Global Affairs Major
Global Affairs Major
Our world is more integrated and interconnected than ever before. At the same time, persistent tensions and conflicts continue to arise in societies.
To be a global changemaker today, integrating different types of knowledge and skills is critical.
Develop a global perspective informed by multiple academic disciplines, coursework in your thematic and geographic areas of interest, and the realm of policy and practice.
Build competency in a contemporary second language and culture of your choosing.
Understand the important and complex human, social, political, and economic issues at work in international affairs today.
Think critically about globally oriented careers, including those in government, international public policy, non-governmental organizations, and international business.
“Right now you can look at the international system and be overwhelmed by the problems we face. You can stay overwhelmed, or you can decide that if we apply enough hard work and intelligence to a problem, we can change it. When you look at the caliber of students at the Keough School, you see that there are many intelligent, dedicated young people ready to carry out that mission.”
Denis McDonough
US Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Former White House Chief of Staff
The global affairs major
The Keough School undergraduate major in global affairs is an interdisciplinary and integrated study of contemporary global issues, grounded in a human-centered approach. This approach demands that future policymakers consider first those affected the most by the world’s daunting challenges.
When you major in global affairs, the Keough School becomes your primary academic home. You’ll immerse yourself in multidisciplinary, cutting-edge research and scholarship that is relevant to policy and practice. This means that when you graduate, you’ll be equipped to navigate, work, and create positive change in our interconnected, multicultural world.
IN BRIEF:
63 credits
1 cross-cultural requirement
1 interdisciplinary requirement
1 ethical practice seminar
1 capstone seminar
The Keough School requirements (13-30 credits) apply to students whose primary major is in the Keough School. If your primary major is in a different college or school, please follow your college or school requirements.
For questions about eligibility for the Keough School’s new major in global affairs, please book an appointment with an academic advisor.
University Requirements
Central to undergraduate education at the University of Notre Dame is the core curriculum, a set of requirements that apply to all students, regardless of major.
Keough School Requirements
For students whose primary major is in the Keough School (13-30 credits)
- Language requirement (3-20 credits)
- Cross-cultural requirement (4 credits)
- Keough School Interdisciplinary Seminar (3 credits)
- Ethical Practice Seminar (3 credits)
Global Affairs Major Requirements
33 Credits
- Introduction to Global Affairs and Integral Human Development (3 credits)
- Introduction to Global Politics and Policy (3 credits)
- Statistics or Quantitative Methods (3 credits)
- Economics for Global Affairs (or other Economics) (3 credits)
- Six Electives (6 electives x 3 credits = 18 credits)
- At least one course with a regional focus
- At least one course focused on the historical understanding of a contemporary global issue
- An approved research methods course
- Capstone Seminar (3 credits)
Curriculum Highlights
Cross-Cultural Experience Requirement
Students with a primary major in global affairs must participate in an approved cross-cultural experience.
You will work with a Keough School advisor to plan and complete these two cross-cultural requirements.
Keough Interdisciplinary Seminar
This one-semester, three-credit interdisciplinary course models the integration of knowledge from various disciplines to a specific global issue.
Keough Ethical Practice Seminar
This one-semester, three-credit course analyzes the practice of ethical reasoning and analysis in professional and public settings relevant to global affairs.
Many courses in the global affairs major can also fulfill university and college requirements.
Contact the Keough School Academic Advisor for further guidance and information.
Career Opportunities
What can you do with a degree in global affairs?
Undergraduates with a major in global affairs find jobs in both the public and private sector, in embassies or international organizations like the United Nations, and in the United States or abroad. A global affairs career can enable you to:
- Address problems through diplomacy, defense, or global development
- Work to end violent conflict, fight disease, or prevent environmental degradation
- Collect and analyze data to apply important scientific and technological advancements to human health
You can also explore the Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs’ International Careers Guide:
Recent job placements for Notre Dame graduates:
- US Department of State, including embassies
- Habitat for Humanity International
- Brookings Institution
- US Foreign Service
- The World Bank
- Broadcasting Board of Governors
- African Risk Capacity
- Center for Global Development
- Workers Defense Project
- USAID
- United Nations
- US Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
Summer Internship Program in Washington, DC
Eligibility
- Must have declared the major in Global Affairs (primary
major, second major, or supplementary major) - Must be a current first year, sophomore, or junior
Requirements
- Secure a summer internship of 8-10 weeks (minimum 240
total hours) focused on global affairs - Attend 1 information session at the end of fall 2023 semester
- Attend 1-2 events during the spring 2024 semester to
prepare for the summer program - Attend 2-3 gatherings hosted by the Keough School in DC
during the summer
Benefits
- Guidance and resources to help with internship search
- Free housing and stipend for living expenses
- Professional experience and networking skills
- Alumni connections in the Washington, DC area
- Greater working knowledge of the global policy arena
Application Process
- The application for the Summer Internship Program in Washington, DC is now open. Complete the application by November 1, 2023.
- Questions? Contact Maura Policelli, Executive Director, Washington Office