International and Global Studies
International & Global Studies (IGS) is a multi-disciplinary major
for students interested in understanding and engaging the world in meaningful ways.
Majors & Minors
| Program Name | Program Type | Tracks |
|---|---|---|
International and Global Studies |
Major Bachelor of Arts |
Why choose International and Global Studies?
A major in IGS will sharpen your critical thinking, reading, writing, and speaking skills. It will also enable you to apply a multi-disciplinary and global perspective to issues and policies.
Students who graduate with an IGS major are well prepared to pursue graduate work or bring a global perspective to careers in government service, nonprofits, or the private sector.
Why choose International and Global Studies at Gettysburg
Opportunities
Students can integrate their study abroad and on-campus experiences to inform their understanding of global interaction.
Academics
The new International & Global Studies major emphasizes a common multi-disciplinary set of core courses, a common expectation of global study and language learning, and the rigor of a methods course and senior seminar while allowing for the distinctive approaches of two tracks within the IGS major.
Community of Experts and Professors
Caring faculty help students determine how to unite their interests in global studies with career ambitions.
At Gettysburg College, International & Global Studies is an immersive, outward-looking experience that pushes you to engage directly with the world beyond campus. You’ll examine global issues from multiple angles, collaborate with faculty and peers, and take advantage of opportunities like study abroad, internships, and research that connect theory to real-world contexts. Along the way, you’ll develop the perspective, adaptability, and critical thinking skills needed to navigate complex international environments. Whether your path leads to public service, global business, or further study, the program prepares you to engage thoughtfully and effectively in an interconnected world.
Study abroad
International and Global Studies majors are required to spend at least one semester studying abroad or participating in some other off-campus program, such as the Washington, D.C., semester programs offered through American University and Lutheran College. Students should select a program that complements the Regional Track of their major.
In recent years, IGS majors have studied at:
- ARGENTINA-Butler COPA-Mendoza, Argentina
- ARGENTINA-SIT
- AUSTRALIA-Butler University - University of Melbourne
- AUSTRALIA-Butler at University of Queensland
- AUSTRALIA-Arcadia at University of Wollongong
- BRAZIL-SIT
- CHINA-CET Academic Program Abroad
- COSTA RICA-Butler University, Herida
- DENMARK-International Studies
- FRANCE-Institute for American University-Avignon
- 'FRANCE-Institute for American University - Aix en Provence
- GERMANY-Heidelberg College at Heidelberg University
- GERMANY-Gettysburg in Cologne
- GREECE-College Year in Athens
- ITALY-Syracuse University in Florence
- JAPAN-Kansai Gaidai-Japan
- MEXICO-University of Guadalajara
- MEXICO-Universal Language School-Cuernavaca
- MULTIPLE-Semester at Sea
- OMAN-SIT
- S. AFRICA-Interuniversity Study at Rhodes-South Africa
- SPAIN-International University Studies
- UK-Advanced Studies in England
- UK-Arcadia, London Semester
- UK-Beaver College - London Semester
- UK-Gettysburg in Essex
- USA-American University Washington Semester
- USA-Drew University United Nations Semester
- USA-Lutheran College Washington Semester
These experiences add an invaluable dimension to your learning, while also making you more attractive to graduate schools and to employers in the international arena. Information on options for international or domestic off-campus study is available from the Center for Global Education.
Sigma Iota Rho Honor Society
Sigma Iota Rho promotes and rewards scholarship and service among students and practitioners of international studies, international affairs, and global studies and to foster integrity and creative performance in the conduct of world affairs.
In order to qualify for membership, students must meet the following criteria:
- Attained a junior standing and completed at least seven courses toward the International and Global Studies major, including at least two courses at the 300+ level.
- Attained a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher in all courses.
- Attained a GPA of at least 3.4 in major courses.
Model UN/IA Club
The International Affairs and Model UN Club is open to all interested students. It meets every other week to discuss issues in international politics and debate current topics. Members also have the opportunity to develop Model UN skills and participate in Model UN conferences.
Featured Courses
200 Level
Examines the phenomenon of globalization and the interdisciplinary field of globalization studies. Gives students a conceptual and historical understanding of globalization, a review of key debates about globalization, and an overview of specific globalization processes and problems. Helps students to recognize and understand the agents of globalization, focusing on key institutions, while providing a lens through which to view the local experiences of people enmeshed in globalization. Reviews discipline-specific methodologies for conducting research on globalization, and explores global citizenship and applies approaches.
International and Global Studies News
The major aligns with our liberal arts values and includes common expectations and two distinct tracks
Because the two tracks include some self-design, students must complete an application for the major working closely with one of the faculty members of the International & Global Studies Committee. Applications for the IGS Studies major must be submitted no later than fall of the junior year.
