Global Affairs Major
Requirements
The Global Affairs major is intended to appeal to students who want to better understand and eventually impact the world around them.
The Global Affairs major offers two tracks: international development and international security. Courses from Global Affairs and other undergraduate programs will be designated as qualifying as electives in either track. Majors must select one of the two tracks as their focus, but all are required to take the core course for each track.
The international development track focuses on economic development in the so-called less developed countries and encompasses the field of global health as it relates to public health issues in these countries. The international security track concentrates on issues around international relations, security, and diplomacy.
Global Affairs majors are required to demonstrate proficiency in one language other than English by the time of graduation. This requirement is normally met by the successful completion (including "credit") of one course at the L5 level.
The capstone project is in the fall of the student's senior year.
The Jackson Institute has created the following tools to help current and prospective majors understand the requirements:
- Rubric of Requirements
- Recommended Plan of Study
- Approved Courses, Fall 2011
- Approved Courses, Spring 2012
Advice to Applicants
The Global Affairs major is by application in the sophomore year, with each entering class on the order of only 50 students. In the Spring 2011 term, the Jackson Institute admitted the first cohort of Global Affairs majors from the Yale College Class of 2013.
Current underclassmen should review the requirements of the major and select courses with an eye toward the economics courses and language proficiency. Students interested in the International Development track who have already completed introductory economics, may also consider intermediate microeconomics in their semesters' courses.
Current sophomores who have already identified the track which encompasses their specific interest in global affairs, may also want to consider a course relevant to that intended track.
How to Apply
Current sophomores apply via the Application link at left.
DUS Appointments
To schedule an appointment with the DUS, Professor Susan Hyde, please click here. Professor Hyde's office is located at 77 Prospect Street, C120.
During Shopping Period, DUS appointments are open only to students currently in the major.
