Courses

Students will examine three propositions: (1) the existence of a global society; (2) the flaws of its principal, global institutions – the state, markets, and democracy; and (3) absent their reform, whether the global society is at risk. See times offered and instructors in the course catalog.

Provides students with a conceptual and practical understanding of the scholarly and societal debates that relate to the interdisciplinary study of global governance and the challenges faced in achieving fair and sustainable outcomes. See times offered and instructors in the course catalog.

Explores research methodologies within the social sciences and humanities that are often used for research concerning global and globalized problems. Examines both qualitative and quantitative methods with the aim of introducing students to tools and techniques that can be used in professional settings. Focuses on modeling, GIS, statistics, and other quantitative methods and also examines qualitative research methods. Rather than mastery of any one technology or method, this course seeks to build conversance with a variety of methods. See times offered and instructors in the course catalog.

Explores the intersection between energy resources and global security by examining a broad range of modern security threats both globally and regionally, including the Middle East, East Asia, and Russia. Students will improve their quantitative and qualitative analysis skills through relevant problem sets and security-related simulations, analyze climate change projections with different policy choices and their economic and human security implications, and develop cross-disciplinary technical communication skills through project assignments requiring collaboration and communication between students having different backgrounds that emphasize qualitative and quantitative analyses. Credit is not given toward graduation for GLBL 580 and NPRE 480 or GLBL 480 or PS 480. Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent enrollment in ENG 571 or GLBL 570, or consent of instructor. See times offered and instructors in the course catalog.

Interdisciplinary seminar examining theoretical and empirical research on gender and the transformation of social and economic structures. Students will develop a comparative perspective on issues of women and public policy by contrasting and comparing such policies in North and South America, Eastern and Western Europe, Asia, and Africa. See times offered and instructors in the course catalog.

Awards credit for professional field experience combined with faculty-driven inquiry and reflection. Designed to provide students with experience of professional-level duties in an approved organization, in the form of internship, work, or volunteer service. This opportunity allows students to integrate the theory and knowledge of course content with the application of principles and practices in a work environment. See more in the course catalog.

Students will consult with a Global Studies faculty member approved by their program advisor to select and develop a project on a topic of their interest. Students and their faculty advisors will agree on the topic and scope of the project, which take the form of a policy analysis and proposal, system-level or conceptual design studies, feasibility studies, experimental work, detailed numerical simulations, or detailed theoretical analyses. See more in the course catalog. 

Below is a non-exhaustive list of approved electives. 

Many other courses are available to students through searching the Course Catalog and getting approval by the MSGS Academic Program Coordinator. Students are also encouraged to meet with the Coordinator to discuss various courses. 

Please note that while we do our best to keep this list updated, due to courses and credits constantly changing, it is ultimately the responsibility of the student to ensure the course(s) taken counts towards their MS in Global Studies - even if the course is listed below.