COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Globalization Studies at the University at Albany is structured to help students critically examine how global systems influence social, economic, cultural, political, and environmental life across the world. The program begins with core courses such as Perspectives on Globalization, World Cities: Geographies of Globalization, and Theoretical Perspectives on Globalization, which provide foundational frameworks for understanding global interconnectedness and urban development. Students also complete coursework in economic processes, political and social systems, and environmental analysis to gain a multidisciplinary understanding of how global forces operate and interact. The curriculum further emphasizes comparative and regional knowledge through Global Perspectives Courses, where students take three upper-level classes across disciplines such as anthropology, economics, geography, political science, public health, literature, philosophy, and gender studies. This allows students to explore globalization from multiple academic viewpoints. In addition, Regional Perspectives Courses require students to complete one course each in two different global regions, such as Africa, Asia and the Middle East, Europe and North America, or Latin America and the Caribbean, helping them develop a strong understanding of regional diversity and global interdependence. A capstone experience in Research Projects in Globalization Studies enables students to apply their knowledge to in-depth research on global issues. The program also includes a foreign language requirement, which can be fulfilled through three language courses or an approved proficiency exam, ensuring students develop strong communication skills in an additional language. Overall, the program prepares students for careers in international development, global policy, education, trade, and other fields that require a deep understanding of global systems and cross-cultural dynamics.