Global Studies

The University of California at Santa Barbara offers a Master of Arts in Global Studies. The two-year degree program, launched in the fall of 2006, currently admits approximately 12-15 students each year.  Fellowships are offered each year to incoming students on a competitive basis and are intended to support a student in his or her first year of studies. It is especially well suited for students who wish to engage in or study the dimensions of global civil society--such as political economy, development, law, human rights, religion, culture, and environmental protection—that affect our contemporary world in significant ways.

Most students pursue this degree as preparation for international careers in non-governmental organizations (NGOs), businesses or government, and others may seek a Ph.D. in a related social science or humanities field.  This M.A. degree is intended to provide an understanding of the economic, political, social, and cultural forces that are shaping global organizations. While not providing extensive practical training for specific professions, the program will, through a three- to six-month internship and/or study abroad, policy and training seminars, and a variety of “hands-on” activities enable its graduates to meet the intellectual as well as practical challenges facing those who serve the growing “third sector” of non-profit, non-governmental civil society organizations.

In recent years the number of officially registered international NGOs has increased dramatically. Governments are increasingly channeling assistance through these organizations, which in many countries are among the fastest growing employment sectors. Whether it is tsunami relief in Southeast Asia, earthquake relief in Haiti, or medical assistance in African communities ravaged by AIDS, NGOs now play a critical role in responding to global crises. During a time of political polarization, this vital sector of civil society is playing an ever-more important role in world affairs and global governance. At the same time, the degree to which this is a desirable and effective solution to challenges of governance in an increasingly globalized world is much debated.  A critical understanding of these issues is a central concern of the Masters program.

Core Courses

The curriculum consists of 57 units of graduate-level courses with a grade of “B” or better. This coursework includes 37 units during the first year, with 25 units in required core coursework and 3 graduate-level elective courses. The second year requires 3 graduate-level electives and 2 independent study courses in graded mentor-assisted research.

Core Required Coursework:

• GLOBL 220 History and Theory of Globalization (4 units, fall qtr)Overview of the basic ideas and major writings that have influenced the field of global and international studies. This is an interdisciplinary reading seminar intended as a foundational course for the MA program, required of all first year students. 
• GLOBL 221 Political Economy, Sustainable Development and the Environment (4 units, fall or winter qtr)Critical examination of the political and economic aspects of globalization, focusing on the prospects and challenges of an economic development that is both socially equitable and environmentally sustainable.
• GLOBL 222 Global Culture, Ideology, and Religion (4 units, fall or winter qtr)This seminar focuses on how culture & religion have affected and been shaped by global processes, including such issues as cross- & inter-cultural understanding, Diasporic communities, revolutions in literature, media, & communication, religious nationalism, & the role of religion in global civil society. 
• GLOBL 223 Global Governance, Human Rights, and Civil Society (4 units, fall or winter qtr)This seminar focuses on the various dimensions of political, economic, and social order that arise from transnational conflict and cooperation, addressing such issues as the relations among sovereign states, market forces, civil society, and struggles for global justice. 
• GLOBL 224 Research Methods (4 units, winter qtr)This seminar introduces students to logics of inquiry and epistemologies central to understanding the intersection of the transnational and international, and methodological training in areas such as documentary analysis,
• interviewing, field methods, and surveys. 
• GLOBL 225 Research Design (4 units, spring qtr)This seminar introduces students to logics of inquiry and epistemologies central to understanding the intersection of the transnational and international, and methodological training in areas such as documentary analysis, interviewing, field methods, and surveys.
• GLOBL 232A Contemporary Issues (1 unit, fall qtr)This proseminar focuses on issues of practical and professional concern to MAG&IS students, including seminar discussions with visiting faculty and practitioners.

