Engage a Connected World

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Global Studies in the Department of Global Languages and Cultures at the University of Dayton prepares you to work, think, and lead across languages, cultures and contexts — wherever your career takes you. You'll strengthen your global communication and leadership skills, develop proficiency in another language and put your learning into practice through a required intercultural experience. Whether through study abroad, an immersive internship or community-based research, you'll gain hands-on experience that takes learning beyond the classroom. Choose your path through global citizenship and intercultural communication or area studies.

Through the 3+3 J.D. Program, you can earn your Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies and Juris Doctor in a total of six years.


About the Global Studies (B.A.) Program

Why study global studies at UD?

Two Available Concentrations

The global studies degree has a core curriculum that includes linguistic and cultural analysis, as well as applied learning. You can choose from two flexible concentrations: global citizenship and intercultural communication or area studies — which includes global Spanish and Hispanophone studies, global French and Francophone Studies, and global German studies.

Experiential Learning

The global studies program has hands-on learning integrated into the curriculum, with a flexible 1-credit intercultural experiential learning experience and a senior capstone.

Study Abroad

Through UD's summer study abroad programs, you'll have the opportunity to participate in immersive cultural experiences and global seminars that will further deepen your global citizenship skills.

Graduate Ready to Lead

By fostering your intellectual, ethical and interpersonal capacities, this degree ensures you graduate as a reflective leader who can bridge cultural divides and cultivate mutual respect. Whether your future lies in international business, public service, non-governmental organizations or education and intercultural engagement, you'll possess the analytical tools and practical wisdom required by top international employers to build a more sustainable, equitable and peaceful world.

Graduates pursue careers in international organizations, NGOs, public service, law, healthcare, education and global business — or pair global studies with a second major to bring a global perspective to any profession.

Preparation for Graduate School

Thinking about graduate school? This program provides a strong foundation for graduate study in international affairs, communication, global studies and related disciplines, including opportunities for students preparing to conduct advanced research abroad.

Double Major

The global studies program complements existing majors across the University. We encourage double majors and interdisciplinary collaboration, which enhances your academic pathway. Global studies pairs well with fields such as business, engineering, communication, English, healthcare (including pre-medicine), criminal justice and security studies, sport management, religious studies and theology and political science. It equips students with the linguistic abilities and global perspectives needed to apply their primary expertise across diverse cultural and political contexts.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Explore admission options or schedule an academic visit to learn more about business analytics at UD.

How do I apply to the global studies program?

At the University of Dayton, applying is free and test scores are optional. When you apply, you'll automatically be considered for a merit scholarship.

Learn about our admission process, then apply using UD's application or the Common App.

What is the tuition cost and is financial aid available?

Rooted in our Catholic, Marianist traditions, the University of Dayton is dedicated to being transparent and ensuring student success. And with high graduation and success rates, UD is an excellent value.

To help you cover your costs, a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and part-time work study are available. The University also accepts transfer credits and credit by exam for undergraduates, giving you more flexibility to add a double major or minor or participate in a transformational experience like study abroad or co-op.


Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Global Studies (B.A.) Degree Requirements and Information

Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies degree requires a total of at least 120 credit hours. This degree also includes requirements from our flexible undergraduate curriculum, known as the Common Academic Program (CAP).

About the Degree

When you choose the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Global Studies at the University of Dayton, you're entering a program engineered to transform you into an empathetic, highly skilled global citizen ready to tackle the world's most pressing challenges. Grounded in the Marianist tradition of educating for practical wisdom, service and justice, this degree bridges the gap between academic knowledge and meaningful international action.

Through this major, you'll master the practical skills — such as cross-cultural dialogue, consensus-building and collaborative teamwork — needed to lead with integrity in a globalized society. You'll also:

  • learn to engage effectively across diverse global contexts, using advanced linguistic and intercultural strategies to communicate seamlessly across borders.
  • confidently apply deep cultural awareness and competence within diverse social, corporate and professional environments worldwide.
  • critically analyze contemporary global events and systemic challenges through diverse cultural, historical and linguistic perspectives.
  • integrate your classroom insights with hands-on, immersive intercultural experiences — such as study abroad, global internships or local community engagement.
Available Concentrations

In the global studies program, you can choose from two flexible pathways:

  • Global citizenship and intercultural communication explores global issues, cultures and communication through an interdisciplinary curriculum focused on dialogue, leadership and global engagement.
  • Area studies allows you to develop deeper cultural and linguistic expertise in a specific world region through focus in:
    • Global Spanish and Hispanophone studies
    • Global French and Francophone studies
    • Global German studies

Sample Plan of Study

This is a new program, and a sample plan of study will be available with the 2026-27 academic catalog.

3+3 J.D. Accelerated Program

For undergraduate students pursuing any Bachelor of Arts degree, the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Law offers a 3+3 J.D. program, allowing students to complete their Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctor in a total of 6 years.

Please consult with your holistic advisor for eligibility and timeline as you are scheduling your third-semester coursework.

Transfer and Exam Credits

Wondering how college credits you've already earned (e.g., transfer credit, CCP, AP/IB/CLEP exams) will apply to your undergraduate degree? Use our online Transfer Credit Evaluation tool to find out.


Success After Graduation

Get more than your foot in the door — get ready for success. At our College of Arts and Sciences, you will have the opportunity to combine the classroom and business world together in a way that allows you to further sharpen your skills. It’s a key reason why employers love hiring our students — they can hit the ground running.


Beyond the Classroom: The UD Global Studies Experience

Human Rights Center

The Human Rights Center creates a positive change through research, education and dialogue. International studies majors gain the opportunity to work at the heart of a global human rights community.

Center for Social Concern

The Center for Social Concern provides opportunities for hands-on experience addressing social justice issues, including reflective service, service-learning and education and advocacy for justice, challenging students to become people of service.

Global and Intercultural Affairs Center

Connect with programs, events and resources to continue your international journey whether it’s here at UD, in your local community or across the world.

Dean's Summer Fellowship

This program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences to conduct research during the summer under the guidance of a full-time faculty mentor.



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Ready to Study Global Studies?

Let’s explore the possibilities. Now you know what we’re about: community, personal attention, hands-on learning, integrity and global thinking. Take the next step and connect with us today.

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