Global Studies

Interested in learning about the world’s social, economic, political, cultural, and natural systems and their growing interdependence? Global studies will not only enable students to think globally, but prepare them to live, work, and participate in an increasingly globalized world.

View Transfer Options, Degrees & Certificates

Global Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to enhance student knowledge and understanding of global processes and their implications for societies, markets, governments, cultures, and environments around the world. The program introduces students to the study of global issues and perspectives while providing the methodological tools and techniques necessary to analyze them at local, national and international levels. The program is designed to encourage students to think beyond local perspectives and promote global awareness. Students will learn how to relate their knowledge of a particular part of the world to the larger trends and issues that affect the international community as a whole.

Program Length

Four semesters.

Transfer Options

The program prepares students to transfer to a California State University, University of California or other private university to pursue a bachelor degree in global studies, international relation or international studies.

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

Sample Academic Plans

Fast Track Career Path

AA CSU Transfer UC Transfer

This is only a sample academic plan. Some UC majors may have additional required or recommended courses for transfer. Please see a counselor and check ASSIST.org to create a customized academic plan that will best meet your specific educational goals.

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CAL-GETC AREA/MAJOR	Units
ENGL C1000 (WR 1)	Academic Reading and Writing	1A	4
MATH 3A*	Analytic Geometry and Calculus I	2 & Major	5
GLBL 1	Introduction to Global Studies (Fall Only)	4 & Major	3
PS 21	Model United Nations (Recommended extra-curricular, can only be taken once for credit but can be repeated with credit)		3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CAL-GETC AREA/MAJOR	Units
ENGL C1001 (WR 2)	Critical Thinking and Writing	1B	4
GLBL 2	Introduction to Global Issues (Spring Only)	4 & Major	3
FOREIGN LANGUAGE	Foreign Language Course - 1st Semester	3B	5
ARTS	Arts GE Course	3A	3

Summer

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CAL-GETC AREA/MAJOR	Units
FOREIGN LANGUAGE	Foreign Language Course - 2nd Semester	3B	5
COMM C1000 (COMM 1)	Communication Fundalmentals	1C	3

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CAL-GETC AREA/MAJOR	Units
PS 12 or PS 14	Comparative Politics or International Relations	4	3
PS 5, 17 or 41	PS Course in Middle East, Latin American, or East Asia	3B or 4	3
BIO SCIENCE	Biological Science Course	5B	3
BIO SCIENCE LAB	Biological Science Lab Course	5C	1
FOREIGN LANGUAGE	Foreign Language Course - 3nd Semester	3B	5

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CAL-GETC AREA/MAJOR	Units
PS 12 or PS 14	Comparative Politics or International Relations	4	3
ECON 13	Global Economics (Spring Only)	4	3
FOREIGN LANGUAGE	Foreign Language Course - 4th Semester	3B	5
PHYSICAL SCIENCE	Physical Science GE Course	5A	3

This sample academic plan assumes that student is eligible for Math 3A in the first semester.

This is only a sample academic plan. Some CSU majors may have additional required or recommended courses for transfer. Please see a counselor, check ASSIST.org, and check IVC's catalog to create a customized education plan that will best meet your specific educational goals.

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CAL-GETC AREA/MAJOR	Units
ENGL C1000 (WR 1)	Academic Reading and Writing	A2	4
STAT C1000 (MATH 10) or PSYC 10*	Introduction to Statistics or Statistical Methods	2 & Major	3
GLBL 1	Introduction to Global Studies (Fall Only)	4 & Major	3
TRANSFER ELECTIVE	CSU Transferable Elective		3
PS 21	Model United Nations (Recommended extra-curricular elecive course)		3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CAL-GETC AREA/MAJOR	Units
COMM C1000 (COMM 1)	Introduction to Public Speaking	1C	3
ENGL C1001 (WR 2)	Critical Thinking and Writing	1B	3-4
GLBL 2	Introduction to Global Issues (Spring Only)	4 & Major	3
PS 14	International Relations	4 & Major	3
ECON 1	Principles of Economics - Macro	Major	3

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CAL-GETC AREA/MAJOR	Units
PS 12	Comparative Politics	D & Major	3
ECON 1	Principles of Economics	Major	3
HIST 20 or HIST 21	American History Course	3B	3
PHYSICAL SCIENCE	Physical Science GE Course	5A	3
SCIENCE LAB	Physical Science Lab	5C	1
ARTS	Arts GE Course	3A	3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	CAL-GETC AREA/MAJOR	Units
GLBL MAJOR	Global Studies AA-T Major Course from List A: Area 1, 2 or 5	Major	3
POLS C1000 (PS 1)	American Government	4	3
HUM 1	Introduction to Humanities	3B	3
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE	Biological Science GE Coursece GE Course	5B	3
GEOG 3	World Regional Geography	4	3

Students can take STAT C1000 (MATH 10), PSYC 10 or any other math course that meets the CSU math transfer requirement.in CSU GE Area B4; however, STAT C1000 (MATH 10)or PSYC 10 is recommended.

IVC and CSU students who maintained continuous enrollment before Fall 2025 may continue following the CSU GE or IGETC GE pattern or choose to complete Cal-GETC, though it is not required. However, new students starting in Fall 2025, as well as students from UC, in-state private institutions, or out-of-state institutions, must complete Cal-GETC. To see the list of approved courses by catalog year for CSU GE, IGETC, and Cal-GETC, visit www.assist.org.

This is only a sample academic plan. Please see a counselor and check IVC's catalog to create a customized academic plan that will best meet your specific educational goals.

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	Units
ENGL C1000 (WR 1)	Academic Reading and Writing	1A	4
STAT C1000 (MATH 10) or PSYCH 10*	STAT C1000 (MATH 10)or Statistical Methods	2	3
GLBL 1	Introduction to Global Studies (Fall Only)	4 & Major	3
PS 21	Model United Nations	Major	3
LIFELONG HEALTH**	Lifelong Health and Personal Development GE Course	8 A/B/C	2-3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	Units
Critical Thinking	Critical Thinking GE Course	1C	3-4
COMM C1000 (COMM 1)	Introduction to Public Speaking	1B	3
GLBL 2	Introduction to Global Issues (Spring Only)	5 & Major	3
PS 14	International Relations	4 & Major	3
ARTS/LANGUAGES	Arts and Languages GE Course	3A	3

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	Units
ANTH 2 or GEOG 3	Cultural Anthropology or World Regional Geography	4 & Major	3
ECON 2	Principles of Economics	4 & Major	3
AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS	American Institutions GE Course	8	3
NATURAL SCIENCES	Natural Sciences GE Course	5	3
LIFELONG HEALTH**	Lifelong Health and Personal Development GE Course	8 A/B/C	1-3

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AA GE Area/Major	Units
PS 12	Comparative Politics	4 & Major	3
ECON 13	Global Economics	4 & Major	3
HUMANITIES	Humanities GE Course	3B	3
ETHNIC STUDIES	Ethnic Studies GE Course	6	3
ELECTIVE	Degree Applicable Elective		3

Students can take Math 10, PSYC 10 or any other math course that meets the AA GE Area 2 requirement; however, Math 10 or Psyc 10 is recommended.
Take one course from two different categories among GE areas 9A, 9B, and 9C. Please refer to the AA GE pattern for details.

*Students may be eligible for one or more AA/AS/AA-T/AS-T degrees if they complete a GE transfer pattern, have specific courses, and have 60 transferable units. Please see a counselor for degree options and advisement.

Explore Careers

Legislators

Median Salary

$51,924

Job Growth

+8%

Education

View Career

Develop, introduce, or enact laws and statutes at the local, tribal, state, or federal level. Includes only workers in elected positions.

New workers start around $36,182. Normal pay is $51,924 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $134,490.

