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Global Studies

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The College of Liberal Arts’ bachelors of arts in Global Studies degree lets you specialize in one of three tracks: global culture, economy, or security. The tracks allow students to identify a specialized program of study that draws from a structured set of requirements and electives, culminating in a research-based and writing-intensive capstone seminar. Undergraduate students can also minor in global studies in all schools and colleges at Temple University.

Program Overview

We offer a BA in Global Studies with specialization in one of three tracks: global culture, economy, or security. The major requires 36 credit hours including six required courses, six courses in a chosen track, foreign language competence, and regional enrichment (through study abroad or coursework). Students in any Temple school or college may also minor in Global Studies. The minor includes four foundation courses and three courses selected from one of the three thematic tracks. There is no foreign language or regional enrichment requirement for the minor

Coursework

All majors take five courses early in their studies, followed by a capstone research project at the end. These required courses are:

Students must select one of the three thematic tracks (culture, economy, or security) to become the focus of the major and complete three gateway and three elective courses in the track. Students also complete at least two years of foreign language instruction and a Regional Enrichment program (which is either an approved study abroad program or coursework focusing on a region of interest).

Coursework for Majors Declared Prior to Fall 2022

All majors take four courses early in their studies followed by a capstone research project at the end. These required courses are:

Students must select one of the three thematic tracks (culture, economy, or security) to become the focus of the major and complete three gateway and three elective courses in the track. Students also complete at least two years of foreign language instruction and a Regional Enrichment program (which is either an approved study abroad program or coursework focusing on a region of interest).

Global Cultures

Globalization does not simply affect security and economics: Throughout history, different cultures have interacted and intermixed, sometimes peacefully and sometimes through imperialism and conquest. The Global Cultures track focuses not only on different national cultures, but also on what happens when cultures come into contact, and sometimes into conflict. Students in this track will examine the interaction of global and local cultures from the European imperialisms of the 19th century through the spread of Americanization in the 20th century to the ever-more pluralistic digital world of the 21st century, drawing on courses selected from a wide list of options in literature, film, religion, history, anthropology, religion, and sociology.

Popular Courses

Global Economy

Economic globalization is one of the defining features of the contemporary world. This track focuses on the fundamental features of the global economy from multiple disciplinary perspectives, including in the areas of trade, finance, and development. It studies the origins and consequences of globalization for development and growth, income and poverty, literacy and health, as well as political, demographic, environmental, and cultural changes. Students examine the evolution of cooperation among states in managing the global economy, and the role of history, politics, and technology in shaping international, national, and local relations.

Popular Courses

Global Security

Today’s world faces a raft of potential security threats, from the rise of new great powers to international terrorism, weapons proliferation, cyber warfare, and the possibility of new global epidemics, among others. Students in the Global Security track have access to dozens of courses from multiple disciplines including history, political science, anthropology, geography and criminal justice, helping to understand the causes of war, security strategies of states and the rise of new and challenging security threats – especially as they relate to domestic and non-state actors – in a constantly changing global environment.

Popular Courses

Academic Advising and Professional Development

Take full advantage of the College of Liberal Arts’ flexible curriculum with the help of our award-winning advisors. We’ll help you select a major or minor and graduate on time. Beyond academics, our advisors ensure that you have a rich experience at Temple by complementing your academic work with study abroad programs, internships and other experiential learning opportunities.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

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Take charge of your future and limit your debt. The Fly in 4 partnership allows you to complete your degree on time—or Temple will pay for your remaining coursework. Graduating on time means your path to success starts sooner. We provide you with the resources you need to graduate in four years, like academic advising and classes offered when you need them. You commit to doing what it takes to blaze your career path in four years.

Undergraduate Tuition

No Added Tuition Costs. That’s the promise the College of Liberal Arts makes (and keeps) to all of our incoming students. We know deciding to attend college is a big one, both in life and financially, so we're committed to keeping costs down. We're one of only three schools/colleges at Temple University that do not charge a tuition differential, so what you see is what you pay. Our priority is helping you graduate with less student debt. 

We understand that, at this phase, you are weighing all your options, and you should be! It's crucial to find the right fit for YOU and YOUR PASSIONS.

For more information, visit Temple's costs, aid and scholarships page and Temple’s tuition calculator. To see tuition rates for all Temple schools and colleges, visit Temple’s 2025–2026 tuition rates page.

Program Contacts

  • Sanjoy Chakravorty

    Sanjoy Chakravorty

    • College of Liberal Arts

      • Geography, Environment and Urban Studies

        • Professor

          Concentrations

          • Environmental Studies

        • Director

          Programs

          • Global Studies
  • Danielle K. Scherer in a red shirt smiling and staring into the camera

    Danielle K. Scherer

    • College of Liberal Arts

      • Political Science

        • Associate Professor - Instructional

          Programs

          • Global Studies

        • Assistant Director

          Programs

          • Global Studies