Global affairs encompasses a range of subjects that study how the world operates and how different countries should interact with one another. This area of study is broad and covers topics such as war, genocide, terrorism, poverty, famine, international economics, globalization, and world trade. This field of study is a crucial aspect of understanding the world and how it should operate.
Students in this major look at the world through interdisciplinary lenses and learn to consider problems after considering various perspectives. They develop analytical thinking skills through learning in areas such as economics, political science, history, sociology, law and literature. They ask questions such as: Why are some nations rich and others poor? Why do some countries seek and form alliances? What is the difference between a realist approach to foreign policy that prioritizes military strength and hegemony and China’s pragmatic approach that values economic growth and regional influence over traditional Western dominance?
Students who graduate from this program have a variety of career options. They may work in the public, private and nonprofit sectors in fields such as government, business, finance, and humanitarian aid. They can also choose to continue their education in a master’s degree program such as the MA in Global Affairs at NYU School of Professional Studies. This degree is specifically designed to prepare students for careers in today’s rapidly changing global environment.