Education

Core Tasks

Analyze and understand the local and national implications of proposed legislation.
Appoint nominees to leadership posts, or approve such appointments.
Confer with colleagues to formulate positions and strategies pertaining to pending issues.
Debate the merits of proposals and bill amendments during floor sessions, following the appropriate rules of procedure.
Develop expertise in subject matters related to committee assignments.
Hear testimony from constituents, representatives of interest groups, board and commission members, and others with an interest in bills or issues under consideration.
Keep abreast of the issues affecting constituents by making personal visits and phone calls, reading local newspapers, and viewing or listening to local broadcasts.
Maintain knowledge of relevant national and international current events.
Make decisions that balance the perspectives of private citizens, public officials, and party leaders.
Negotiate with colleagues or members of other political parties in order to reconcile differing interests, and to create policies and agreements.
Prepare drafts of amendments, government policies, laws, rules, regulations, budgets, programs and procedures.
Read and review concerns of constituents or the general public and determine if governmental action is necessary.
Represent their parties in negotiations with political executives or members of other parties, and when speaking with the media.
Review bills in committee, and make recommendations about their future.
Seek federal funding for local projects and programs.
Serve on commissions, investigative panels, study groups, and committees in order to examine specialized areas and recommend action.
Vote on motions, amendments, and decisions on whether or not to report a bill out from committee to the assembly floor.
Write, prepare, and deliver statements for the Congressional Record.
Alert constituents of government actions and programs by way of newsletters, personal appearances at town meetings, phone calls, and individual meetings.
Attend receptions, dinners, and conferences to meet people, exchange views and information, and develop working relationships.
Conduct "head counts" to help predict the outcome of upcoming votes.
Determine campaign strategies for media advertising, positions on issues, and public appearances.
Encourage and support party candidates for political office.
Establish personal offices in local districts or states, and manage office staff.
Evaluate the structure, efficiency, activities, and performance of government agencies.
Organize and maintain campaign organizations and fundraisers, in order to raise money for election or re-election.
Oversee expense allowances, ensuring that accounts are balanced at the end of each fiscal year.
Promote the industries and products of their electoral districts.
Represent their government at local, national, and international meetings and conferences.
Speak to students to encourage and support the development of future political leaders.

Median Salary

$51,924

Job Growth

+8%

Supply Chain Managers

Median Salary

$96,164

Job Growth

-6%

Education

Associate's Degree
5%

Bachelor's Degree
76%

Master's Degree
19%

View Career

Direct or coordinate production, purchasing, warehousing, distribution, or financial forecasting services or activities to limit costs and improve accuracy, customer service, or safety. Examine existing procedures or opportunities for streamlining activities to meet product distribution needs. Direct the movement, storage, or processing of inventory.

New workers start around $55,301. Normal pay is $96,164 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $168,904.

Education

Associate's Degree
5%

Bachelor's Degree
76%

Master's Degree
19%

Core Tasks

Determine appropriate equipment and staffing levels to load, unload, move, or store materials.
Manage activities related to strategic or tactical purchasing, material requirements planning, controlling inventory, warehousing, or receiving.
Select transportation routes to maximize economy by combining shipments or consolidating warehousing and distribution.
Define performance metrics for measurement, comparison, or evaluation of supply chain factors, such as product cost or quality.
Develop procedures for coordination of supply chain management with other functional areas, such as sales, marketing, finance, production, or quality assurance.
Implement new or improved supply chain processes to improve efficiency or performance.
Confer with supply chain planners to forecast demand or create supply plans that ensure availability of materials or products.
Analyze inventories to determine how to increase inventory turns, reduce waste, or optimize customer service.
Negotiate prices and terms with suppliers, vendors, or freight forwarders.
Analyze information about supplier performance or procurement program success.
Meet with suppliers to discuss performance metrics, to provide performance feedback, or to discuss production forecasts or changes.
Design or implement supply chains that support business strategies adapted to changing market conditions, new business opportunities, or cost reduction strategies.
Monitor suppliers' activities to assess performance in meeting quality or delivery requirements.
Monitor forecasts and quotas to identify changes and predict effects on supply chain activities.
Participate in the coordination of engineering changes, product line extensions, or new product launches to ensure orderly and timely transitions in material or production flow.
Design or implement plant warehousing strategies for production materials or finished products.
Design, implement, or oversee product take back or reverse logistics programs to ensure products are recycled, reused, or responsibly disposed.
Identify or qualify new suppliers in collaboration with other departments, such as procurement, engineering, or quality assurance.
Develop or implement procedures or systems to evaluate or select suppliers.
Document physical supply chain processes, such as workflows, cycle times, position responsibilities, or system flows.
Diagram supply chain models to help facilitate discussions with customers.
Evaluate and select information or other technology solutions to improve tracking and reporting of materials or products distribution, storage, or inventory.
Identify opportunities to reuse or recycle materials to minimize consumption of new materials, minimize waste, or to convert wastes to by-products.
Design or implement supply chains that support environmental policies.
Review or update supply chain practices in accordance with new or changing environmental policies, standards, regulations, or laws.

