Frequently Asked Questions
What opportunities are available for first-year students?
Several introductory courses are open to first and/or second semester students in First Year of Studies (listed in Novo as KSGA, IIPS, IDS, ASIA, IRST, and MESE). In addition, there are various co-curricular opportunities offered through the Institutes such as research grants, fellowships, and conferences.
Do I have to declare a supplementary major or minor in the Keough School to take advantage of other opportunities?
No, many students engage with the Keough School through our co-curricular offerings, which include research grants, fellowships, and student-led conferences.
I am interested in global affairs, but I don’t know what I want to study. What should I do?
Explore our website, attend a lecture or panel hosted by the Keough School, consider taking an introductory course, or make an appointment with our associate director for undergraduate studies, or a representative from one of our institutes and centers:
- Asian studies – Patrick Deegan, associate director, Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies
- European studies – Chris Stump, student coordinator, Nanovic Institute for European Studies
- International development studies – Holly Rivers, Associate Director, Kellogg Institute for International Studies
- Irish studies – Mary O’Callaghan, director of undergraduate studies, Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies
- Peace studies – Anna Van Overberghe, assistant director for academic administration and undergraduate studies, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies
How do I connect to research opportunities?
More than 40 Keough School faculty are researching some of the contemporary world’s greatest challenges. In addition, the nine institutes and centers housed in the Keough School offer vibrant intellectual communities, dedicated advising, and mentoring.
I am interested in learning about Keough School events and new opportunities.
Subscribe to our Keough School e-newsletter and request more information about our undergraduate programs here.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Keough School supplementary major in global affairs:
What is a supplementary major?
A supplementary major is a major that cannot stand alone in qualifying a student for an undergraduate degree. It must be undertaken along with a primary major.
How many credit hours is a supplementary major in global affairs?
30 credit hours plus 4 semesters (or the equivalent) of a language and at least 6 weeks of a cross-cultural immersive experience.
How do I declare the supplementary major?
Students are required to create a global affairs ePortfolio and meet with the associate director for undergraduate programs prior to declaring. Please contact Associate Director Denise Ayo for instructions.
What can I do with a supplementary major in global affairs?
Through multi- and interdisciplinary coursework, language training, and cross-cultural immersive experiences, the supplementary major in global affairs helps prepare students for careers in government, international agencies and corporations, universities and nonprofit organizations around the world as well as graduate school in such fields as global affairs, law, medicine, public policy, and public health.
Do I need to declare the supplementary major to take coursework?
No. Students are welcome to take Introduction to Global Affairs or an introductory course in one of the concentrations as a way of learning about the field.
When should I start the supplementary major?
Students may begin coursework as early as their first year of studies. Students should, however, declare the supplementary major by the end of their junior year.
I have taken Principles of Microeconomics and/or Principles of Macroeconomics. Do I need to take Principles of Economics?
If a student has taken Principles of Microeconomics (ECON 10010/20010), they have a choice of taking either Principles of Macroeconomics (ECON 10020/20020) or Principles of Economics (see KSGA for the course number). If a student has taken both Principles of Microeconomics and Principles of Macroeconomics, they may take an upper division economics course in place of Principles of Economics.
Are international students exempt from the language requirement?
Students whose primary language is not English, or who have been educated in a language other than English, may request an exemption from the foreign language requirement.
How do I find more information?
Current global affairs students and students interested in learning more about the program are encouraged to meet with the associate director for undergraduate programs by appointment. Students are also welcome to contact Dr. Ayo directly with questions by email or by phone at 574-631-3590.