ARCHIVED CATALOG: Visit catalog.ucsb.edu to view the 2023-2024 General Catalog.

UC Santa Barbara General CatalogUniversity of California, Santa Barbara

Global Studies

Division of Social Sciences
Social Sciences and Media Studies 2006
Undergraduate email: global-advising@ucsb.edu; Telephone: (805) 893-7860
Graduate email: gd-global@global.ucsb.edu; Telephone: (805) 893-4668
Website: www.global.ucsb.edu
Department Chair: Anshu Malhotra
Vice Chair: Aashish Mehta 


 
Graduate Program

Doctor of Philosophy—Global Studies (Requirements - PDF)

The Ph.D. program in Global Studies provides a unique interdisciplinary degree for students who desire to study global issues such as conflict, immigration, human rights, environmental sustainability and development and the challenges these issues present for sustainable peace, equality and prosperity. Combining approaches from the social sciences and humanities, the Ph.D. is built around three related concentrations: (i) global political economy, development, and environment; (ii) global culture, ideology, religion, and (iii) global governance, human rights, and civil society. Students complete gateway courses in all three areas before focusing on a research specialization. The degree typically involves a field studies component, mastery of a second language, and the completion of a dissertation.

We are looking for outstanding applicants who desire to become leading experts on global issues by conducting intensive research and teaching in the field. Candidates will work closely with Global Studies faculty in conjunction with 23 Affiliated Faculty members from across the campus.

Details on the Ph.D. program are at http://www.global.ucsb.edu/phd

Optional Interdisciplinary Emphases

Students pursuing a doctoral degree in Global Studies may petition to add the following Optional Interdisciplinary Ph.D. Emphases: Black Studies, Demography, Environment and Society, Information Technology & Society. Requirement sheets for each emphasis may be found on this page.

In addition to department admissions and degree requirements, students must meet university admissions and degree requirements, as described in the Graduate Education section of this catalog.

Admissions
Applicants must have a B.A. or its equivalent from an accredited university by the projected fall quarter of admission. The graduate admission committee considers the applicant’s statement of purpose which must describe the global issues s/he is interested in studying and elaborate a realistic research agenda (please see Department website for details http://www.global.ucsb.edu/phd). The admission committee will also consider transcripts, 3 letters of recommendation, and a research writing sample (plus the TOEFL or IELTS exam scores when applicable for non-English speaking applicants) in making decisions about admissions. Online applications are available September to December 15 for admission in the following year fall term. 

Optional Ph.D. Emphasis in Global Studies, please see: http://www.global.ucsb.edu/phd/emphasis

Master of Arts—Global Studies (Requirements - PDF)

The two-year M.A. program in global and international studies provides an interdisciplinary academic foundation for students who wish to engage in or study the dimensions of global civil society that affect our contemporary world in significant ways. The program offers three areas of specialization: 1). global governance and human rights; 2). global culture, ideology, and religion and 3). political economy, sustainable development, and the environment. It also provides opportunities for real-world experience through internships with a range of international non-governmental and governmental organizations, and has established partnerships with other globally-oriented educational institutions abroad. Students who seek to learn about more practical matters, from grant-writing to computer-based technologies, are able to do so through elective courses or workshops offered elsewhere on campus. Details on the program and a brochure are at http://www.global.ucsb.edu/graduate.

In addition to departmental admissions and degree requirements, students must meet university admissions and degree requirements, as described in the Graduate Education section of this catalog.

Admissions

Applicants must have the B.A. in an undergraduate degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution by the projected fall quarter of admission. The graduate admission committee considers the applicant's statement of purpose, personal achievements statement, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and writing sample (plus the TOEFL or IELTS exam scores when applicable for non-English speaking applicants) in making decisions about admissions. Online applications are available September to December 15 for admission in the following year fall term.