Median Salary

$96,164

Job Growth

-6%

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Median Salary

$65,779

Job Growth

+12%

Education

Bachelor's Degree
61%

Master's Degree
39%

View Career

Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.

New workers start around $36,495. Normal pay is $65,779 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $136,412.

Education

Bachelor's Degree
61%

Master's Degree
39%

Core Tasks

Prepare reports of findings, illustrating data graphically and translating complex findings into written text.
Collect and analyze data on customer demographics, preferences, needs, and buying habits to identify potential markets and factors affecting product demand.
Conduct research on consumer opinions and marketing strategies, collaborating with marketing professionals, statisticians, pollsters, and other professionals.
Measure and assess customer and employee satisfaction.
Devise and evaluate methods and procedures for collecting data, such as surveys, opinion polls, or questionnaires, or arrange to obtain existing data.
Measure the effectiveness of marketing, advertising, and communications programs and strategies.
Forecast and track marketing and sales trends, analyzing collected data.
Seek and provide information to help companies determine their position in the marketplace.
Gather data on competitors and analyze their prices, sales, and method of marketing and distribution.
Monitor industry statistics and follow trends in trade literature.
Attend staff conferences to provide management with information and proposals concerning the promotion, distribution, design, and pricing of company products or services.
Direct trained survey interviewers.
Develop and implement procedures for identifying advertising needs.

Median Salary

$65,779

Job Growth

+12%

Economists

Median Salary

$129,078

Job Growth

+12%

Education

Master's Degree
35%

Doctoral or More
65%

View Career

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

New workers start around $53,885. Normal pay is $129,078 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $219,620.

Education

Master's Degree
35%

Doctoral or More
65%

Core Tasks

Study economic and statistical data in area of specialization, such as finance, labor, or agriculture.
Conduct research on economic issues, and disseminate research findings through technical reports or scientific articles in journals.
Compile, analyze, and report data to explain economic phenomena and forecast market trends, applying mathematical models and statistical techniques.
Supervise research projects and students' study projects.
Teach theories, principles, and methods of economics.
Study the socioeconomic impacts of new public policies, such as proposed legislation, taxes, services, and regulations.
Formulate recommendations, policies, or plans to solve economic problems or to interpret markets.
Explain economic impact of policies to the public.
Provide advice and consultation on economic relationships to businesses, public and private agencies, and other employers.
Forecast production and consumption of renewable resources and supply, consumption, and depletion of non-renewable resources.
Develop economic guidelines and standards, and prepare points of view used in forecasting trends and formulating economic policy.

Median Salary

$129,078

Job Growth

+12%

Sociologists

Median Salary

$131,834

Job Growth

-15%

Education

Master's Degree
23%

Doctoral or More
77%

View Career

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

New workers start around $59,433. Normal pay is $131,834 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $214,267.

Education

Master's Degree
23%

Doctoral or More
77%

Core Tasks

Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
Teach sociology.
Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
Present research findings at professional meetings.
Develop approaches to the solution of groups' problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.
Direct work of statistical clerks, statisticians, and others who compile and evaluate research data.
Observe group interactions and role affiliations to collect data, identify problems, evaluate progress, and determine the need for additional change.
Consult with and advise individuals such as administrators, social workers, and legislators regarding social issues and policies, as well as the implications of research findings.
Develop problem intervention procedures, using techniques such as interviews, consultations, role playing, and participant observation of group interactions.
Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.

