Bachelor of Science in Global Studies - STEM Designated

The global studies program examines the way that politics, economics, culture, and social forces have come to transect, and sometimes blur, borders among nations and communities.

In our increasingly interconnected, global society, companies across all industries are looking for employees who have the critical and analytical problem-solving skills to address issues with a global perspective, a cross-cultural understanding, and an appreciation for diverse viewpoints. As a global studies major, you will critically evaluate the broad historical trends that have shaped our increasingly globalized social, economic, and political systems.

Whether you are interested in global governance, environmental sustainability, public health, or the study of particular world regions, this major will provide you with the flexibility to explore the issues that interest and motivate you the most as you prepare to make a difference in this world.

Program Overview

Globalization is increasingly impacting the politics, economics, and culture of nations worldwide. As a global studies major, you'll learn the history and problem-solving skills needed to address issues with a global perspective, cross-cultural understanding, and an appreciation for diversity.

The Bachelor of Science in Global Studies is an interdisciplinary degree that draws from coursework in the social sciences, humanities, and related fields. Global studies students examine the political, economic, cultural, and social forces that transect and sometimes blur the borders among nations and communities. The major provides students with the opportunity to understand and critically evaluate the broad trends that shape our increasingly globalized world and to focus on the issues that most interest and motivate them. The flexibility of the degree allows students to discover and pursue their own interests in areas such as global governance, environmental sustainability, public health, human migration, and the challenges facing particular regions of the world.

The B.S. in Global Studies provides students with a diverse toolkit containing the knowledge, concepts, and skills they will need to understand and meet the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world. Students are trained in several of the quantitative and qualitative methods of research and analysis valued by employers in a vast array of organizations, institutions, and businesses involved in global affairs. These may include geographic information systems, program evaluation and policy analysis, and intercultural communication. Global studies can also prepare students for pursuing advanced degrees in a variety of academic and professional fields.

Why Illinois Tech is one of the best value universities in the country

As an Illinois Tech student, you’ll automatically be considered for our university’s generous institutional scholarships. On average, this adds up to a savings of $107,472 on tuition and housing for every student during your four years at Illinois Tech ($134,340 for five years, based on fall 2021 figures).

We’re committed to dramatically reducing the cost of your degree, so you can focus on learning at one of the most dynamic and innovation-driven universities in the country.

Want some more great reasons?

• On top of our institutional scholarship, on average, Illinois Tech awards our students an additional $34,412 each in need-based tuition aid over four years ($43,015 for five years). (among FAFSA filers, fall 2021)
• We’re the #44 Best Value School in the nation (U.S. News & World Report)
• 98% of our students receive some form of financial aid
• The mean starting salary of our undergraduates is $63,938

Located in the great global city of Chicago, Illinois Tech is a top-tier, nationally ranked, private research university with programs in engineering, computer science, architecture, design, science, business, human sciences, and law. As Chicago’s only comprehensive tech-focused university, Illinois Tech offers a bachelor of science, master of science, professional master’s, and Ph.D. degrees, as well as certificates, in in-demand STEM fields and other areas of innovation. Options include in-person, hybrid, and online courses. Undergraduate students can take part in dual-degree and pre-med/pre-health programs, as well as Illinois Tech’s Accelerated Master’s Program, which allows them to receive both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as few as five years.

Illinois Tech is the only university to offer all students the Elevate program. Elevate guarantees that students participate in hands-on experiences—internships, research, competitions, study away, career-focused short courses, and more—that empower them with the twenty-first-century skills that employers seek. Elevate also ensures students receive personalized academic and career mentorship from a team of advisers and are uniquely career-ready upon graduation.

Illinois Tech is ranked #1 in Illinois among private colleges for return on investment (after aid, PayScale) and is the #44 ranked best value school in the United States (U.S. News & World Report). Illinois Tech graduates achieve a 92.8% employment rate within six months of graduation (2021 class). Its alumni include the inventor of the cell phone, the pioneer of barcode technology, and the head scientist for Amazon Alexa, among other leaders.

Students enjoy studying and living on a historic campus just minutes from downtown Chicago, which offers networking, internship, and career opportunities. Less than a mile from Lake Michigan’s stunning beaches, Illinois Tech’s campus has been acclaimed as “one of America’s most beautiful college campuses.” Illinois Tech students come from more than 106 countries and all 50 states.