Global Studies Major
Salve Regina University’s global studies program explores the economic, political, social and environmental processes that shape the world, preparing students to solve complex problems in a global society that is constantly changing.
There is no lesson more valuable than pushing your limits to learn more about human nature and the globe you are a part of. I have taught and been taught by students in South Africa, walked across ancient paths of the Sahara and stood on top of ancient ruins. I have cried with strangers and shared life's purest moments with people who shared no common language. All of these memories I owe to the constant encouragement to be a social activist from my professors at Salve.
Tarah Waters ’12, mental health therapist, Mountain Thrive Counseling
Address the World’s Significant Challenges
Our program trains students in methods used to solve global challenges like socioeconomic inequity, violent conflict, environmental degradation and climate change. Students gain foreign language proficiency through international experiences. The program culminates in a capstone project in which you’ll propose solutions to a global problem within a local context.
Our global studies faculty are experts across a variety of disciplines, so you can learn to investigate a single topic from many perspectives.
What Sets Salve Apart
In keeping with our mercy mission, global studies students complete at least four courses to form a concentration related to one of the mercy critical concerns or another aspect of socioeconomic inequality.
Salve offers 200+ study abroad programs in 45 countries. All global studies majors participate in at least one semester of a study abroad or other international experience.
Develop Skills the World Needs
"I enjoyed participating in civic engagement courses that allowed me to apply critical thinking," said Nicole Moore ’19, a clinician with Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford. "In these courses, I was able to engage with the Newport community and begin to develop solutions to problems they had identified. These were unique opportunities to work directly with members of the community and to practice applying theories from class."
Immerse Yourself in the Issues That Drive You
In your capstone course, you'll develop a research-driven project that addresses a global issue at the local level. Through written analysis and public presentation, the projects propose a solution with a measurable impact.
Make the World Your Classroom
Global studies majors participate in at least one semester of a study abroad or other international experience. They demonstrate a level of proficiency in a language other than English and complete coursework in the native language of their destination during their study abroad experience.
Start Career Planning on Day One
The Salve Compass, a program that runs through all four years, connects college to career, ensuring every student has the skills and knowledge to succeed in the job market. With a focus on hands-on experiences, the program will empower you to explore, define and pursue your academic and professional goals.
Alumni Making Waves
Florencia Reiche Blanco '23
Program assistant, Somerville (MA) Office of Food Access and Healthy Communities
Florencia Reiche Blanco was Salve’s delegate to the United Nations' global climate change conference in 2022, the same year earning the University’s Earth Champion award for solidarity with special attention to vulnerable groups such as Indigenous communities. After graduating, she pursued a master’s degree in agriculture, food and environment at Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, which led her to work at the Permanent Mission of Costa Rica to the United Nations in New York City during the summer of 2024 as an advisor to the ambassador of Costa Rica. She's continued her role as a delegate to multiple UN conferences, such as the UN Food Systems Summit +2 in 2023 and the UN General Assembly 2024, strengthening her passion for participating in global initiatives. While finishing her master's, Reiche Blanco is assisting the city of Somerville in completing its food system assessment through analysis to understand the food economy and food security in the city.
Daniel Regan '17
Analyst, U.S. Department of Defense
As a double major in global studies and political science at Salve, Daniel Regan received a Boren Fellowship to study abroad in Jordan. He was a member of the Nuala Pell Leadership Program, Pell Honors Program and Pi Sigma Alpha. He went on to earn master’s degrees in international educational development from Columbia University and National Intelligence University. He was an analyst for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security prior to his current analyst role at the U.S. Department of Defense.
Blanca Guzman '18
Social worker, 2Life Communities
Blanca’s capstone research project at Salve explored Barcelona’s social and political commitment to become a haven for asylum seekers. After graduating, she earned a master's degree in social work from Boston College and today is the program coordinator, community engagement at 2Life Communities, which aims to drive positive change in the affordable senior housing ecosystem.
Career Paths in Global Studies
Our graduates are well prepared for careers in international business, international relations, social services, language services, education, communications, international public law, international trade and tourism.
Here are some of the roles our alumni have held:
- Analyst, U.S. Department of Defense
- Brazilian Portuguese interpreter, CyraCom
- Creative production manager, Bowen & Bowen
- Global program operations manager, Operation Smile
- International supply chain manager, Equal Exchange
- Mission advancement senior manager, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
- Partnerships and stakeholders advisor, Refugees Seat
- Ph.D. candidate in the history of architecture and urbanism, Harvard University
- Social worker, 2Life Communities
- Sustainable landscapes specialist, U.S. Department of State
- Victim advocate and immigration specialist, The Women’s Center
Degree Options
Bachelor of Arts in global studies
Global studies majors form a concentration related to one of the five mercy critical concerns (Earth, immigration, nonviolence, racism and women) or some other aspect of socioeconomic inequality. They also participate in at least one semester of study abroad or other international experience, selected with guidance from the Center for Global Education and Fellowships and program faculty. Majors must demonstrate an intermediate level of proficiency in a language other than English and are required to complete coursework in the native language of their destination during their study abroad experience.
Minor in global studies
Meet Our Global Studies Faculty
Overcoming the significant challenges facing the world today requires understanding multiple perspectives and integrating knowledge. To build these skills, our students draw on the expertise of faculty in a number of carefully selected fields.
Dr. Jameson Chace
- Professor
- Chair, Cultural, Environmental and Global Studies
Dr. Sally Gomaa
- Professor
Dr. Victoria Gonzalez
- Assistant professor
Dr. Nathaniel Kitchel
- Assistant professor
Jessica McCauley
- Adjunct professor
Todd Mele
- Adjunct professor
Dr. James G. Mitchell
- Professor
- Co-director of Core Curriculum
Dr. Laura O'Toole
- Adjunct professor
Dr. Chad Raymond
- Professor
- Associate graduate program director
Dr. Heather Rockwell
- Assistant professor
- Associate director, Pell Honors Program
Dr. Alin Rus
- Adjunct professor
Student Publications
Our students develop advanced analytical skills. Here are some highlights of their research publications on globally relevant issues, some downloaded thousands of times.
- Fighting Against Bullfighting: Tackling Spain's Bloody Tradition
- Barriers to Higher Education: Underrepresented Minorities' Access to UCI
- From Hide to Handbag: A Holistic Review of the Leather Industry and Its Environmental Impact
- Trash Talk: The Effects of Plastic Pollution on Seabirds in Narragansett Bay
- The Mexican Underworld: An Exposé in Human Trafficking
- iWaste: Analyzing Apple's Sustainable Technology Production
