Degree
- Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/international-global-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/international-global-studies.jpg
- Bachelor of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/international-global-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/international-global-studies.jpg
Contact
International and Global Studies at St. Mary’s
In the International and Global Studies program at St. Mary’s University, students gain a broad understanding of world affairs through a multidisciplinary program drawing from Anthropology, Economics, Languages, History and Political Science.
Students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts or minor in International and Global Studies. Students of all majors can take courses in International and Global Studies to fulfill the requirements of the Core Curriculum.
The Bachelor of Arts in International Global Studies program includes two seminar courses that teach students how to maximize the benefits of this multidisciplinary program so they can best prepare for global careers. The remaining elective hours can be applied toward another major or study abroad.
Degree Plans
Students can pursue four tracks within the Bachelor of Arts in International and Global Studies:
St. Mary’s also offers an International and Global Studies minor:
Students can also earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as 5 years:
Courses
Highlighted courses include:
- History of United States Foreign Policy
- Introduction to Global Affairs
- International Economics
- Language and Culture
Students may double count up to 3 credit hours from their major toward a minor in Economics, History, Political Science, Sociology or Languages.
Colleges of Distinction Recognition
St. Mary’s University has earned the 2024-2025 Colleges of Distinction International Recognition, celebrating our commitment to supporting international students with tailored resources and services at every stage of their academic journey. This honor highlights our dedication to enriching the student experience through initiatives like International Student and Scholar Services, financial aid options, campus support and health resources, empowering students to thrive personally, academically and professionally in a new cultural environment.
What can I do with a degree in International and Global Studies?
The program prepares students for careers with a global focus in the United States and abroad. Graduates have gone on to work in diplomatic, intelligence, military and public service fields, and in nonprofit, nongovernmental and business sectors. The program also prepares students for graduate and law school.
Career Paths
Potential career paths include:
- Diplomat
- Ambassador
- Political affairs officer
- Government affairs manager
- Military operations analyst
- Foreign affairs analyst
- National security agent and analyst
- International trade specialist
- Human rights activist
Graduates have taught at public and private schools, at community colleges and overseas, and have worked at various state and local government agencies.
Career Opportunities
Our alumni have held positions in organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sectors and international organizations such as:
- Bread for the World
- Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- Department of Defense
- General Motors
- Goodwill
- Honeywell, Inc.
- International Monetary Fund
- Inter-American Development Bank
- Institute for Integrated Rural Development (IIRD)
- North American Development Bank
- Oxfam
- Peace Corps
- State Department
- The Rand Corporation
- Wells Fargo
- Worldwatch Institute
Law School Options
St. Mary’s University offers a Pre-Law Program for undergraduate students interested in pursuing law school and law-related careers. Students in the English major may qualify for the Nelson Wolff Law Early Admission Program, which offers motivated, talented undergraduate students who plan to attend law school the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from the St. Mary’s University School of Law in less time.
The Guaranteed Law School Admission Program guarantees St. Mary’s graduates admission to the School of Law, if they meet certain criteria.
Outside the Classroom
The International and Global Studies program seeks to enhance student involvement in experiential learning opportunities related to global affairs, including participating in the Model Organization of America States, presentation of research at national conferences, attendance in World Affairs Council of San Antonio and study abroad.
Internship Opportunities
Students are encouraged to participate in an internship to earn up to six semester hours of elective credit. Internships may be with governmental, non-governmental or private sector organizations.
Our students have interned with organizations such as:
- AmeriCorps
- Center for Legal and Social Justice
- City of Kumamoto, Japan
- City of San Antonio International Affairs Office
- Coalition for Justice in the Maquiladoras – San Antonio
- Corporations in Japan
- Federal Aviation Administration
- Free Trade Alliance in Guadalajara, Mexico
- Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
- International Red Cross in Boston
- Non-governmental organizations in Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador
- Office of former Texas State Senator Frank Madla
- Office of Human Rights, European Union: Luxembourg
- School of Law Immigration and Human Rights Clinic
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- World Affairs Council
Students can also hold internships within the State Department and virtual Federal Services internships. Visit careers.state.gov for more information.
Guest Speaker Series
The International and Global Studies program sponsors a guest speaker series that facilitates engagement with professionals who work in globally focused fields. At these events, students practice networking skills and learn about the career paths open to their major.
Student Clubs and Organizations
The International Relations Society of St. Mary’s University is a society of students, both graduate and undergraduate, who study or have an interest in international relations. The International Relations Society provides a forum to share information concerning career opportunities, events and academic programs, as well as to provide mentorship to students interested in entering the field of international relations.
Faculty
-
Claudia Donoso, Ph.D. Chair of the Department of International Studies and Global Affairs
-
Ian O. Smith, Ph.D. Program Director for International Relations
-
Michael J. Sullivan, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Graduate International Relations
-
Aaron Tyler, Ph.D. Professor of International Relations
Similar Programs
International Business
- Bachelor of Business Administration https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/international-global-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/international-global-studies.jpg
History
- Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/international-global-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/international-global-studies.jpg
- Bachelor of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/international-global-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/international-global-studies.jpg
- Teacher Certification https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/international-global-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/international-global-studies.jpg
Economics
- Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/international-global-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/international-global-studies.jpg
- Bachelor of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/international-global-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/international-global-studies.jpg
- Bachelor of Science https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/international-global-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/international-global-studies.jpg
Political Science
- Minor https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/international-global-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/international-global-studies.jpg
- Bachelor of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/international-global-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/international-global-studies.jpg
- Teacher Certification https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/international-global-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/international-global-studies.jpg
Master of Arts in International Relations (MAIR)
- Master of Arts https://www.stmarytx.edu/academics/programs/international-global-studies/ https://www.stmarytx.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/international-global-studies.jpg
Related Stories
Learn More
We’re eager to hear from you and answer any questions you have! Feel free to reach out to learn more about St. Mary’s University.