Global Studies

Undergraduate Major & Minor College of Liberal Studies

Bachelor of Arts

Video Transcription

Global Studies Major Minute Transcription

[video: Dr. Shah stands in front of a black and white world map, framed photos of mountains and cities are on either side of the map.]

Dr. Shah: Hi, my name is Ami Shah I’m associate professor of Global Studies and Anthropology.
And this is my Discipline Dash.

[video: Over the video of Dr. Shah, the header “Major Minute” slides in in white lettering. Following this, the screen turns charcoal grey with yellow accents and large numbers reading “3”, “2”, “1” count down the start of the minute.]

(video beeping)

[video: a pair of hands appear over Dr. Shah and clap to begin the minute.]

(timer ticking)

[video: return to Dr. Shah. To the left of her appears a translucent yellow stopwatch, which counts down a minute.]

Dr. Shah: This is a great time to be studying global studies as the world and the United States reconsiders what it means to work together. Our program I think is the best in the area in either global studies or international relations international studies. We offer three key tracks for our students in international affairs development and social justice or transnationalism. So looking at issues of migration through all of these you can either work totally internationally or think about local global connections. Our alums thus go on and do amazing things working at the UN or state department or going on to graduate school in the United States and abroad but also sometimes working here in the United States thinking about how social justice issues at home or issues of international relations and international business affect.
What’s happening around the world.
(buzzer blares)

[video: Dr. Shah celebrates, pumping a fist in the air.]

Dr. Shah: We did it! Yes! Go team.

Meet the Professors

About:

Want to make a difference in the world? Global Studies at PLU helps you understand the forces shaping our planet — and prepares you to take action. You’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to understand and engage local and global issues, their origins, and possible solutions.

As a Global Studies major, you’ll dig into big issues like poverty, climate change, conflict, and migration. Classes are grounded in different perspectives and disciplines, so you won’t just memorize facts — you’ll learn how to think critically and work across cultures and communities.

When you graduate, you’ll have the skills for careers in diplomacy, development, non-profit work, humanitarianism, community service, international business and politics, advocacy, and much more. Whether you’re into policy, nonprofits, activism, business, or beyond, this major gives you the tools to understand the world — and the power to shape it.

Skills you'll gain from this program:

Cross-Cultural Competency — Learn to navigate cultural differences by working with communities and perspectives beyond your own, a valuable skill in any career with a global or transcultural focus.
Communicating Complexity — Strengthen your ability to clearly explain and present complicated global issues and solutions in both written and spoken forms, combining academic theories with real-world communication.
Interdisciplinary Thinking — Analyze and connect ideas across fields like economics, politics, history, anthropology, and religion, giving you a broad toolkit for solving complex global problems.
Empathy & Global Awareness — Develop a deep understanding of how global systems shape people’s lives, and learn to approach issues with compassion, inclusion, and awareness of power and inequality.
Applied Global Engagement — Put learning into action through study away, internships, and community projects that prepare you to lead thoughtfully and make an impact at both local and global levels.

Concentrations:

Development & Social Justice
International Affairs
Transnationalism And Its Consequences

Graduates from the last 5 years: Their jobs

Immigration Attorney, Hernandez & Associates, PC
Climate Strategist, Manifest Climate, Toronto
Housing Development Specialist, State of Colorado
Financial Analyst, Amazon
International Program Coordinator, Bellevue College
Public Health Educator, United States Peace Corps

Graduates from the last last 5 years: Their graduate programs

Master of Arts in Development Studies, London School of Economics
Doctor of Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Medical School
MA in International Security, University of Sussex
Law School, University of Denver Sturm College of Law
Master of Science in Epidemiology, University of Washington
Master of Arts in Education, Pacific Lutheran University

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“The global studies department is really incredible. Because it is a small department, I've been able to make connections with professors and lasting friendships within the department. Smaller class sizes also allows for a more personalized course of study.”

— Bella S. ’25

“My favorite class I’ve had in my experience has been my Global Development class. It just had so much information about how the world interacts with one another that I never knew and think it’s important to learn about.”

— Kendall S. ’25

“Global Studies students are all unique in their paths — the nature of our program allows for a lot of self-selection and personalized experiences. It’s both cool and inspiring to see how our students take what they’ve learned to build their analysis and application to their own passions, whether it be international human rights or local access to resources for new refugees. I love seeing our students grow, and learning from them.”

— Professor Ami V. Shah, Chair of Global and Cultural Studies

“I love how curious and engaged PLU students are. Their energy turns class into a real conversation rather than just a lecture.”

— Lise MBA Ekani, Assistant Professor of French & Francophone Studies

“Global Studies is a program that teaches students how to understand the biggest systems that impact their lives, and helps them understand how the whole world is present in their everyday lives. I get a kick every time I see a student get excited about something new about our world that they hadn’t thought about before.”

— Erik Hammerstrom, Professor of Religion