Median Salary

$131,834

Job Growth

-15%

Historians

Median Salary

$61,018

Job Growth

-372%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
18%

Certificate
15%

Some College
18%

Bachelor's Degree
20%

Master's Degree
28%

View Career

Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

New workers start around $31,154. Normal pay is $61,018 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $147,086.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
18%

Certificate
15%

Some College
18%

Bachelor's Degree
20%

Master's Degree
28%

Core Tasks

Conserve and preserve manuscripts, records, and other artifacts.
Gather historical data from sources such as archives, court records, diaries, news files, and photographs, as well as from books, pamphlets, and periodicals.
Conduct historical research as a basis for the identification, conservation, and reconstruction of historic places and materials.
Research and prepare manuscripts in support of public programming and the development of exhibits at historic sites, museums, libraries, and archives.
Organize data, and analyze and interpret its authenticity and relative significance.
Present historical accounts in terms of individuals or social, ethnic, political, economic, or geographic groupings.
Conduct historical research, and publish or present findings and theories.
Research the history of a particular country or region, or of a specific time period.
Determine which topics to research, or pursue research topics specified by clients or employers.
Recommend actions related to historical art, such as which items to add to a collection or which items to display in an exhibit.
Speak to various groups, organizations, and clubs to promote the aims and activities of historical societies.
Trace historical development in a particular field, such as social, cultural, political, or diplomatic history.
Prepare publications and exhibits, or review those prepared by others, to ensure their historical accuracy.
Advise or consult with individuals and institutions regarding issues such as the historical authenticity of materials or the customs of a specific historical period.
Organize information for publication and for other means of dissemination, such as via storage media or the Internet.
Interview people to gather information about historical events and to record oral histories.
Collect detailed information on individuals for use in biographies.

Median Salary

$61,018

Job Growth

-372%

Not sure if Global Studies is the right fit?

Exploratory Interest Area

Explore Global Studies while still working toward your academic goals.

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Speak to one of IVC’s Academic Counselors to learn more about all of your options.

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Why choose IVC?

Affordable

Quality education should not put you in the red. The cost of attending Irvine Valley College is very low compared to the private, UC, and CSU systems.

Career Preparation

With Fast Track Career Paths, at IVC, we give you the tools to quickly enter the workforce and start making money.

#1 Transfer Rate

Looking to transfer to a four-year university? With the #1 Transfer Rate in California, IVC is the best place to start!

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Finish Your Path at IVC

Global Studies

Program Length

Transfer Options

Political Science Department Contact

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

Global Studies

UC Transfer: Global Studies, Major*

CSU Transfer: Global Studies, AA-T*

Global Studies, AA

Explore Careers

Legislators

Supply Chain Managers

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Economists

Sociologists

Historians

Not sure if Global Studies is the right fit?

Affordable

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#1 Transfer Rate

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Find Your Path

Opportunities

Communities

About IVC

Become an IVC Student

Admission Support

Plan Your Classes

Get Ready for College

Guide to Paying for College

Financial Support

Costs & Payments

Supporting You

Counseling & Support Programs

Academic Help

Safety & Wellness

Welcome Lasers

Get Involved

Your Community

Campus

Finish Your Path at IVC

Transfer

Earn Your Degree or Certificate

Transcripts & Records

Global Studies

Program Length

Transfer Options

Political Science Department Contact

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

Global Studies

UC Transfer: Global Studies, Major*

CSU Transfer: Global Studies, AA-T*

Global Studies, AA

Explore Careers

Legislators

Supply Chain Managers

Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists

Economists

Sociologists

Historians

Not sure if Global Studies is the right fit?

Affordable

Career Preparation

#1 Transfer Rate

Questions?

Need help now?

Ready to get started?

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