Language Requirements

In addition, the M.A. degree program requires two years of a second language.  The requirement may be satisfied in the following ways:

1. A grade of B or higher in level 6 (or equivalent) of a foreign language course taken at UCSB or another accredited university (Final term of a second year of language—4th semester or 6th quarter). 
2. A score of 6 on the undergraduate placement exam administered by UCSB foreign language departments. 
3. A grade of B+ or higher in the second term of a graduate reading knowledge course at UCSB.   (ex. FR11A/B)
4. By passing a two-hour written examination arranged by the Global and International Studies Program’s Director of Graduate Studies.
5. The 2nd language proficiency requirement may be met by oral fluency or passing an intensive study program.

Independent Study

GLOBL 596 Directed Reading and Research(1-12 units, letter graded or S/U option, choose instructor)
May be repeated for credit upon approval of department chair.
Individual tutorial. Plan of study must be approved by department chair or MAGIS director. Each 4 units of graded B or better GLOBL 596 can replace one required elective course.

GLOBL 596A/B Directed Thesis Advising (4 units, letter graded, choose committee chair as instructor)
 Taken Winter and Spring by second year graduate students; two quarters required.
 Individual tutorial with committee chair(s) directing thesis research and final writing.

GLOBL 598 Master's Thesis Research and Preparation (1-12 units, S/U option, choose instructor)
Master's thesis research and preparation.

• Briefing Reports (required during GLOBL 598) due August 1st and October 1st. 

Electives

Electives may be chosen from other departments in addition to courses in global studies.  Graduate-level courses are courses numbered 200 and above in the Schedule of Coursesand General Catalog. Some courses are variable units (choose the number of units) and/or letter graded or pass/fail. In addition, the instructor is selected for independent study courses. Electives must receive a grade B or better to meet degree requirements. Special Topics courses (numbered 292) vary each term in content and instructor—check with home departments each term for 292 course topic and/or instructor (ex. GLOBL 292; SOCL 292, ANTH 292). Up to 2 courses of upper division, undergraduate courses may count towards elective requirements (courses numbered 100-199).

Global studies graduate electives examples (not all are listed nor will all be offered every year):

• GLOBL 234. Microeconomics for Global Studies (4 units)Globalization has involved an expansion in the role played by markets. This course focuses on how markets work, what they are and are not expected to achieve, and what this means for policy. Principles and tools for diagnosing economic problems are taught through application to policy debates.
• GLOBL 236.The Global Economy (4 units)Basic concepts and theories relevant to macro, international and development economics, and surveys empirical work to demonstrate the evidentiary base upon which assertions must be drawn.
• GLOBL 242. Colonialism as Theory and Practice (4 units)An introduction to non-Western discourses on and responses to the cultures and practices of Western colonialism. Students will read literary and political writings by non-Western writers from several different colonial and postcolonial locations around the world.
• GLOBL 243. Development Theories/Strategies (4 units)Analyzes major trends in development thinking and policy and discusses development theories from the classics in political economy through modernization theory, dependency, alternative development, neoliberalism, human development, post-development, and culture & development.
• GLOBL 244. Laws and Societies (4 units)This seminar is an introductory examination of the relationship between laws, societies and politics. We approach legal systems as pluralistic, operating across local, regional, national, international and global arenas. Topics include global governance, human rights, immigration, terrorism, and the environment.
• GLOBL 245. Human Rights and Globalization in Latin America (4 units)Examines topics related to transnational processes, juridical-legal struggles, and social change in Latin American societies, including the relationship between states and militaries, gender relations and women's rights, indigenous, environmental and race issues, and international influences on national law, social justice and public policy.
• GLOBL 246. Human Rights and Globalization in the Middle East (4 units)Examines topics related to transnational processes, juridical-legal struggles, and social change in Middle Eastern societies, including the relationship between states and religious communities, gender relations and women's rights, and international influences on national law, social justice and public policy.
• GLOBL 247. Global Governance: States, Struggles, Bodies and Sovereignties (4 units)Explores issues of governance in the public, private, international and NGO spheres in the global south. Focuses on the security-development nexus, new forms of humanitarian intervention, peacekeeping, gender, sexuality and ethnicity, and on debates around internationalized corporate and public government in the post-colonial context.
• GLOBL 248. Sexuality and Globalization (4 units)Examines the global culture and politics of sexuality through comparative and transnational studies of debates around sexual rights, state governmentalities, public morality, religious revival, and marriage and health politics.
• GLOBL 249. Religion in Global Affairs (4 units)An exploration of how religion and secularism are conceived throughout the world, and the role they play in defining national identities and global politics; and an investigation into the religious aspects of violent and nonviolent transnational activist movements.   
• GLOBL 270. Law in Global Context (4 units)This course deals with current global issues and the legal consequences that transcend borders of nation-states, including human rights, environment, conflict, religion, criminal activities, terrorism, the Internet, and disease.
• GLOBL 271. Global Environmental Law & Policy (4 units)Global environmental problems in our time, particularly climate change and its impact on resource scarcity, human security, energy geopolitics, and democracy in an unevenly structured world system, including the search for world order solutions.
• GLOBL 292AAZZ. Special Topics (4 units)Seminar in special areas of interest in Global and International Studies. Specific course titles to be announced by the Program each quarter offered. Course content varies.

