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Global Studies (International Studies) at Taylor will develop your understanding across disciplines.

Global Studies

Major/Minor

Develop Your International Understanding

Global Studies majors are interested in the workings of the world and are curious about how individual events make a global impact. Our students build a foundational knowledge of geography, history, and world politics and experience firsthand how to work in an international environment during an intensive, semester-long practicum abroad.

You will take electives that will develop your understanding across disciplines, from philosophy and religion to business and economics to art, culture, and politics. All Global Studies majors culminate their degrees in writing original theses that connect their hands-on experiences with class information and real-world issues.

Each Global Studies major chooses an area of concentration to focus his or her studies. View concentration descriptions.

Get on track for these careers

  • Human Rights Advocate
  • NGO Worker
  • Nonprofit Director
  • Lobbyist
  • Government Official
  • National Security Agent
  • Foreign Diplomat
  • Business Consultant
  • Political Analyst
  • Media Consultant
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Study Abroad

Taylor’s History, Global, and Political Studies programs offer opportunities to study global history, economics, politics, and culture overseas. Students interested in studying the Middle East can spend a semester at Jerusalem University, or travel to Latin America, Spain, London, and more.

Study Abroad Opportunities
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Minor in Global Studies

If you want to gain a broader perspective of the complexities of the world, consider a minor in Global Studies. You will gain a foundational understanding of humanity and cultures from around the globe. This minor pairs well with any major that would benefit from global engagement, such as Multimedia Journalism, History, and Business.

Global Studies Curriculum & Degree Options

Students interested in course descriptions and academic policies can check out our Undergraduate Catalog.

Liberal Arts Foundational Core

A Taylor liberal arts education will prepare you to live and work in a fast-changing world. It also goes a step further: laying a strong spiritual foundation that cultivates wisdom. You’ll become a well-versed individual, equipped with critical thinking skills, a lifelong love of learning, and an appreciation for God’s creation.

View Foundational Core Curriculum.

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Global Studies Concentrations

  • African, Asian, and Latin American Studies: Explore the history and geography of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, while gaining an understanding of their places in the global context.
  • Cross-Cultural Ministries: Prepare for a future in international missions by learning intercultural communication, anthropology, foundations of ministry, and many more necessary skills.
  • East Asian Studies: Study the history, religions, and cultures of East Asia and develop a deeper appreciation for Asian art, music, and language.
  • European Studies: Learn the religious, intellectual, and political backstories of modern-day Europe and compare time periods like the Reformation and Enlightenment to present-day Europe.
  • Middle East Studies: Study the modern Middle East from Taylor’s campus, and also abroad at Jerusalem University College or in the Middle East Studies Program.
  • Spanish Language and Literature: Combine your interest in the world with an advanced understanding and appreciation of Spanish language and literature. Study the Spanish culture, civilization, and language in the Latin American Studies Program or Semester in Spain program.
  • Peace, Reconciliation, and Justice: Study the modern civil rights movement, African-American history, and other topics related to psychology, history, and peace, reconciliation, and justice.
  • Sustainability: Assess the interactions between humans and the environment at the local, regional and global scale. Apply biblical principles to working with communities towards sustainable human flourishing.
  • World Politics and Economics: Learn economic development, international economics, foreign policy, and other topics that develop your understanding of world politics and business.
  • International Relations: Study the interactions of the most powerful agents in world politics including state relations, international organizations, security, human rights, and global threats to peace and human flourishing.

Related News

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Aug 10, 2023

These bus trips welcome all students, faculty, and staff to challenge assumptions, make cultural connections, and apply historical knowledge to current issues.

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Student Engagement in History, Global and Political Studies

Jul 13, 2020

Learn more about how the History, Global, and Political Studies department gives students opportunities to put their academic credentials to work.

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Breaking Down Barriers

Apr 05, 2019

Dr. Kevin Johnson led a group of Taylor students to Egypt over J-term. Read about the Taylor group’s experience of listening to hymns sung in Arabic, speaking openly to Muslims about religion, and visiting ancient Egyptian sites.

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