Global Studies
Mission
Cultural competence and the development of critical and analytical skills are crucial for career success in our world today. Global Studies was created in order to more effectively and adequately prepare students for global leadership and employment. The goal of the Department of Global Studies is to impart skills in cross-cultural understanding, language, international diplomacy, and business abilities. The program at Idaho State University opens a world of opportunities for local and international careers in public service, health professions, entrepreneurship, and politics as students expand their talents and intellectual horizons beyond their own local experience. By enhancing their analytical and problem-solving skills, deepening their mastery of the history, politics, traditions, literature, and civilizations associated with other regions of the world, and speaking, listening, reading, and writing in languages other than English, students gain an understanding of areas as diverse as global market relations, communications and consumption, population movements, and the globalization of cultures, politics, and economies.
Global Studies Program
The Global Studies Program offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Global Studies. The program is interdisciplinary. Students are afforded the opportunity to explore a wide range of world cultures, languages, societies, and politics while building on a core curriculum of language, economics, international politics, international organizations, and human rights. A minor is also offered.
The Global Studies Program encourages students to develop a general understanding of language, culture, economics, and politics while simultaneously offering the opportunity to specialize in one of four areas: Global Politics and Economic Development; Global Culture and Identity; Global Security and Justice; and Global Heath and Environment (please consult the ISU Event Calendar for further material including information about the Frank Church Symposium on International Affairs, special seminars, and study abroad).
Our Graduates
Our graduates work in the diplomatic corps, international relations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and broadcasting/journalism or population studies. Other potential careers include cultural affairs officer, demographer, teaching and research, international business, foreign affairs analyst, intelligence researcher, or interpreter and United Nations guide. Some of our recent graduates have secured opportunities to work for the Peace Corps, Immigration/Homeland Security, educational administration, embassies, financial marketplaces, and also interpret for Foreign Consulates. In today's interdependent world an internationally sensitive background is valued highly by employers even when hiring for positions that do not involve explicit international work.