Today’s interdependent world – whether it’s the COVID-19 pandemic, the Saudi-Pakistan defense deal or the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists’ Doomsday Clock — connects America’s interests and actions more than ever to those of other countries and their citizens. The global affairs major gives students the foundation to understand these issues and forces, and helps them gain the tools to navigate complexity and lead with purpose.
Core courses provide a rigorous understanding of the world and the global dynamics that affect all societies. In addition, you can tailor your course of study to reflect your interests through either a thematic or regional concentration. The major prepares you to work in a national or international government agency, nongovernmental organization, private sector company, research institution or university.
With a degree in global affairs, you can analyze the root causes of major challenges and develop policy solutions to address them. Your multidisciplinary training prepares you to consider the complex influences of the world around us, addressing human rights and humanitarianism, economic development and poverty, global health, security and conflict and global environmental change.
The major requires 14 courses, including eight introductory courses and an L4 language requirement. Students also complete a Capstone project, a senior essay in a seminar of their choosing or GLBL 4500 (the global affairs senior essay). Up to two summer term courses and four semester-long study abroad credits may count toward the major with DUS approval after they transfer to Yale.