Global Studies Graduate Minor

A 12-credit hour graduate minor consisting of three courses relating to global studies. Students must complete either GLBL 500 or GLBL 501, which is currently offered every spring semester. In addition, students must complete two courses that form a coherent plan appropriate to global studies — at least one course must be at the 500 level, and only one course can be from the student’s major department. Must be enrolled in a Master’s or Doctoral program at the University. 

GRID Minor 

A 12-credit hour graduate minor consisting of three courses relating to women and gender in global perspectives. The GRID interdisciplinary minor is designed to give students the analytical and empirical skills needed to address global human security and gender equity issues in research and policy analysis, as well as daily life. In this age of global economic transformation, it is especially necessary for researchers and practitioners to examine who gains and who loses from new policies, to assess the disparities in the impacts of reforms on women, men, and children, and to study the successful strategies and policies that appear. Must be enrolled in a Master’s or Doctoral program at the University. 

LAS Global Studies Undergraduate Major

An undergraduate program, the Global Studies major equips undergraduates with the interdisciplinary knowledge and intercultural skills necessary to analyze and solve contemporary world problems. Global Studies majors are able to combine the theories and methods of multiple social science disciplines to view the most pressing global issues from a variety of perspectives; 

utilize advanced language and cultural skills to work professionally with diverse groups of people; and develop specialized skills and expertise to address global challenges that suit their strengths and interests. The Global Studies major fosters respect for diverse ways of living and commitment to sustainability. The competencies established through the Global Studies major prepare students for careers in business, communications, education, immigration, international affairs, law, public health, and sustainable development, among other areas. 

Illinois Global Institute and associated centers

Established in 2019, Illinois Global Institute is home to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s area and global studies centers and thematic programs. These 11 centers and programs develop global awareness and cultural competency through a combination of faculty research and professional development, curricular internationalization, student-life activities, international experiences, and outreach and public engagement. The 11 centers have various graduate and undergraduate programs, faculty and staff affiliations, and community engagement opportunities. If you are interested in a specific region of the world, check out that center’s page and programming as their academic opportunities may be a better fit for you. The list below includes links to each center and the graduate academics they offer. 

Centers include: 

The Center for Global Studies, the Program in Arms Control & Domestic and International Security, and the Center for the Study of Global Gender Equity are the co-organizers of the MSGS degree.