Global affairs covers the ways countries, non-governmental organizations and businesses interact with one another on a global scale. It encompasses diplomacy, trade, security and human rights. Whether you’re interested in helping solve humanitarian challenges, shaping policy or launching a career in international business, studying global affairs gives you the knowledge and skills to make an impact on a world-wide level.
In a globalized world, the ability to understand and navigate complex issues like terrorism, refugee crises and global poverty requires multidisciplinary training that spans the disciplines of political science, history, economics, sociology, geography and the humanities. The programs offered by UC’s School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA) combine expertise in international relations with courses on history, culture, language and more to equip students to think flexibly across cultures and time periods.
The Department of Global Affairs (Canada) supports the Government of Canada’s interests and values in a rapidly changing global environment. This includes managing diplomatic relations, promoting international trade and providing consular support. It also leads international development, humanitarian and peace and security assistance efforts.
As a major in global affairs, you can customize your curriculum to align with your interests and career goals. Choose from a wide range of electives in the areas of human rights and humanitarianism, economic development and poverty, climate change, foreign policy and diplomacy, and global health. You can also complete an optional senior thesis in GLBL 4500 or fulfill the requirement with a capstone project in a substantive seminar of your choice.