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Social Sciences

Global Studies

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Students currently enrolled in the undergraduate global studies major can complete degrees in their major. However, as of Fall 2023 we are no longer accepting students into this program.

Become a more engaged citizen of the world.

As a global studies major, you can focus on topics that span political science, economics, sociology, geography, and anthropology. Investigate global issues and current challenges. Use your studies to understand pressing social justice and human rights issues. With our reimagined general education curriculum, you'll learn about 21st-century issues facing humankind.

You'll grow into a career that will blaze a trail and transform the lives of your community and your world. As you forge a path as a social worker, journalist, museum educator, or activist, you'll gain a reputation as an innovator and creative thinker.

Immerse yourself in theories of social and economic change that influence individuals, societies, and institutions. Become an advocate for fair and sustainable policies that affect the environment now and in the future. By conducting research into issues you’re passionate about, you’ll develop a greater understanding of global problems and come up with potential solutions.

Your two internships in varied settings throughout Great Boston or abroad, including government, advocacy organizations, and non-governmental organizations, will put you to work addressing issues ranging from climate change to human rights to refugee crises. You'll make connections in places like the Massachusetts State House, National Organization for Women, UN Association of Greater Boston, Lahey Health, Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, Senator Elizabeth Warren’s Office, and many more. In this way, you can shape your career interests and develop the professional skills vital to work in the global domain.

Undergraduate Program Inquiry Form

Program Structure

Full-time or part-time on-campus program

120 Credits
Thinking about transferring here?

Log in to Transferology, add the courses you've taken, and see how they'll transfer to Lesley University.

“I broadened and deepened my understanding of the forces of globalization, particularly as they impact changing social relationships.”
Brian Diah ’14, Sociology & Global Studies
Craft Creative Combinations
As a Global Studies major, you can pursue a second major or one of our 45+ minors—in art & design or a liberal arts subject—to expand your career opportunities.

Forge your own path with a creative combination:
Gain Skills and Expertise
Here’s a taste of what you’ll do in our global studies program:
Sarah Groh walks beside Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley

Sarah Groh '11

At Lesley, Global Studies and Human Services double major Sarah Groh found opportunities to make an impact, from internships that bridged the space between politics, government, and the non-profit world to grassroots organizing and political protests. Now, she's the Chief of Staff for U.S. Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley.

students interacting in classroom

Small College, Big University

Within the dynamic environment of a larger university, you'll receive the personalized education of a small liberal arts college of 1,300 students. You'll learn from our highly specialized faculty who are passionate experts in the social sciences and beyond—from child homelessness to social work, human services, political science, and more.

Careers
Jobs You Could Have
Job opportunities for global studies majors are projected to increase by over seven percent in the next ten years in a wide range of industries, including:
Careers
Where You Could Work
Graduates of global studies programs pursue a wide range of careers across a variety of industries. Top employers of graduates include:
doble campus during the fall

Cambridge is our campus. Boston is our neighbor.

Whether you're pursuing social work, political science, or another major in the social sciences, you'll take classes on our three beautiful Cambridge campuses. You'll discover the Cambridge and Boston area—a dynamic hub of professional opportunity, service work, culture, and fun few other cities can match. And, you'll build your résumé and make connections through internships as you take advantage of the rich resources in Massachusetts, home to 20,000+ nonprofits.

Faculty

Approximate cost, before financial aid, for one year of study in this undergraduate program.
Global Studies
Housing Options
Compare the cost of the program for students who live on campus in a residence hall with the cost for commuter students.
  • Tuition
    Fall Tuition
    $15,945
    Spring Tuition
    $15,945
  • Fees
    New Student Orientation Fee
    $200
    Fall Comprehensive Fee
    $445
    Spring Comprehensive Fee
    $445
  • Room & Board
    Fall Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Spring Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Fall Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Spring Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Fall Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Spring Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Housing Deposit (one-time fee)
    $300
  • Total cost before financial aid
Estimated Cost

Merit Scholarships & Financial Aid

It’s our goal at Lesley to break down financial barriers so that students who want to learn here, can learn here. That’s why we offer generous, customized aid packages for students based on their individual needs. In fact, more than 98% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Tuition & Fees

Other fees may apply. Review all undergraduate tuition and fees, and what they cover.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

Housing Options
Compare the cost of the program for students who live on campus in a residence hall with the cost for commuter students.
  • Tuition
    Fall Tuition
    $15,945
    Spring Tuition
    $15,945
  • Fees
    Software Fee
    $200
    Fall Comprehensive Fee
    $445
    Spring Comprehensive Fee
    $445
  • Room & Board
    Fall Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Spring Health and Wellness Fee
    $445
    Fall Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Spring Room (double, triple, or quad room)
    $5,740
    Fall Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Spring Meal Plan
    $3,790
    Housing Deposit (one-time fee)
    $300
  • Total cost before financial aid
Estimated Cost

Merit Scholarships & Financial Aid

It’s our goal at Lesley to break down financial barriers so that students who want to learn here, can learn here. That’s why we offer generous, customized aid packages for students based on their individual needs. In fact, more than 98% of our full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Learn more about Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Tuition & Fees

Other fees may apply. Review all undergraduate tuition and fees, and what they cover.

Tuition and fees are subject to change each year, effective June 1.

Apply Now

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.

Approximate cost, before financial aid, for one year of study in this undergraduate program. Tuition and fees are for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Use our step-by-step guide to apply for federal, state, and university funding. Scholarships, grants, Work-Study, and loans. It’s all right here.

Next steps to apply

Ready to get started? We're here to make the application process as smooth as possible. Just answer a few quick questions, and get your customized application guide.