Learn about global studies with online courses and programs

Global studies course curriculum

There are many benefits to understanding global events and world history. If you want to gain a comprehensive education, start with the basics of international relations, its major theories, and key international actors. It’s also important to know key historic events, as well as the physical and cultural features of global regions.

You can build on your foundation by learning about the interactions between global economic systems, the impact of global culture on individual and international relations, and the examination of human rights issues. If you’d like, you can further specialize in related topics, such as focusing on global security, international organizations, or a specific region or country’s current affairs.

Pursuing global studies can supplement your knowledge of international trade and diplomacy. edX offers a variety of educational opportunities for learners interested in studying these topics, as well as a host of other disciplines. A boot camp can provide flexible hands-on learning for those who want to upskill quickly, while executive education courses are designed for busy professionals. You can also pursue a more comprehensive curriculum in a bachelor’s degree program or, for more advanced learners, a master’s degree program. Find the right learning path for you.

Explore jobs in global studies

After completing your global studies education, you may be curious about the jobs that align with your new skills. Depending on your expertise and career goals, you can pursue roles such as:

• International relations specialist: Analyzes global events and political developments, conducts research on international issues, and assists in the development of foreign policy recommendations.¹

• Global marketing manager: Creates and executes global marketing campaigns, identifies target markets, manages advertising and promotions, and ensures brand consistency across different cultures and regions.²

• Diplomat: Conducts diplomatic negotiations, promotes economic and political relations, provides consular services to citizens, reports on local developments, and participates in international organizations.³

• University professor: Teaches courses in their field of expertise, conducts research, publishes scholarly articles, mentors students, and contributes to the development of academic programs.⁴

• Humanitarian coordinator: Coordinates the delivery of aid, manages logistics, assesses the needs of affected populations, and works with local partners and organizations to provide assistance to those in need.⁵

Each of these roles will have different education and skills requirements. For example, some employers may seek candidates with a degree in marketing or education, depending on the role. Before deciding on a specific learning path, research the positions you hope to pursue and align your coursework with your career goals.