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Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages

Prepare to see the world differently

Drexel University Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages

Drexel University’s Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages builds on a foundation of teaching, experiential learning and collaboration across diverse disciplines in the humanities, natural and social sciences. Global Studies majors receive both depth —through one concentration and one language minor— and breadth —through a wide range of classes they can choose from at the university.

The department brings together faculty experts from different yet complementary focus areas: world affairs, international relations, economics, health, culture, language, law, media and more. The Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies degree offers students a flexible range of courses designed to deepen their knowledge of international matters and prepare them for advanced education and in-demand careers in business, economic development, global culture, the nonprofit sector, healthcare, government and international organizations. The Modern Languages Program is for any Drexel student who wants to acquire cultural competencies and language certification.

There is no better way for students to learn a foreign language, expand their global perspective, discover other cultures and enhance their professional potential than education abroad. Global Studies immerses students in experiential learning such as international co-op, global classrooms, intensive courses abroad, plus study and research opportunities made possible through dozens of international partnerships.



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Global Studies at Drexel

The Global Studies and Modern Languages department emphasizes opportunities for experiential learning as central to the curriculum. Learning by doing allows students to expand their knowledge outside of the classroom through essential hands-on engagement – from around the world to just around the corner.

Drexel has fostered dozens of international partnerships to help catalyze research, mobility and collaboration. These relationships allow Global Studies majors to conduct research and study abroad, strengthen their language skills and develop cultural competencies that will give them the edge in the job market. Drexel Community-based and Community-engaged learning courses align naturally with our department's interdisciplinary nature. These courses motivate students to think deeply about social issues and apply their scholarship to real-world challenges with civic engagement organizations

Students can enhance their target language, immerse themselves in another culture and make new friends by participating in global classrooms and intensive courses abroad. The Drexel Study Abroad office assists students who qualify with scholarships that support these research and study options. Drexel has been a pioneer and national leader in cooperative education since 1919; our international co-op gives Global Studies majors a distinct advantage in the world economy and makes them more attractive to prospective employers.


The Global Studies Major

The Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies degree prepares students to see the world differently as they learn essential skills needed to understand the impact of global political, social, economic and environmental dynamics. This experiential, interdisciplinary and language-based major immerses students in issues and movements such as clean energy, climate action, economic growth, health equity, international relations and other emerging challenges.

Global Studies majors select one of four program concentrations, a required language or regional studies minor, plus optional courses and certificates specially designed to deepen their knowledge and prepare them to pursue advanced degrees and careers across sectors: business, economics, law, policy, public health, and media as well as in non-profit, government and international organizations. Academically-qualified majors are eligible for accelerated degree programs in business administration, communications, or public health where they can earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree concurrently.

BA in Global Studies


Undergraduate Advisor

Kate Hughes, Associate Director of Advising and Student Success, Drexel University College of Arts and Sciences

Kate Hughes
Associate Director of Programming and Partnerships
Academic Building, 311
215.895.1208
kfh28@drexel.edu

Meet Kate


“Amazing,” “supportive,” “relentless” and “sincere” are among the words students use to describe Kate Hughes. Kate's expertise in peace studies, public health, environmental justice and community organizing — along with countless global adventures — make her the perfect resource for students planning their own adventures at Drexel and abroad.



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