Suffolk’s innovative global cultural studies program provides students with the practical and theoretical knowledge, global awareness, and confidence to live and work anywhere in the world. Through our humanities-based curriculum—the only one of its kind in New England—you’ll develop an interdisciplinary approach to the study of language, culture, and global communication.
With four concentrations to choose from, you can focus your studies around your personal interests and professional goals. You’ll work closely with your faculty advisor to build an individualized academic schedule that incorporates courses from a wide range of disciplines, including communication, global business, journalism, economics, philosophy, literature, political science, history, and more.
As a global cultural studies major, you will:
You won’t just study your major—you’ll experience it through hands-on learning opportunities.
In the global cultural studies major, our core curriculum prepares students with a foundation of multi-disciplinary perspectives and approaches applicable to a wide range of cultures and intercultural interactions. You’ll work one-on-one with your faculty advisor to choose a concentration and select courses that support your passions and professional goals. Our program also places special emphasis on career-readiness and immersive learning. Students are required to take two career development courses and are highly encouraged to gain real-world experience through study abroad and internship opportunities.
We offer four distinct concentrations that integrate courses taught across the College of Arts & Sciences and Sawyer Business School: culture, conflict, & communication; global business; interdisciplinary arts; and regional practices.
Through this concentration, you will understand cultural issues and the power dynamics inherent in transnational and cultural relations. You will learn to discuss the role of communication in constructing the nature of interpersonal and intercultural relationships while acquiring knowledge and skills that increase intercultural competence.
The Global Business concentration within the Global Cultural Studies (GCS) program is for CAS students who wish to pursue careers within international business organizations or a global business environment. As a CAS student, this concentration will provide you with a business foundation while allowing you to achieve synergies between a business career, the study of world cultures, study abroad, and language acquisition. This concentration will help you combine business practices and cultural knowledge and will prepare you for a career in global societies.
Through this concentration, you will understand the important roles that the arts, including literature, fine art, theater, cinema, and design, have played in human societies and history. You will develop a keen aesthetic sense supported by context of culture and acquire excellent research, analytical, and international communication skills.
Through this concentration, you will develop skills to succeed in global societies and prepare for careers specializing in, or engaging with, other regions of study. You will develop analytical and critical skills that will lead to an understanding of global identities and processes by engaging with the notions and traditions of regional study. This concentration promotes Study Abroad and language acquisition as direct ways to develop empathy and greater intercultural communication competency.
View the Global Cultural Studies Major Curriculum
Global cultural studies students complement their skills with courses, minors, and double majors in areas such as:
The best way to understand the world is by immersing yourself in different cultures through hands-on study, travel, and meaningful experiences. At Suffolk, our program serves as your homebase as you expand your knowledge and nurture empathy and understanding.
We encourage every student to travel and study abroad. Suffolk offers opportunities like:
In Boston, you’ll be just a short walk or train ride from dozens of world-class museums and historic sites showcasing local, national, and global culture, including:
As a global cultural studies major at Suffolk, you’ll be welcomed into a community of passionate learners enriched by a university culture of diversity and inclusion.
Here, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in events and activities that will inspire, delight, and challenge you. You’ll grow in cultural competency and develop strong bonds as you:
Our graduates are uniquely prepared to make an impact on the world stage. You’ll be well-equipped for a career directly related to cultural studies in fields such as translation, international development, or diplomacy—or you can use the major as a strong foundation that will enable you to pursue another passion like business, law, or education on a global scale.
You’ll refine your career goals with help from faculty mentors, alumni networks, and real-world experiences like global travel and internships. Recent student placements include:
The Career Center will help you explore career options, plan your path, and land your dream internship or job. You’ll find practical help, like how to write an effective résumé or LinkedIn profile, along with valuable connections to leading employers and successful alumni. Our industry-specific Career Community also provides events and information tailored just for our students.
Here's a sampling of recent graduates’ current job titles and employers.
Professor & Department Chair of History, Language & Global Culture
Email [email protected]
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