Global Studies
Associate in Arts for Transfer Global Studies · San Jose City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Description
The Associate in Arts degree for Transfer (AA-T) in Global Studies meets the lower division course requirements necessary for the California State University (CSU) system. The Global Studies program includes courses focused on the subject-matter knowledge and competence needed to initiate study of Global Studies, Global Politics, International Relations, International Studies, or International Relations and Comparative Politics. Students majoring in Global Studies develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and written and verbal communication skills. As Global Studies majors, students have learning opportunities that are relevant to many types of careers, including work in national diplomatic service, international organizations, economic development, management of non-governmental organizations, business and commerce, or environmental preservation.
To be awarded the Associate in Arts in Global Studies for Transfer degree, students must:
(1) Complete 60 semester units or 90 quarter units which are eligible for transfer to the California State University (CSU) system, including both of the following:
(A) The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirements.
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.
(2) Obtain a minimum grade point average of 2.0.
While a minimum of 2.0 is required for admission, some majors may require a higher GPA. Please consult with a counselor for more information.
Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADTs) also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a “pass/no pass” basis.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Describe globalization and its relationship to national, regional and cultural diversity.
- Critically examine global issues from both interdisciplinary and international perspectives.
- Select and employ relevant research techniques to analyze initiatives developed to address global challenges.
Requirements
Major Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Core: | 6 | |
| GLOBL 001 | Introduction to Global Studies | 3 |
| GLOBL 002 | Global Issues | 3 |
| Complete Five Courses from at least four of the following areas | 15-19 | |
| AREA 1: CULTURE AND SOCIETY | ||
| ANTH 063 | Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| HIST 011B | World History from 1500 | 3 |
| AREA 2: GEOGRAPHY | ||
| GEOG 010 | Introduction to Physical Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 011 | Introduction to Cultural Geography | 3 |
| GEOG 012 | World Regions in Global Context | 3 |
| AREA 3: ECONOMICS | ||
| ECON 010A | 3 | |
| ECON 010B | 3 | |
| AREA 4: POLITICS | ||
| POLSC 002 | Comparative Politics | 3 |
| POLSC 004 | International Relations | 3 |
| AREA 5: HUMANITIES | ||
| GLOBL 007 | Global Citizenship/Civics | 3 |
| HUMNT 002 | Introduction to World Literature | 3 |
| FREN 002A | Intermediate French | 5 |
| FREN 002B | Intermediate French | 5 |
| SPAN 002A | Intermediate Spanish 1 | 5 |
| SPAN 002B | Intermediate Spanish 2 | 5 |
| Total Units | 21-25 | |
AA-T Degree Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | 21-25 | |
| Cal-GETC Requirements | 34 | |
| Transferable Electives (as needed to reach 60) | 13-20 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |