Major in Global South Studies

Students interested in Global South Studies may focus on a theme, problem, or geo-historical area. A Global South Studies program of study must be interdisciplinary, with courses from at least 3 different departments. For background information, read the Global South Studies learning outcomes (PDF). 

Requirements

• 3 lower-division courses from the Global South Studies sequence (GSS 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26 or 27).
  • Please note that GSS courses are equivalent to the former TWS courses with the same numbers effective Fall 2021.
  • Eleanor Roosevelt College students may substitute up to 2 courses, Making of the Modern World (MMW) 13 and 14, for 2 of the 3-course lower-division sequence, but must take at least 1 course in the GSS 20-26 sequence.
• 12 upper-division courses.
• Students must choose course offerings from at least 3 disciplines/departments.
• Courses must be taken for a letter grade except for when P/NP was accepted during COVID in Fall 2020, Winter 2021, and Spring 2021.

Download a GSS MAJOR checklist (Fillable PDF)

UC San Diego Academic Planning Worksheet (PDF)

Sample Academic Plans (4 year, 2 year transfer)

The chart below also outlines the requirements. 

Double Major

Students interested in Global South Studies as a double major must have at least 10 upper-division courses that are unique to each departmental major. The courses required for Global South Studies will cover at least 3 disciplines/departments. Courses may focus on a theme or problem or on a geo-historical area. The remaining 2 courses may overlap with the other major requirements. Approval from both departments is required for overlaps. Students should consult a Global South Studies faculty member or program advisor for approval of a major program.

Study Abroad

Students majoring and minoring in Global South Studies are encouraged to experience their areas firsthand by studying abroad in any number of ways. Most convenient, depending on the area, is the University of California's Education Abroad Program, whereby students can gain UC credit for study at foreign universities. This is especially convenient for students who cannot find sufficient courses at UC San Diego pertaining to such regions as the Caribbean and the Indian subcontinent. Moreover, Latin America, Asia, and Africa coursework is available in these regions through the Education Abroad Program and various programs available through other U.S. universities.

Interested in Studying Abroad? Consider UC Education Program, Opportunities Abroad Program or UC San Diego Global Seminars!