Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Global Studies, B.I.S.


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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 offer students courses on critical issues like conflict, terrorism, peace building, water access, urbanization, and global cities. 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


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 Area G and in at least two disciplines in Area H. Areas G and H 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 Area G and H.

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 Areas G and H 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 1460 GPA Requirement  for additional information.)

Area F: Courses Appropriate to the Major (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.

Elective Courses


Select additional courses from the following list to complete 18 hours in Area F. Pay close attention to prerequisites for courses planned for Areas G and H. No more than two courses (6-8 credit hours) may be completed from the same department without advisor’s authorization.

Area G: Major Courses (27 Hours)


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

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.

CTW (3 Hours)


Students must take the following

Regional Understanding (12-18 Hours)


Select courses from the following to complete 12-18 hours. a. Advanced world language courses at or beyond the 3001 level. If the language is not offered at Georgia State, speak to your advisor about agreements with other USG institutions.
Area Studies Courses

Research/Analytic/Writing Skills (6-9 Hours)


Select additional courses from the following to complete 6-9 hours. Other relevant courses may be by your advisor:

Experiential Learning (3-9 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.
Honors Thesis Research and Writing in Global Studies or any other Arts and Sciences department

Other Regular Courses from Arts & Sciences Departments

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.

Area H: Thematic Allied Fields (15-21 Hours)


Students must complete coursework in at least two disciplines (defined by course prefixes) in Area H.

Students select one of the thematic allied fields listed below. Then, choose courses from the pre-approved list below or other appropriate courses in consultation with your academic advisor.

Review the course description to determine if courses have prerequisites.

Conflict, Violence, and Peace-Building


Globalization, Power, and Culture


International Development, Trade, and Urbanization


Global Health and Environment


Human Rights and Democracy


International Business


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