Global Affairs Major

Gain the knowledge and skills you need to address the global challenges to human flourishing.

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.

Students currently enrolled in the Supplementary Major may finish the program. More information here.

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)

Read the Undergrad FAQ