Global Studies

WELCOME, NEW BRUINS!

GLOBAL
STUDIES

Understand the processes of globalization, and their consequences and become empowered to shape your world as the next generation of global leaders. Our interdisciplinary major and minor draw insights from disciplines across the humanities and social sciences to give students the theoretical and methodological skills and the knowledge base necessary to understand this complex and rapidly changing world.

"Start looking at what clubs you may want to be a part of towards the end of the summer! [It's] an amazing way to find a community on campus..." - Elizabeth Zelinsky
"[Global Studies] is an interdisciplinary major that requires me to take classes in [different] departments. It's also a very customizable major. Since I am interested in international politics and business, I can take classes that concentrate more on those topics." - Will Flanagan
"Studying is important, but nothing has fulfilled me more than being able to grow alongside encouraging, passionate individuals who make me a better person and gave me opportunities to develop personally and professionally." - Elisa Ciappi

COURSES

These are a few of the many interesting courses you could take during the summer! They have no pre-requisites:

GLBL ST 1 | Intro to Global Studies
GLBL ST 140 | Hollywood & America's Global Image

STUDY ABROAD

Participate in an immersive summer Travel Study program to earn major/minor credit

TRANSFER STUDENTS

See our Transfer Students tab!

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RESOURCES TO SUPPORT BRUINS

Information on healthy and safety, campus life, nature of instruction, and more to help you navigate your UCLA experience.

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QUESTIONS?

See our FAQ page! You can also email us or make an appointment.

CONNECT WITH US

The UCLA International Institute stands in solidarity with our Black, Asian, and Asian American students and colleagues, and against racial injustice. We pledge to continue to promote research, education, and service that strive for a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive world. Please visit our Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion committee's webpage for resources for racial trauma and anti-racism.

Global Studies Major and Minor

We offer a BA and minor in Global Studies. Courses in the major and minor study processes and consequences of increasing inter-connectivity in matters related to the expansion of the world economy, the demands for new forms of international cooperation and governance among states, and the mixing of cultures associated with the increased mobility of populations and the wide dissemination of information and media images.

Students receive one-on one faculty attention, travel study courses incorporated in the curriculum, and small seminar courses

Pillars we use to study globalization:

Culture & Society courses concentrate on the tensions between local ways of life with deep historical, linguistic, ethnic, and religious roots, and today's pressures for transnational cultures and multiple identities, fueled by the communication of ideas and the movement of people all around the world.

Governance & Conflict courses focus on challenges to the nation-state from forms of governance above (regional and global governance) and below (autonomy and secessionist movements), and from security threats beyond interstate warfare (ethnic conflict, terrorism, civil wars).

Markets & Resources courses address the interactions among global, regional, national, and subnational economic processes over resources and market dynamics, their effects on different societies with respect to economic growth, poverty, inequality, the environment, and interactions among market forces, political institutions, and public policy.

The pillars capture the principal dimensions of the multifaceted interconnections increasingly defining the world we live in—among nation-states, international institutions, nongovernmental organizations, and ethnic, cultural, and religious groups.

GLOBAL STUDIES
FACULTY ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE 2025-26

Shaina Potts, Chair, Global Studies

John A. Agnew, Ph.D., Geography, Italian
Elizabeth DeLoughrey, Ph.D., English, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability
Robert M. McCann, Ph.D., Anderson School of Management
Eric Min, Ph.D., International Institute, Political Science
Tejas Parasher, Ph.D., International Institute, Political Science
Margaret Peters, Ph.D., International Institute, Political Science
Shaina Potts, Ph.D., Geography, International Institute

Learn more about our Global Studies program and faculty by visiting this link

Major/Minor Academic Advising

We strive to provide students with holistic and comprehensive support through one-on-one advising, workshops, and events. Students are encouraged to work in partnership with their college advisor, major advisor, and other campus units to maximize their time at UCLA and make a positive impact both during and after their college careers as informed and responsible global citizens.

Sandy Valdivieso

Liz Alvarez

Advisors Can Assist You With

• Thoughtful academic and professional planning
• Exploration of research opportunities
• Guidance on internship opportunities and experiences abroad
• Helping you connect your major to your academic, career, and personal goals
• Clarifying the scope and requirements of the major or minor

College Counseling can assist with questions regarding major exploration, GE/IGETC requirements, Course Add/Drop Petitions, Degree Plan Contracts, college-specific requirements, holds, graduation checks, probation status, readmission, and more.

Registrar's Office questions may include registration, fees, enrollment, transcripts, and other student records services.

Student Email List

Email us to be added to our student mailing list and receive important announcements, updates, and opportunities.

Email Us

Contact us with questions regarding major or minor requirements, research, internships, study abroad, and more. Please include your full name and UID in all emails. Allow approximately 2 business days for a response.

idps@international.ucla.edu

Virtual/In-Person Appointments

Appointments are available for current UCLA students only. If you are not currently a UCLA student, please email us instead. Our offices are located in Bunche Hall. Students should come prepared with questions and review our website prior to their appointment.

Appointments will be canceled if a student does not arrive (online or in person) within 5 minutes of the scheduled appointment time.

MY.UCLA APPOINTMENT SCHEDULER

NOTE: Missing an appointment or canceling within two hours of the scheduled appointment time may impact a student’s ability to schedule future appointments.

Our Students

The Academic Programs offered through the UCLA International Institute allow students to focus on a particular area of study through a variety of disciplines across campus. The Institute also offers its own courses taught by core teaching faculty under the following subject areas: African Studies, Global Health, Global Studies, International & Area Studies, International Development Studies, International Migration Studies, and Latin American Studies.

Award recognizes academic achievement of international development seniors

The annual International Development Studies Academic Award commemorates graduating seniors for exceptional academic achievement in the IDS major, particularly in upper-division coursework.
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Winners of the 2025 IDS Activist Award connect education to activism

The Activist Award of the International Development Studies Program is conferred annually on one or two seniors for outstanding commitment to making a difference on issues significant to international development through activism, service and leadership.
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Bruin gathers intel from doulas worldwide to understand impacts of global policy

Leila Chiddick interviewed professionals from around the world and trained as a doula herself to make recommendations on how international organizations can adjust their policies to meet the needs of people on the ground.
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