B.A. in Biology
Whittier College, located in Whittier, California, offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in ...
B.A. in Global & Cultural Studies
Whittier, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Global & Cultural Studies at Whittier College is structured to provide students with multiple lenses through which to examine global phenomena. It encourages exploration of current problems from various perspectives—historical, political, economic, and sociological—and their impact on specific countries and cultures. Students can specialize their studies by choosing one of four concentrations: National/Transnational Institutions, Culture, Geographical Area (e.g., Latin America, Asia, Europe), or Issues (e.g., human rights, environment, global health). This flexibility allows students to tailor their academic journey to align with their specific global interests and career aspirations.
Curriculum: The GCS curriculum begins with a foundational course, GCS 100: Introduction to Globalization, which introduces the multifaceted nature of globalization. Students then select an intermediate course from disciplines like Anthropology, Political Science, or Economics to broaden their understanding. A critical component is a methods course (e.g., Ethnographic Methods, Historical Methods, Research Methods) appropriate to their chosen concentration, ensuring they develop robust research skills. The program requires 12 credits of electives within their concentration, allowing for in-depth exploration. A distinguishing feature is the requirement for a cultural immersion experience, preferably a semester-long study abroad program, designed to provide firsthand knowledge. The major culminates in GCS 499: Senior Seminar, a capstone experience where students integrate their coursework with their cultural immersion and complete a culminating research project.
Research Focus: Research is deeply embedded in the Global & Cultural Studies program at Whittier College. Students are encouraged to engage in rigorous scholarly inquiry, often in close collaboration with faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields. The senior seminar specifically serves as a capstone, requiring students to conduct in-depth original research that integrates their theoretical learning with their cultural immersion experiences. Students regularly present their work at conferences, such as the Southern California Conference on Undergraduate Research (SCCUR), demonstrating their ability to analyze complex global issues and contribute to academic discourse. This hands-on approach to discovery and the creation of knowledge is a hallmark of the program.
Industry Engagement: While GCS is a liberal arts major, Whittier College actively prepares its graduates for professional success by fostering highly transferable skills valued across various industries. The program's emphasis on critical analysis, cross-cultural communication, research methodologies, and problem-solving makes graduates attractive to a wide range of employers. The college's Center for Career and Professional Development supports students in securing internships in diverse settings, including non-profit organizations, government agencies, international bodies, and businesses with global operations. Alumni success stories highlight graduates working in fields such as international affairs, public service, and various roles that require a global understanding, underscoring the program's practical relevance.
Global Perspective: A global perspective is the very essence of the B.A. in Global & Cultural Studies. The program inherently focuses on national and transnational institutions, diverse cultures, specific geographical areas, and pressing global issues. The mandatory cultural immersion experience, typically a study abroad semester, is a cornerstone of this global engagement, providing students with invaluable firsthand exposure to different societies and challenging their preconceptions. The Global Poet Scholarship further supports students in pursuing these international opportunities. Faculty-led "globetrotting courses" also offer opportunities to engage with international contexts directly, ensuring that graduates are not only knowledgeable about global challenges but also possess the intercultural competence to navigate and contribute to an interconnected world.
Location
Whittier, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 53019
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Whittier College offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for international students to help make a high-quality education affordable and accessible. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and other talents while supporting diversity and global engagement on campus.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are eligible for merit scholarships based on their academic achievements, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and leadership qualities. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically upon admission consideration or through separate applications.
International Student Academic Scholarships: Whittier College provides dedicated academic scholarships for international applicants, which recognize outstanding academic records from students worldwide. These awards typically range from partial to substantial tuition reductions and are renewable each year based on satisfactory academic performance.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While international students do not qualify for federal financial aid, Whittier College offers some need-based assistance through institutional funds. International applicants must submit a financial aid application along with supporting documents to be considered for these awards.
Specialized and Departmental Scholarships: Certain departments and programs at Whittier may have specific scholarships for international students who demonstrate excellence or interest in particular fields, such as business, sciences, or the arts. These awards encourage students to pursue their academic passions with financial support.
A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Global & Cultural Studies (GCS) from Whittier College prepares graduates with an invaluable skillset for navigating an increasingly interconnected world.
International Relations Specialist/Foreign Service Officer: Graduates are well-suited for roles in government agencies (e.g., State Department, USAID) or international organizations (e.g., United Nations, World Bank) working on diplomacy, policy analysis, international development, or cultural exchange. Their deep understanding of global political and cultural landscapes is essential.
Non-profit Program Manager/Coordinator (International Focus): GCS majors are ideal for positions in international NGOs, humanitarian organizations, or non-profits focused on global issues such as human rights, environmental protection, or global health. They develop, manage, and evaluate programs that address complex challenges in diverse communities.
Cross-Cultural Trainer/Consultant: Businesses and organizations increasingly recognize the need for cultural competency. Graduates can work as trainers or consultants, helping individuals and teams understand and navigate cultural differences in international business, education, or expatriate assignments.
Journalist/Foreign Correspondent: With strong research, analytical, and communication skills, GCS graduates can pursue careers in journalism, reporting on international news, political developments, and cultural trends for various media outlets. Their global perspective provides a unique lens.
International Educator/Study Abroad Coordinator: Many graduates choose to work in education, either teaching English abroad or facilitating international education programs at universities. They help students engage with global learning experiences and navigate different academic and cultural environments.
Immigration/Refugee Services Specialist: Understanding migration patterns, cultural backgrounds, and legal frameworks, graduates can work for government agencies, legal aid organizations, or non-profits assisting immigrants and refugees with resettlement, legal processes, and integration into new communities.
Human Resources (HR) Professional (Global/Diversity Focus): In multinational corporations, GCS graduates can contribute to HR departments by focusing on global talent management, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and developing culturally sensitive HR policies and practices.
Tourism/Cultural Exchange Program Manager: Graduates with a passion for travel and cultural understanding can work in the tourism industry, designing and managing cultural tours, educational trips, or exchange programs that promote cross-cultural interaction and appreciation.
Research Analyst (International/Area Studies): The program's emphasis on research prepares graduates for roles as research assistants or analysts in think tanks, academic institutions, or consulting firms, specializing in a particular region, culture, or global issue.
Community Development Specialist (Local & Global): Whether working domestically with diverse communities or internationally, GCS majors can facilitate community-led initiatives, bridge cultural divides, and empower local populations to address their own social and economic challenges.
