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 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.

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.

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.

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.