International Affairs
- aligns with more traditional International Relations/Foreign Affairs majors at other institutions
- prioritizes relations between nation-states
- prepares students for graduate work/professions in Government/Foreign Service and multilateral organizations with its emphasis on Political Science and Economics
Global Studies
- asks students to select a region and theme to focus on (such as global business, global health, social justice and human rights) allowing for some self-design
- prioritizes global interactions and processes
- prepares students for a variety of careers including NGOs, relief work, and international organizations and companies
Because the two tracks include some self-design, students must complete an application for the major working closely with one of the faculty members of the International & Global Studies Committee. Applications for the IGS Studies major must be submitted no later than fall of the junior year.
Fourteen courses and a semester abroad are required for the major.
Four Foundation Courses
- ANTH 103 Intro to Cultural Anthropology.
- ECON 104 Macroeconomics.
- POL 103 Intro to International Relations or POL 104 Intro to Comparative Politics.
- HIST 103 Europe Africa and Asia 1750-1900 or HIST 110 The Twentieth Century World.
Global Studies
- Three courses pertaining to an identified Region.
- One of the three Region courses must be at the 300-level.
- Three courses pertaining to a chosen Theme.
- One of the three Theme courses must be at the 300-level. Themes include: Conflict Studies, Development Studies, Global Health, Global Business, Social Justice & Human Rights, Global Environmentalism, Global Culture, or can be self-designed.
Four Courses of Language Study
- Four foreign language courses are required for the IGS major. The first two courses should be in the same language to satisfy the Gettysburg College curriculum requirement. The additional two courses can be in the same language or two additional languages. Language courses can be taken on campus or in an approved program off campus.
Methods Course
- Methods course approved by IGS committee. Must be taken prior to capstone course. Students choose the methods course most suitable for inquiry into their theme.
Semester Abroad
- One Semester of study off-campus in a college approved program, preferably in region of focus. While studying off campus for one semester, a maximum of three courses can count towards the Region and Theme courses. A second semester abroad is optional. When studying off campus for two semesters four courses can count.
Senior Seminar
- IGS 400 International & Global Studies Capstone. Offered Spring of senior year; students will complete a research project that builds on tracks, coursework and/ or study abroad experiences.
Notes
- The IGS major includes some self-design and so student must complete an application form for the major working closely with one of the faculty members of the International & Global Studies Committee.
- Application for the IGS major must be submitted no later than the fall of a student’s junior year.
Fourteen courses and a semester abroad are required for the major.
Four Foundation Courses
- ANTH 103 Intro to Cultural Anthropology.
- ECON 104 Macroeconomics.
- POL 103 Intro to International Relations or POL 104 Intro to Comparative Politics.
- HIST 103 Europe Africa and Asia 1750-1900 or HIST 110 The Twentieth Century World.
International Affairs
- ECON 251 International Economics.
- One from POL 203, 242, 252, or 253.
- Of the following electives two must be at the 300-level.
- One Political Science Select Elective.
- One History Select Elective.
- Two additional electives from different disciplines. Cannot be Economics or Political Science courses.
Four Courses of Language Study
- Four foreign language courses are required for the IGS major. The first two courses should be in the same language to satisfy the Gettysburg College curriculum requirement. The additional two courses can be in the same language or two additional languages. Language courses can be taken on campus or in an approved program off campus.
Methods Course
- Methods course approved by IGS committee. Must be taken prior to capstone course. Students choose the methods course most suitable for inquiry into their track.
Semester Abroad
- One Semester of study off-campus in a college approved program. While studying off campus for one semester, a maximum of three courses can count towards the International Affairs section of major requirements. A second semester abroad is optional. When studying off campus for two semesters four courses can count.
Senior Seminar
- IGS 400 International & Global Studies Capstone. Offered Spring of senior year; students will complete a research project that builds on tracks, coursework and/ or study abroad experiences.
Notes
- The IGS major includes some self-design and so student must complete an application form for the major working closely with one of the faculty members of the International & Global Studies Committee.
- Application for the IGS major must be submitted no later than the fall of a student’s junior year.
First Year Advising and Registration recommendations
A multi-disciplinary, partially self-designed major for students interested in international affairs and global issues. Students must complete an application for the major in consultation with a faculty member appointed by the Chair.
Common first-year courses
Four foundation courses (complete by end of second year, any order)
- ANTH 103 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- ECON 104 Principles of Macroeconomics
- HIST 103 Europe, Africa and Asia 1750-1900 OR HIST 110 The Twentieth Century World
- POL 103 Introduction to International Relations OR POL 104 Introduction to Comparative Politics
Available Courses
200 Level
Quarter credit internship graded S/U.
400 Level
An intensive seminar experience in which students in the final semester of their IGS major will have an opportunity to interact, learn, and bond as a cohort. The capstone will meet once a week for 2.5 hours, during which time students will undertake a common core of coursework related to International & Global Studies as an interdisciplinary field of study. A major objective of the capstone is the completion of an individual capstone project or thesis which reflects a synthesis of the student’s regional studies, thematic tracks, study abroad experience, and capstone-related independent research. Students will be expected to present oral and written presentations of their work in a public forum.
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