Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies
Build cultural bridges in your personal, professional, and spiritual life.
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Expand Your Impact and Ministry in the World
The global studies program at North Central University prepares students to go out into the world equipped with the necessary skills to learn, lead, and serve in globally diverse communities throughout the world. Our active learning environment empowers you to gain spiritual knowledge and exposure to multiple cultures and languages, as well as worldviews. If you’re curious and empathetic toward the experiences of others, this program is a great opportunity for you to build relationships personally and professionally through the integration of theory and daily practice.
NCU is multicultural by intention, and we live with curiosity about the world around us, near and far. Our close-knit community in the heart of Minneapolis provides a multitude of opportunities to minister to the people around you and receive essential mentoring from professors and local community members who deeply care about NCU students as future servant leaders and individuals.
- On Campus or Online: Complete this 124-credit program on campus or online as part of our Christian community (it is not a hybrid program).
- Affordable Tuition: Explore generous financial aid options available to all residential traditional undergraduate students.
- Christ-Centered Curriculum: Define and refine your faith at NCU, where classes and student life are rooted in Scripture and nurtured in community.
Global studies is truly a family. The relationships I have gained push me to be better and continuously see life from a different perspective.”
Tirzah, ’22
Why Study Global Studies at NCU?
The global studies major allows students to not only better understand cultures, but to be challenged and become equipped and refined in their academic studies. A hunger for learning, both academically and spiritually, will allow individuals to grow, and experience active learning in what is taught inside and outside of the classroom.
The global studies degree program is designed with both professional and personal growth in mind. Our curriculum features experiential learning, with cross-cultural courses that introduce you to religion, global leadership, communication, and community building, as well as seven concentration tracks that let you focus your education and career preparation on a particular calling.
Students may choose to minor in Global Studies, paired with another major.
View the Academic Catalog for a full list of admission requirements and course listings.
Program Highlights
Serve the Community
Gain Real-World Experience
Learn From Mentors Who Care
Serve the Community
Plug in and serve with local and international organizations such as Urban Neighbors, Somali Adult Literacy Training (SALT), and Union Gospel Mission.
Gain Real-World Experience
Through experiential learning, build cross-cultural communication skills and experience in intercultural service settings and grow in leadership and mentorship.
Learn From Mentors Who Care
Receive career mentoring from faculty advisors who help you feel ready for a career after graduation.
Concentration Tracks
Biblical and Theological Studies
Choose from electives in biblical studies and theology to deepen your understanding of God’s divine nature and strengthen your biblical interpretation skills.
Children and Youth in Crisis
Build your knowledge to provide effective, caring interventions for children and youth experiencing crisis and injustice.
Humanitarian Leadership
Learn to lead with compassion and respond in humanitarian crisis situations with Christ-centered, evidence-based relief services.
Music
Perform and appreciate the cultural influences and historical contexts of music. This specialization also explores music as a form of ministry across cultures.
Psychology
Learn about human development and behavior, and how human cultures and communities influence our sense of self, our relationships, and behaviors.
Small Business Development
Gain the skills and experience to grow small businesses that build strong communities where you serve close to home and internationally.
TEFL Certificate
Prepare for Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate to expand your career and ministry opportunities internationally.
Specialized Studies Track
With prior approval, select 15 credits from one minor currently offered at NCU and present a specialized studies track in a one-page proposal for approval by the Dean and global studies faculty.
Career Outcomes
A Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies can prepare you for a wide range of career paths, because it is interdisciplinary in nature and has many transferable skills, such as interpersonal communication, leadership, and community building. Some positions you can prepare for include journalist, manager, educator, legal assistant, business consultant, missionary, educator, humanitarian relief worker, and more.1
Where Our Alumni Work and Intern*
- Worldwide internships – Uganda
Learn From Industry Experts
Seasoned, credentialed faculty share their expansive professional and servant leadership experience and a commitment to support students as you pursue your calling.
Explore Related Programs
Not sure how your calling translates into a degree? These programs may interest you:
B.S. in Humanitarian Leadership
B.A. in Pastoral Studies
B.A. in American Sign Language Interpreting
FAQs
Does the global studies program require an internship?
Yes, all students enrolled in the global studies degree program at NCU must complete an internship ahead of graduation. Internships in the Twin Cities provide hands-on training at a wide range of organizations, from small businesses and churches to national nonprofits and Fortune 500 corporations. Our experienced faculty can help guide you in finding and applying for internship opportunities.
Does the B.A. in Global Studies have a non-English language requirement?
This depends on your specialization track. Students who pursue the Biblical and Theological Studies track are required to complete 8 credit hours (over two semesters) of an ancient language, such as Arabic, Greek, or Hebrew. Although not required for this degree, NCU does offer classes in modern languages — including American Sign Language, Arabic, Mandarin, and Spanish — and you are welcome to take language courses as electives.
How does NCU integrate faith with global studies?
In every industry or career, Christians live our faith and model Christ’s love to everyone around us. That’s why at NCU, we integrate spiritual formation and biblically informed practices in every course, including global studies. All students take core classes in general education and Christian studies to ensure you have a strong foundation on which to build your major and career.
You’ll learn with Christian faculty who want to see you succeed as a responsible, ethical leader in today’s marketplace. They’ll encourage you to grow in your faith and build professional skills that mirror Jesus’s respect and kindness toward others as well as the excellence we’re called to pursue for God’s glory.
Citations
Sources: 1Bureau of Labor Statistics, Field of degree: Interdisciplinary studies, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/field-of-degree/interdisciplinary-studies/interdisciplinary-studies-field-of-degree.htm (viewed Nov. 25, 2025).