Undergraduate Programs in

Global Studies

Global Studies is a rigorous interdisciplinary program that will provide you with the theoretical and practical tools to critically analyze the ongoing processes of economic, political and cultural change that have collectively become known as "globalization."

As you move along in your studies, you may take courses in such diverse fields as geography, international business, political science, urban and regional studies, sustainability, economics, health, history - even food culture - and unravel their complex, changing relationships and the roles they play in communities locally, regionally, and around the world.

The Global Studies Program is housed in the Department of Global Studies and Geography.

Why Global Studies?

Global Studies majors are adventurous and politically engaged, with wide-ranging interests that can't be captured by a single subject or discipline. They want to understand how nations and peoples interact and influence cultural, political and social structures.

At Hofstra, we encourage Global Studies majors to immerse themselves in experiences that broaden their minds and their horizons, including study abroad, language studies, internships, service trips and volunteer work

Many of our students choose to take on a double major, strengthening their career options. A degree in Global Studies from Hofstra will teach you how to embrace and lead change, regardless of the path you choose.

Degrees and Programs

Because of its interdisciplinary nature, Global Studies gives students the freedom to explore specific interests while learning about the core ideas and concepts pertaining to globalization. For example, all majors are required to complete at least two courses that focus on a specific geographic region.

BA in Global Studies

Students pursuing a BA will take courses in Global Studies and also in related disciplines, such as Geography, Political Science, International Business, Journalism, Economics, Public Policy, Philosophy, Criminology, Sociology, and History.

More About the BA

Also Available ...

The Global Studies program also offers a minor as well as a Pre-Health Studies Major with a concentration in Global StudiesThe latterprepares students for medical, dental, or veterinary school by requiring the courses in the sciences and mathematics needed for admission to professional degree programs in the health sciences, as well as a concentration in one specific field within either the humanities or the social sciences.

More Information on Pre-Health

Key Topics in Global Studies

  • Child Labor
  • Cultural Change and Identity
  • Employment
  • Gender Rights
  • Global Climate Change
  • Health Care and Diseases
  • Human Rights
  • Human Trafficking
  • Income Inequality
  • International Trade
  • Migration and Immigration
  • Political Conflict
  • Spatial Change
  • Transportation and Logistics
  • Technological Innovation and Policy

In the Classroom

Learn from the Experts

Our faculty are active researchers and prolific authors who lecture around the world. They are dedicated mentors who will work closely with to tailor your studies to your interests, and help you find and pursue opportunities inside and outside the classroom that are relevant to your goals.

The Student Experience

The Global Studies and Geography Department is a tight-knit, welcoming, diverse community. The active Get Global student club hosts social, networking and academic events throughout the year. Mu Kappa, Hofstra's chapter of the international geographic honor society Gamma Theta Upsilon, also hosts guest lectures and other events.

According to a survey with recent graduates from the Department of Global Studies and Geography, 100% responded that an internship was part of their academic experience at Hofstra.

Recent internships include: The American Association of Geographers, American Geographical Society, Amnesty International, CBS/CBS News, Central American Refugee Center, Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Bulgaria, New York Division of Human Rights, the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, Planned Parenthood, Sustainable Long Island, the United Nations Voice of America, and the World Youth Alliance.

We encourage students to take advantage of Hofstra's study abroad programs, whether for a full semester or shorter programs during the January and Summer intercessions. 

Dr. Masaharu G. Inaba Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Find Out More

The Outlook

Employers in almost every sector are looking for candidates who have the big-picture perspective that Global Studies majors bring to the table. Our graduates have gone on to careers in journalism, public health, international trade and banking, law and medicine.

Learn about alumni outcomes

100%

of recent alumni in this major responding to a survey reported that within a year of graduating they were employed or attending or planning to attend graduate school. 91% of those reporting employment landed their positions within six months of graduation. Some examples of where our alumni are working: AmeriCorps VISTA, Burkshore Natural Resource Council, Columbia University, Culture and Heritage Museum, Governor's Office of Storm Recovery, Peace Action, Times Tribune, U.S. Census Bureau, and the Walt Disney Company.

Graduate Studies

Students who responded that they are pursuing advanced degrees are doing so at institutions like:

  • CUNY Queens College
  • Hofstra University
  • Liberty University
  • SUNY Old Westbury
  • Stony Brook University
  • The New School
  • Trinity College Dublin
  • University of British Columbia Okanagan
  • University of Massachusetts, Boston

Contact Us

Our Office

Department of Global Studies and Geography

Room 209K Roosevelt Hall
130 Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY 11549-1300, USA

Phone: (516) 463-5826
Fax: (516) 463-6968
Office Hours: Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Department Email: gsgeog@hofstra.edu

Department Chair

Dr. Grant Saff
Professor of Global Studies and Geography
(516) 463-5596
209J Roosevelt Hall
grant.saff@hofstra.edu