The Associate in Arts in Global Studies for Transfer Degree is designed for students planning to transfer into several related majors such as Global Studies, Global Politics, International Relations, International Studies, and Comparative Government. Through interdisciplinary coursework, students will gain exposure to the global scope of contemporary and historical issues.

The Global and International Studies major helps students develop an understanding of how globalization continues to evolve. It also aims to provide an academic background that prepares students to enter today’s many career fields, which require knowledge of global problems, connections, actors, and processes. Examples of possible career fields include careers in diplomacy and/ or with an international organization, careers with many types of non-governmental organizations, careers in the economics/ business field, and in the fields of journalism, research, and teaching. Many other fields, such as engineering, and health, also benefit from a global perspective.

The major in Global Studies will give students interdisciplinary perspectives on the interplay of local and global communities as well as prepare students to participate effectively in this global environment.

The Associate in Arts for Transfer degree in Global Studies provides students with the foundational knowledge necessary to make a successful transition into a Baccalaureate Degree at any of the CSU campuses. The Associate Degree for Transfer (AA-T or AS-T) is a special degree offered at California Community Colleges. Students who earn an AA-T or AS-T degree are guaranteed admission to a campus within the California State University (CSU) system in a similar major, although not necessarily to a specific campus. Students who complete an AA-T or AS-T are given priority consideration when applying to a particular program that is similar to the student’s community college major and will be given a special GPA advantage when applying to CSU impacted campuses or majors. Students who are planning to pursue an AA-T or AS-T are strongly advised to meet with a counselor for additional information about this transfer program.

Associate of Arts Degree in International Studies provides students with a broader perspective of global development. It also prepares students to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies or a related field. Students will be able to gain a solid understanding of political, social, cultural and economic issues in a global context.

The Global Studies A.A. degree is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to be well-versed in world history, global issues and perspectives, geography and cultural competence as well as proficient in a foreign language. Elective options direct students to a course of study focused on world history, international business, globalization issues, language and culture and the arts and humanities in the global environment. Students can take electives within one area of study, or mix electives from the various areas. The program prepares students for careers as citizens of the world and to navigate and communicate in a global environment.

This program is designed to prepare students who intend to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree in international studies.

To meet the need for graduates who are able to function effectively in an interconnected society, the Global Studies program offers a liberal arts education, focused on international relations, area studies, and/or the environment, with a choice of cultural experiences and languages. The program will serve students who wish to transfer to a four-year institution as well as students who wish to work in local businesses with a global reach, or government agencies and non-profit organizations serving diverse populations from other countries.