What Can You Do With a Global Cultural Studies Degree?

What is a Global Cultural Studies Degree?

Global cultural studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores literature, television, film, and other forms of communication. Students can expect to learn about cultural values, symbols, practices, and structures of social groups. By analyzing popular culture, language, societal norms, and everyday life across the globe, students develop a cross-cultural understanding of the world.

At Willamette, students study mass media, health practices, literature, art, language, and power structures. Our Bachelor of Arts in Global Cultural Studies incorporates courses in Anthropology, Art History, Asian Studies, Civic Communication and Media, Chinese, French, German, History, Japanese Studies, Russian, Spanish, and Theatre. The major helps students understand how culture shapes everyday life, public debate, institutions, and relationships across the globe.

A student discussing a musical instrument with another person in a red and gold outfit

Which Skills Will You Develop?

Within a global cultural studies program, students learn to develop skills that translate across cultures, languages, and media. Students build skills in analysis, research, and communication through a global perspective. Expect to develop skills such as:

Cross-Cultural Communication: Learn to communicate across cultures, languages, and perspectives.
Cultural Competency: Explore how culture, identity, values, and social norms shape individuals and societies.
Critical Analysis: Explore social, cultural, and global issues from multiple perspectives. Assess evidence, identify patterns, and draw thoughtful conclusions.
Research and Data Evaluation: Learn to gather, interpret, and evaluate information from a variety of sources.
Global Awareness: Gain a broader understanding of global challenges and opportunities.
Written and Verbal Communication: Communicate clearly and persuasively through writing, discussions, presentations, and research projects.
Ethical Reasoning: Examine issues such as migration, inequality, cultural representation, and social justice, considering ethical implications to make informed decisions.
Adaptability: Become a flexible thinker who can adapt to new environments, ideas, and challenges.

Global Cultural Studies Career Options

Curious about how you can use your skills in language, communication, and cultural analysis? Build skills in research, writing, critical thinking, and close reading that apply to many careers in an interconnected world. Consider career paths such as:

Education, Culture, and the Arts
Archivist

Community Education Coordinator

Librarian

Museum Curator or Educator

Teacher

Study Abroad Advisor
Communications, Media, and Marketing
Communications Specialist

Customer Research Analyst

PR and Marketing Specialist

Public Affairs Specialist

Social Media Manager

Content Strategist
Government, Nonprofit, and Community Engagement
Cultural Affairs Specialist

Cultural Resource Manager

Fundraiser

Nonprofit Researcher

Policy Analyst

Program Coordinator

Community Development Specialist

Legislative Compliance Officer
Healthcare, Human Services, and Global Services
Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare Program Coordinator

Health Policy Assistant

Social Worker

Patient Advocate

Community Health Worker

*Some roles may require additional certification, training, or education. Speak to an advisor to ensure you meet your job requirements.

Is Global Cultural Studies a Good Major?

A Global Cultural Studies major is a strong choice for students interested in people, language, culture, media, identity, communication, and global issues. It combines perspectives to help students understand how cultures shape societies and how people interact across differences. Students connect these skills to careers like education, nonprofit organizations, communications, public service, healthcare, law, business, and cultural institutions.

The major is a strong fit for students who want to work with diverse communities, international issues, cultural institutions, public agencies, or organizations shaped by cross-cultural communication. Students who choose Global Cultural Studies as a major should be prepared to build experience outside the classroom through internships, research, study abroad, language learning, campus leadership, or applied projects.

Is Global Cultural Studies Worth It?

The value of a Global Cultural Studies degree comes from its versatility. Rather than preparing students for a single profession, the major develops transferable skills that are useful across many industries. Employers increasingly seek graduates who can communicate across cultures, analyze data, and work well with diverse teams.

Global Cultural Studies is often most valuable when paired with another area of study or career interest, such as language studies, data science, public health, communications, education, policy and law, or museum and nonprofit work. This combination helps students connect cultural understanding with practical skills and career pathways.

Students playing mahjong in a community space

Willamette Student Outcomes and Opportunities

Willamette students and alumni have pursued a variety of opportunities through their bachelor's degrees. Whether you're interested in graduate studies or shaping culture and politics, learn how the Willamette community is making the most of their degree.

Employers
Bureau of Indian Affairs

Bureau of Land Management

Department of Health and Human Services

Ford Foundation

Kimley-Horn

Museum of Natural History

National Institutes of Health

National Park Service

Public Health Service

Smithsonian Institution

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

U.S. Department of State

U.S. Forest Service

World Health Organization
Internships
CASA of Marion County

City of Salem

Global Partners for Student Success

Hallie Ford Museum of Art

Multnomah County

Salem for Refugees

Shangri-La

Willamette Law Immigration Clinic

Willamette Valley Health Equity Coalition

Willamette Valley Wineries
Graduate School Destinations
Oregon Health and Science University

University of Central Arkansas

University of Michigan

Willamette University

Why Choose Willamette for Global Cultural Studies?

Take your studies abroad. Willamette has opportunities around the world for students to study how culture shapes communication, identity, media, politics, health, and everyday life. Immerse yourself in social and cultural norms in South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia. Students can also connect with peers in our identity-based, student-run clubs, such as:

Alianza
Asian Coalition for Equality
Associated Students of Willamette University
Black Student Union
German Club
Hawaii Club
Jewish Student Union
Model United Nations
Multiracial Collective
South Asian Student Union
Spanish Club

Study Abroad

Clubs

Find a network of professors, advisors, peers, and staff who are interested in your success. Through small class sizes, students will get to know professors on a personal level. Connect with professors who can offer career advice within the field. Our career advisors also offer a variety of resources, connecting students to relevant networking events and tailored workshops.

Faculty

Career Development Center

Willamette’s location across from the Oregon State Capitol gives students unusual access to public policy, civic life, and community-based learning. Students can also conduct research independently or alongside professors, present at national conferences, and publish in peer-reviewed journals. Recent research projects have included:

Shaping Prejudices: The Impact of the Language Used in Print Media on Perceptions of the U.S. - Mexico Border
Sewing the Seeds of Revolution: Quilting as a Tool for Political Activism
A Glimpse Into the Unknown: Exploring Tarot’s Psychological and Cross-Cultural Significance

Learning in Salem

Hands-On Learning

Explore race, gender, health, media, language, art, and power structures from an interdisciplinary lens. Take courses from a variety of academic fields that help you deepen your understanding of contemporary culture. Explore fields such as sociology, political science, and history.

Courses

All Majors

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What Can You Do With a Global Cultural Studies Degree?

What is a Global Cultural Studies Degree?

Which Skills Will You Develop?

Global Cultural Studies Career Options

Education, Culture, and the Arts

Communications, Media, and Marketing

Government, Nonprofit, and Community Engagement

Healthcare, Human Services, and Global Services

Is Global Cultural Studies a Good Major?

Is Global Cultural Studies Worth It?

Willamette Student Outcomes and Opportunities

Employers

Internships

Graduate School Destinations

Why Choose Willamette for Global Cultural Studies?

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Global Cultural Studies

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