Requirements

• Applicants must demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills, a capacity for excellence in research and critical thinking, and an interest in problem-solving.  Ideal candidates will also have experience with foreign countries or cultures, completed volunteer work or internships, and demonstrated an interest in global affairs.
• Grade Point Average: GPAs are given considerable weight in admissions decisions. Aminimum undergraduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 is required. Exceptions may be made only in rare circumstances.  
• Second Language: Students are required to have the equivalent of at least two years of proficiency in a second language with a "B" or better in the final course, or be proficient in a second language upon admission to earn the global M.A. degree. If a student lacks the required proficiency upon admission, this can be acquired through language classes on campus, although it is strongly recommended that this requirement be completed in advance.
• Exam Scores: GRE scores are one important indicator, among others, of academic potential, and receive substantial weight in admissions deliberations. All applicants are required to submit GRE General Test scores and there are no minimum score requirements. Applicants who are required to submit TOEFL scores must receive a minimum of 600 on the paper-based test (PBT) or 94 on the internet-based test (IBT), or an Overall Band Score of 7 on the IELTS exam.

• STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: (2-3 pages) The written statement should be formatted with 1.5 to 2 line spacing and include:
  • why the applicant wishes to pursue a master’s degree;
  • general academic goals and relevant achievements;
  • descriptions of several global issues in which are you interested;
  • examples of the kinds of research questions you would like to pursue and how you would like to pursue them.

• PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS/CONTRIBUTIONS:  (1-2 pages) UC Santa Barbara is interested in a diverse and inclusive graduate student population. Please describe any aspects of your personal background, accomplishments, or achievements that you feel are important in evaluating your application for graduate study. For example, please describe if you have experienced economic challenges in achieving higher education, such as being financially responsible for family members or dependents, having to work significant hours during undergraduate schooling or coming from a family background of limited income. Please describe if you have any unusual or varied life experiences that might contribute to the diversity of the graduate group, such as fluency in other languages, experience living in bicultural communities, academic research interests focusing on cultural, societal, or educational problems as they affect underserved segments of society, or evidence of an intention to use the graduate degree toward serving disadvantaged individuals or populations.

• CURRICULUM VITAE (CV) or RESUME:  (1-2 pages) List your positions of employment or volunteer work/community service since high school, either full or part-time, including the hours per week worked and the nature and dates of employment or service. Include education, and foriegn languages and your level of comprehension (i.e. fluent, read only, write, etc.)

• LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:
  Three letters of recommendation (LOR) are required as part of your application. The department prefers that two of the letters be academic in nature (e.g. from professors in your major) and one from industry (e.g. current or past employers, those in high levels of responsibility who know you well, etc.). Nonacademic letters may be useful when they relate directly to the intended area of study, such as work experience, internships, teaching, etc.

