Mission Statement
Global Studies is a pan-University program comprised of six vibrant, diverse, and interwoven learning communities re-imagining undergraduate education in the 21st century. The innovative Bachelor of Arts curriculum prepares students to assess and navigate complex social, political, and economic systems and to engage with local communities, institutions, and places, in order to imagine flourishing futures for particularly and differently situated people in communities, locally and globally. Students critically examine and engage pressing global conditions while questioning the “global,” particularly in relation to knowledge production, power, and perspective. Interdisciplinary learning illuminates interconnected human and natural systems—from the local to the planetary.
The Global Studies Program works to support the struggles of politically and economically oppressed peoples in the US and around the world through pedagogy, programing, diversification of faculty, and engagement in the larger University and local communities. We condemn police brutality and support those who protest against, and work to overturn, racial and related forms of inequality. While statements are insufficient actions to meet the challenges of our times, they are necessary steps that we take as an organization in solidarity with movements to reform our world in more just terms.
Program Structure
The interdisciplinary Global Studies major is comprised of six tracks: Global Development Studies (GDS), Global Public Health (GPH), Global Environments + Sustainability (GSVS), Global Security and Justice (GSSJ), Global Studies - Middle East and South Asia (GSMS), and Global Commerce and Culture in Society (GCCS).
UVA students may apply to this competitive program only in their second year. Explore the track websites to learn more about the faculty and curriculum. When you are ready to apply, visit our admissions page for instructions. Please contact Director of Global Studies Prof. Phoebe Crisman or the Track Director of each track if you have questions.
Contact Us
Phoebe Crisman | Global Studies Program Director, Global Environments & Sustainability Track Director
David Edmunds | Global Development Studies Track Director
Katy Quissell | Global Public Health Track Director
Peter Furia | Global Security & Justice Track Director
Tessa Farmer | Global Studies Middle East & South Asia Track Director
Richard Handler | Global Commerce in Culture & Society Track Director
Caterina Eubanks | Finance and Administration Manager
Global Studies Core Faculty
To see all affiliated and appointed faculty, please visit the specific track pages.
