Global Studies AA-T Degree

Students pursuing a degree in Global Studies will acquire a broad, knowledge of the interdisciplinary field of global studies. Students will understand the impact of globalization on politics, culture, and economics. They will also assess key global issues, including but not limited to, the environment, human needs, human rights, population growth and migration, economic development, and global governance. Students will develop skills and knowledge that will allow them to work in an increasingly globalized world. They will be able to understand how various disciplines approach the topic of globalization and its consequences. They will also be able to hone skills, such as critical thinking and problem solving, that encourage them to become more effective global citizens.

Career paths chosen by students pursuing undergraduate studies in Global Studies commonly include government service, activism, consulting, lobbying, and journalism. Careers in the discipline that generally require graduate-level degrees include college teaching, law, policy analysis, diplomacy, etc.

The Associate in Arts in Global Studies for Transfer, also called the Global Studies AA-T Degree, prepares students to transfer to CSU campuses that offer bachelor’s degrees in Global Studies or related major. Students earning the Global Studies AA-T Degree will be granted priority for admission as a Global Studies or related major to a local CSU, as determined by the CSU campus to which the student applies. This Global Studies AA-T degree requires students to meet both of the following requirements: 

  1. Completion of 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following: 
    1. The Intersegmental GE Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) or the California State University GE-Breadth Requirements (CSU GE-B). 
    2. A minimum of 18 semester units in a major or area of emphasis. All courses in the major or area of emphasis must be completed with a grade of "C" or better. 
  2. Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0. 

There are no additional graduation requirements. Students should consult with a counselor when planning to complete the degree for more information on university admission and transfer requirements. 

Learning Outcomes

Upon satisfactory completion of this program students will be able to:

  1. Students will demonstrate the ability to write, speak, and critically analyze complex global events and processes of globalization. (Critical Thinking 2)
  2. Students will develop the ability to form an original argument in response to a contemporary globalization issue and propose theoretical and/or practical solutions. (Global Citizenship: Scientific and Technological Literacy 1)
  3. Students will analyze and interpret texts, images, and experiences in order to understand global problems. (Critical Thinking 6)
  4. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the interactions among various dimensions of globalization including but not limited to culture, politics, ecology, and the economy. (Critical Thinking 4)

Program Requirements 

Course Code Title Units
Required Core CoursesUnits
GS 010Global Studies3
GS 011Global Issues3
List A
Select five courses from at least four of the following areas (15 units):15
Culture and Society:
HIST 003History of World Civilization I3
HIST 004History of World Civilization II3
Geography:
GEOG 001Physical Geography3
GEOG 002Cultural Geography3
GEOG 007Regional Geography3
Economics:
ECON 001Principles of Macroeconomics3
ECON 002Principles of Microeconomics3
Politics:
PS 002Introduction to Comparative Governments3
PS 004Introduction to International Relations3
Humanities:
ENG 012AGlobal Literature 13
ENG 012BWorld Literature II3
Required Subtotal21
Select one of the following: 137-39
Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60 transferable units) 2
DEGREE TOTAL60
1

Units for the major may be double counted for CSU GE or IGETC, confer with Counselor.

2

Elective units to reach 60 unit total must be CSU transferable, confer with Counselor.

Please refer to Associate Degree for Transfer (SB 1440).