  Faculty members who write a LOR should be aware of the applicant's scholarly abilities and capability to do graduate work. They should speak analytically of achievements and research abilities. Applicants can provide recommenders with background information to assist them in writing a strong letter; such as copies of papers written, copies of the Statement of Purpose, a Resume/CV, or a list of courses and grades received from the professor.

  LOR are submitted online through the Online Graduate Application. You will be asked to supply the name, email address, and current institution of each recommender. Once supplied, the online application will provide recommendation submission instructions your recommenders via email. Recommenders may upload letters in PDF file format only. Once you submit your online application, you can manage your letters of recommendation through your Application Status Page. Here, you can:

1. Add or replace a recommender
2. Send a follow-up notification to each of your recommenders
3. View the status of each letter

• Letters Submitted via Postal Mail:
  In instances where your recommender absolutely cannot submit a letter online, a LOR may be sent directly to Global Studies. A Letter of Recommendation Coversheet must accompany the letter. NOTE: online letter submission is highly preferred.

• OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS: Official transcripts need to be uploaded within the Online Application. Please include diplomas or degree certificates (if your degree has already been awarded), front and back pages of the transcript, and the transcript key or legend. If the applicant is admitted, official transcripts will be required to confirm admission and acceptance. If the applicant's current degree program is still in progress during the application period, two official transcripts - showing the final degree awarded - will need to be sent to Global Studies once the applicant's degree is completed.

For international applicants: Copies showing all post-secondary academic work completed must be sent to the proposed department as part of the application. All academic documents should be sent both in the native language along with authorized, complete, and exact, literal English translations by the school or an official agency.

The institutional grading scale, including maximum and failing grades, should be provided (this in formation is sometimes on the backside of a transcript so please scan that side and upload it as well as it is needed to evaluate the transcript). Also required is the type of degree awarded or in progress (e.g., Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science), and the date of the award if the program is complete. All hard copies of records submitted to UCSB will not be copied, returned, or sent to another institution.

Additionally, documents must show the type of degree awarded or in progress (e.g., Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science), and the date of the award if the program is complete.

NOTE for U.S. permanent residents: U.S. permanent residents who received a degree from a U.S. institution should follow the application guidelines for U.S. applicants. U.S. permanent residents who received a degree from an international institution should follow the instructions for international applicants.

Scholarships

Fellowship Opportunities

• Orfalea Foundation Fellowships: The Department will award fellowships up to $15,000 to our top applicants to the MA program. These fellowships are given on the basis of an applicant’s statement and research interests, as well as their overall academic and professional profile. These fellowships require nomination from the global admission committee--no application necessary.
• UCSB Central Recruitment Fellowships: These are campus-wide fellowships granted by the Dean of Graduate Studies to students in their first year of graduate school. These fellowships include a $22,000 stipend and tuition for the first year. Up to 4 awards are awarded to applicants with outstanding academic records and research profiles. These fellowships require nomination from the global admission committee--no application necessary.
• UCSB Diversity Fellowships: These are campus-wide fellowships granted by the Dean of Graduate Studies specifically to provide assistance to under-represented and minority students in their first year of graduate school. These fellowships are worth $22,000 and up to 4 awards are given to applicants with outstanding academic records and research profiles. These fellowships require nomination from the global admission committee--no application necessary.
• Teaching Assistant Positions: Teaching Assistantships (TAs) are awarded on a quarterly basis and provide university resident fees (non-resident tuition in not covered) as well as gross wages of $1900/month.
• Research Assistants: Students will have opportunities to work with faculty on research projects throughout their academic careers at UC Santa Barbara.
• Extramural Grants: Funding exists for students who apply for extramural research grants. Lists of granting agencies and current grant opportunities can be obtained through the Dean of Graduate Studies and are also emailed to current students.