GS professors and students form life-long connection, collaborate on research, share meals and adventures, and explore the world together. These relationships help students gain the skills and experiences they need at Lehigh and after graduation. The Global Studies program offers a global studies major as well as a joint global studies/modern languages and literatures major.
Global Studies Major
The BA in Global Studies requires a total of 36-40 credits.
Required Courses
Introductory Course (4 credits)
- GS 001 Introduction to Global Studies
Core Courses (4 courses from each of these 4 areas listed below totaling 14-16 credits)
- Arts and Humanities
- Culture
- History
- Politics
Economics Core, Senior Seminar (1 course: 4 credits)
- GS/SOC 319 - The Political Economy of Globalization (writing intensive)
Elective Coursework (4 courses; 14-16 credits)
Core or elective courses may be taken during study abroad in consultation with the Program Director.
Learn all of the specific requirements on the Course Catalog.
Foreign Language Requirements
GS majors complete the equivalent of 4 semesters of language study in a language or languages other than English. Some students place out of a language course or courses through one of the mechanisms listed below; thus, students might meet the Global Studies major language requirement by taking anywhere from 0-16 credits of language study.
Students may fulfill or work towards fulfilling the GS language requirement in a number of ways, including by:
- Taking language courses at Lehigh at any level. (This could be all in one language, or across two different languages; studying 3 different languages is also permitted but should be pursued only in special circumstances).
- Taking a language course or courses while studying abroad.
- Minoring in a foreign language.
- Transferring in credit from language courses taken at other institutions.
- Placing out of a language course or set of courses through AP transfer credit or through formal assessment with a Lehigh language professor.
- By demonstrating written and oral fluency in a language other than English.
A Semester of Study Abroad or International Internship
Students should complete 12 credits of study abroad, which can be used to fulfill elective or core course requirements when appropriate. Students may also substitute an international internship for study abroad; the internship must include a minimum of 100 hours over at least six weeks (presumably during the summer) and must be at an organization connected to global issues. If extended time abroad is a hardship, GS students may also petition the program director to undertake a U.S.-based internship directly involved in international and global issues.
To declare a Global Studies major students must fill out a major declaration form and schedule an appointment with Professor Allison Mickel, Director of Global Studies.