Global affairs is the study of how governments, organizations, and individuals interact with one another on a global scale. The field encompasses issues such as diplomacy, trade, security and human rights. The concept became especially significant after World War II as newly independent states sought to establish their positions on the world stage and foster collaboration in a variety of issues including economic development, regional security, international relations, and global health. The establishment of global institutions like the United Nations helped to promote dialogue and cooperation among countries, while non-alignment served as a strategy for many nations in order to avoid entanglement with superpowers.
Sacred Heart’s interdisciplinary program equips students to understand and respond to the global challenges we face in our interdependent world. You will develop the skills to navigate complexity, lead with purpose and create positive change.
Courses include international relations, political science, geography, history and economics. Students also take introductory courses in statistics, philosophy and law. In their senior year, students complete a capstone project in partnership with an external partner such as a government agency, nongovernmental or nonprofit organization or private company.
In addition, students choose a region or thematic concentration to tailor their curriculum around their specific interests. They also select electives from an approved group of courses in the departments of Global Affairs, History, Political Science and Economics (courses with GLBL elective attribute). All students must complete either intermediate micro- or macroeconomics (ECON 2121 and ECON 2111) or an approved qualitative methods course (these courses carry the GLBL Qualitative Methods attribute). Study abroad credits and summer term/term-time programs may be counted toward the major requirements with DUS approval.