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Global Studies
The Global Studies major seeks to instill in students a solid knowledge of particular cultures, while also providing training in the analysis of global connections - a way of preparing them to tackle the world of the 21st century. Global Studies majors are encouraged to become both global thinkers and global participants.
They learn how to relate their knowledge of a particular part of the world to the larger trends and issues that affect all peoples: the interconnections of the human and nonhuman environments; the transitional interactions of cultures, economies, polities; the globalizing processes of communication, technological, and science; the search for world peace, prosperity, and justice.
Program Offered
Global Studies
Bachelor of Arts
Quick Facts
Level
Undergraduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Duration
74 Units
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
A bachelor’s degree in Global Studies qualifies students for entry-level positions such as research assistants for research organizations, political campaigns, nonprofit organizations, or government agencies. Jobseekers who have earned a bachelor’s degree can benefit from internships or volunteer work. Many go into fields outside of politics and policymaking, such as business or law, which may require additional education or licensure.
| WDLG 201 or demonstrated proficiency equivalent. |
Social Science: Secondary Teaching
Bachelor of Arts
Quick Facts
Level
Undergraduate
Location
La Sierra Campus
Duration
109 Units
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
The emphasis in Secondary Teaching allows students to complete teaching credential coursework along with the major in Social Science. The program is offered in collaboration with La Sierra University’s School of Education, which provides the courses leading to the Secondary credential. Those courses must be completed in the recommended order, and students will need to apply with the School of Education for acceptance into the Teacher Education program.
To earn the California teaching credential, students must:
- Take the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET)
- Complete additional required testing
- Complete student teaching or internship in a California public school
Global Studies
minor
Quick Facts
Level
minor
Location
La Sierra Campus
Duration
28 Units
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
A minor typically consists of taking a portion of the classes required for a major in that same subject. To get an idea of what you would be studying, check out the corresponding major. The requirements for your minor will differ by program, so be sure to ask a counselor to know exactly what courses are in store for you.
| ECON255 | Principles of Microeconomics | 4 |
| ECON357 | International Economics | 4 |
| ECON366 | Economic Growth and Development | 4 |
| ECON392 | Essentials of Game Theory | 4 |
| HLSC476 | Health and Global Environment | 4 |
| MGMT424 | Global Poverty | 4 |
| MUHL338 | World Music | 4 |
| RELG237 | World Religions | 4 |
Legal Studies
minor
Quick Facts
Level
minor
Location
La Sierra Campus
Duration
28 Units
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
A minor typically consists of taking a portion of the classes required for a major in that same subject. To get an idea of what you would be studying, check out the corresponding major. The requirements for your minor will differ by program, so be sure to ask a counselor to know exactly what courses are in store for you.
| COMM328 | Persuasion and Rhetoric | 4 |
| COMM354 | Advanced Public Speaking | 4 |
| ECON392 | Essentials of Game Theory | 4 |
| ENGL304 | Advanced Expository Writing | 4 |
| PLSC440F | War Crimes and International Policy | 4 |
| MGMT347 | The Legal Environment of Business | 4 |
| PLSC316 | Comparative Government | 4 |
| PLSC420 | International Organizations | 4 |
| PLSC474 | Political Philosophy | 4 |
| PLSC494 | Public Affairs Internship | 1-12 |
| PSYC482C | Critical Thinking: Theory and Application | 2 |
| PSYC482G | Eyewitness Memory | 2 |
| PSYC488B | Psychology and Law | 4 |
| PSYC488E | Political Psychology | 4 |
Politics
minor
Quick Facts
Level
minor
Location
La Sierra Campus
Duration
28 Units
Accreditation
WASC
- Curriculum Sheet
Description:
A minor in Politics is recommended for students who are interested in learning about the rich history of the world and how we can learn from it for the future. A minor typically consists of taking a portion of the classes required for a major in that same subject. To get an idea of what you would be studying, check out the corresponding major. The requirements for your minor will differ by program, so be sure to ask a counselor to know exactly what courses are in store for you.
| PLSC420 | International Organizations | 4 |
| PLSC432S | Law & Society | 4 |
| PLSC440A | Topics in International Relations | 4 |
| PLSC440F | War Crimes & International Policy | 4 |
| PLSC488E | Political Psychology | 4 |
| PLSC494 | Public Affairs Internship (Maximum of 4 units) | 1-4 |
Career Outlook
7% Job Market Growth
$132,350 Median Salary
The median annual wage for political scientists was $132,350 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $72,470, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $183,500.
In May 2023, the median annual wages for political scientists in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
- Federal government, excluding postal service $145,600
- Professional, scientific, and technical services $127,260
- Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations $86,800
- Educational services; state, local, and private $78,970
Program Stats
Our Alumni Work in these Occupations
- Social and Human Service Specialists2
- Higher Education Teachers2
- Tutors, Teachers, and Instructors1
- Compliance Officers1
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants1
- Social Media Specialists1
- Public Relations and Fundraising Managers1
Our Alumni Work Here
- Center For Employment Opportunities, Inc.1
- I College Prep1
- Cambly, LLC1
- Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program1
- Ca, Inc.1
- IPSY1
- International Justice Mission1
Student Learning Outcomes
- Critical Analysis: Students will learn strategies in critical reading, thinking, and writing, demonstrating proficiency in areas that facilitate engagement with complex ideas and problems, the questioning of bias and/or assumption, the exploration of perspectives, and the acknowledgment of complexity.
- Oral Presentation Skills: students will transmit their own critical work verbally with clarity, accuracy, & conviction.
- Engagement with Diversity: students will become familiar with and sensitive to issues of diversity by engaging issues of race, ethnicity, class, and gender.
- Disciplinary Proficiency: students will develop disciplinary proficiency through required departmental academic assignments and projects.
- Research Methodology: students will demonstrate a grasp of disciplinary-based research methodologies – both quantitative and qualitative.
- Religious/Moral/Ethical Values: students will develop an awareness of and engagement with the important religious, moral, and ethical issues of the past and present.
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Partial information in this page was retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Political Scientists, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/political-scientists.htm (visited April 17, 2024).
