Two students sitting on a rocky beach looking out at the sea in Iceland.

International & Global Studies

B.A. Degree with a major in International & Global Studies

Global Adventures Start Here

UMF’s International and Global Studies program lets you tailor your studies to your interests while exploring key world issues.

International and Global Studies helps you develop the skills to analyze global challenges, understand diverse perspectives, and communicate across cultures. You’ll examine the historical, political, social, and economic forces that shape our world while strengthening your research, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
Through coursework in areas such as global politics, international business, environmental issues, cultural studies, and world languages, you’ll learn to:

  • Evaluate global issues from multiple perspectives.
  • Understand relationships between nations, communities, and institutions.
  • Communicate effectively across cultures.
  • Connect local experiences to broader global trends.
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Group of Farmington students overlook Italy on study abroad trip.
Group of Farmington students overlook Italy on study abroad trip.

What You’ll Learn

UMF’s International and Global Studies program helps you understand the complex connections between cultures, governments, economies, and societies around the world. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, you’ll examine global issues from multiple perspectives while building the critical thinking, communication, and cultural awareness skills employers value.

You’ll customize your degree with courses in areas such as anthropology, business, economics, geography, history, languages, political science, and religion, with opportunities to study abroad and participate in faculty-led travel courses. By graduation, you’ll be prepared to:

  • Analyze global political, economic, and cultural issues.
  • Communicate across cultures and appreciate diverse perspectives.
  • Understand the forces shaping today’s interconnected world.
  • Apply your knowledge to careers with an international focus.

 

Explore Global Education See Courses and Requirements

Oh the Places You’ll Go!

UMF student poses in front of the Tower of Pisa

Beyond the Classroom

Gain real-world experience through faculty-led travel courses, study abroad opportunities, and global experiences close to home. Short-term travel courses during Winter Term and May Term allow students to explore new cultures while earning credit. Recent destinations include Costa Rica, Peru, Italy, France, Japan, Tanzania, and more.

Students also participate in Global Explorations, cultural events, and campus programs that bring the world to UMF, including Latin America Fiesta, Chinese Lunar New Year, international film festivals, and global conferences.

Farmington students who are eligible can also join the honor society for international studies, Sigma Iota Rho , an organization that promotes and rewards scholarship and service among students and practitioners of international studies, international affairs, and global studies.

Careers

Graduates have pursued opportunities in government, education, business, nonprofit organizations, and international affairs. with roles such as:

  • Immigration Paralegal, City of New York
  • International Student Advisor, Rutgers University
  • Account Operations Analyst, Wayfair LLC
  • Non-Governmental Organization positions in West Africa
  • English Teacher in France, China, and other countries
  • Peace Corps Volunteer
  • Imagery Analyst, National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
  • Environmental Analyst, U.S. Department of Defense

Graduates have also continued their education through programs such as a Master’s in Global Affairs at Rutgers University.

Why Choose UMF?

An affordable, personalized education that helps you find your path and achieve your goals.

Small Classes, Big Opportunities

Learn in a close-knit community where small classes and personalized mentorship help you grow academically, personally, and professionally.
Student Success

Affordability & Quality

Earn a high-quality liberal arts education at one of the most affordable public universities in the Northeast.
Costs & Financial Aid

Career Readiness

Graduate ready for what’s next through internships, field experiences, mentorship, and hands-on learning that connect classroom knowledge with real-world experience.
Career Success
UMF student stands in front of mountain landscape.

Expand Your Skills with a Minor or Certificate

An International and Global Studies minor allows students from any major to explore global cultures, international politics, economics, and the complex issues shaping our interconnected world while developing valuable research, analytical, communication, and cross-cultural skills.

Students majoring in International and Global Studies can also pair their degree with complementary minor options such as Political Science, Anthropology, Geography, Latin American and Caribbean Studies.

Explore Minor Programs

Learn from Faculty Across the Social Sciences

At UMF, you’ll learn from experienced faculty across a variety of disciplines, including history, geography, political science, economics, business, languages, and the social sciences. This interdisciplinary approach gives you a deeper understanding of global cultures, international issues, and the interconnected world we live in.
Questions? Ask a Professor!
Linda Beck
Linda Beck

Professor of Political Science

About Linda
Nicole Coffey Kellett
Nicole Coffey Kellett

Professor of Anthropology

About Nicole
James Melcher
James Melcher

Professor of Political Science

About James
Michael Schoeppner
Michael Schoeppner

Associate Professor of History,

About Michael
Matthew McCourt
Matthew McCourt

Associate Professor of Geography

About Matthew
Scott Erb
Scott Erb

Professor of Political Science

About Scott
Brad Dearden
Brad Dearden

Associate Professor of Geography and Environmental Planning

About Brad
Anne Marie Wolf
Anne Marie Wolf

Professor of History

About Anne

Contact Us to Get Started!

Office of Admissions
246 Main Street
Farmington, Maine USA 04938
umfadmit@maine.edu
207.778.7050
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