The B.A. in Global Studies offers flexible learning pathways—students can complete the degree through a combination of in-person, hybrid, and online coursework, with opportunities to engage in international study and fieldwork.
Global Studies is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected and complex world. At Cal State East Bay, the Global Studies B.A. equips students with broad knowledge of global political, cultural, environmental, and economic systems, while fostering cross-cultural understanding and real-world engagement.
The program draws on courses from a range of disciplines, including anthropology, economics, geography, history, and political science. Students develop a core foundation in global systems and then personalize their studies by focusing on a regional, disciplinary, or thematic area of emphasis—such as migration, human rights, or international business.
The curriculum emphasizes both academic rigor and applied experience. All Global Studies majors complete either an internationally related internship or participate in study abroad. Many students also engage in community service projects or join international student clubs, gaining valuable skills in cross-cultural communication and civic engagement.
Graduates of the program pursue careers in international development, foreign service, non-profit and humanitarian work, education, law, global business, journalism, and more. The Global Studies B.A. also provides excellent preparation for graduate studies in fields such as international relations, regional studies, public policy, and international law.
Career paths include:
Diplomacy and Foreign Service • International Business • Humanitarian and Development Work • Educational and Cultural Exchange • Immigration and Refugee Services • Environmental and Social Justice Organizations • Journalism • Teaching • Translation • International Non-Profits • Law and Public Policy
