Global affairs is the study of interactions between world governments, cultures and societies. As a student in this major, you’ll gain an understanding of how the complex issues of our time — including terrorism, refugee crises and climate change — affect all people and places around the globe.
Students choose from a broad array of courses from the fields of international relations, history, political science, sociology and economics to design an interdisciplinary program that fits their own intellectual interests and career ambitions. In addition, they may choose a region or thematic concentration within the major. SUNY Global provides access to the best interdisciplinary faculty and short-term study abroad through our Global Field Intensives, as well as internships.
Post-decolonization, the establishment of international organizations boosted global affairs by giving newly independent countries a voice on the world stage and encouraging collaboration among nations to address common challenges. The Cold War also influenced global affairs as nations aligned or non-aligned with the United States or Soviet Union to secure support and recognition.
Our experts provide commentary and in-depth analysis of trending global news stories via op-eds, podcasts and videos. In addition, our scholars conduct research on a wide range of topics, such as global economies and trade, diplomacy and foreign policy, human rights, global health and education, nation building, and regional security and stability.
In their senior year, students complete a Capstone project or write a senior essay in a substantive seminar or in the global affairs senior essay course GLBL 4500. Students can select any Yale faculty member to serve as their advisor and secondary reader for the latter option. Students may also opt to fulfill the senior requirement by writing a senior thesis in GLBL 4499 or through a summer or term-time course taken abroad, with DUS approval after the credit has transferred to Yale.
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