraduate director for the specific criteria for this honor.