School of Global Studies and Partnerships

College Administration

Randy Kluver, PhD—Dean
Jami Fullerton, PhD—Associate Dean, Director of Academic Programs
Bailey Bryan, MS—Graduate Program Coordinator/Advisor
Patricia Acurio—Administrative Assistant

Campus Address and Phone

Address: 204 Wes Watkins Center, Stillwater, OK 74078
Phone: 405-744-6609
Email: i-study@okstate.edu
Website: http://global.okstate.edu

Mission

In keeping with OSU’s commitment as a land-grant institution, the School of Global Studies and Partnerships is focused on preparing students to address critical global challenges. Our curriculum reflects a global orientation to understanding issues such as economic development, geopolitics, crisis management, global trade, and public diplomacy.

Academic Programs

The School of Global Studies and Partnerships offers an interdisciplinary Master of Science degree in Global Studies and an undergraduate, interdisciplinary minor in International Studies.

The Master of Science degree in Global Studies is designed to prepare students to cope with international responsibilities and address world problems that confront individuals working in the public and private sectors around the world. The curriculum is designed to educate students in the challenges and issues facing local and global communities, with an emphasis on understanding the economic, political, environmental, social, and cultural contexts that drive contemporary society. This interdisciplinary structure allows our students to draw from the best courses that Oklahoma State University has to offer, as well as to gain a global skill-set that will allow graduates to influence the world in a variety of career paths.

The graduate program in global studies is designed to prepare students for internationally-oriented careers in a number of professional contexts including business, trade development, cultural industries, nonprofit organizations, media, and public and international policy. The program at OSU emphasizes the real challenges that face developing and developed nations alike, and seeks to bring a global problem-solving perspective to address those challenges. Students have opportunities to participate in research or internships abroad, tailor coursework to meet their educational needs, and to gain skills necessary to compete and thrive in an ever-growing global society. Graduates of the program work in numerous industries around the world including business, non-profit organizations, or government service around the world.

There are two tracks within the program:  thesis and non-thesis.

Thesis Track:  33 hours of coursework including 6 hours of thesis

Non-thesis Track:  33 hours of coursework including 3 hours of capstone experience

This interdisciplinary program allows students to choose from one of four focus areas. Additionally, students are required to take an introductory course (GS 5013 – Contemporary Issues) and a graduate-level research course. Candidates for the master’s degree must also demonstrate foreign language proficiency and complete an international experience.

Depending on whether the student chooses the thesis or non-thesis track, the number of focus area courses will vary from 9-12 hours chosen from a list that are offered by departments across campus.

Focus Areas Include:

  • Global Trade 
  • Global Communication and Public Diplomacy
  • Global Leadership and Development
  • Global Crisis Management

Iranian and Persian Gulf Studies

The Iranian and Persian Gulf Studies program offers courses, seminars, visiting speakers, workshops, courses and other programs that allow OSU faculty and students to better understand Iran, its history, society and current challenges, and its relationship to the US and other nations. The IPGS program also administers the Farzaneh Professorships in Iranian Studies, which allow OSU faculty to develop specific research areas related to Iran and its region.

Fulbright Program Office

The Fulbright Program Office offers information about and guidance for the Fulbright US Student Program, the Fulbright US Scholar Program, the Fulbright Specialist Program, and other international government-sponsored programs to OSU students, faculty, and staff. Founded in 1946, the Fulbright Program is the United States' flagship international cultural and educational exchange program. By offering competitive scholarships and grants to students, staff, and faculty to study, research, or teach abroad, the Fulbright Program engages foreign publics via public diplomacy efforts to build intercultural competencies and strengthen bilateral relationships between the United States and over 160 countries. 

Global Briefing Series

The School of Global Studies and Partnerships sponsors presentations from noteworthy speakers to provide background and commentary on important global issues, whether economic, geopolitical, social or other. The speakers add significant international perspective for the OSU community, and allow students and faculty access to top global thought leaders and insight into trends that are facing the world.

Admissions

Application to the School of Global Studies and Partnerships Graduate Program is made through a central online application process administered by the Oklahoma State University Graduate College.

The School of Global Studies and Partnerships has floating deadlines for Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. The priority deadline is November 1st for Spring and April 1st for Fall. Applying by the priority deadline will allow applicants to receive priority consideration for graduate assistantships available for the term.

To apply, students must provide their transcripts, resume, statement of purpose and the names and email addresses for three people who can provide a recommendation for them. The School of Global Studies and Partnerships does not require students to take the GRE or GMAT for admission.

English Proficiency Requirement

The School of Global Studies and Partnerships does not have English proficiency requirements beyond those required by the OSU Graduate College (https://admissions.okstate.edu/information/international/admission-requirements.html).

Foreign Language Requirement

The foreign language requirement is designed to ensure that all students who graduate from the School of Global Studies Graduate Program have language skills to successfully embark upon global careers. 

To fulfill the foreign language requirement, native speakers of English must have accomplished:

  1. Complete 6 semester hours of a second language during their undergraduate or graduate studies. 
  2. Obtain an intermediate level rating on the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI). For more information on the OPI, see the website at www.actfl.org
  3. Complete a department-approved Foreign Language Immersion Program.

This requirement must be completed prior to graduation from the School of Global Studies Graduate Program. Language courses may be completed at OSU or outside institutions during your time in the program. We also accept previous coursework in foreign language but may ask for proof of completion.

International Experience Requirement

Students from the U.S. must have an international experience to qualify for the Master of Science in Global Studies degree. The time outside the U.S. must be a minimum of 3 weeks, involve a structured program of coursework or internship, and have occurred during the student’s undergraduate or graduate programs. Due to the great variety of opportunities available, the international experience must be approved by the SGS Director of Academic Programs.

Student Clubs and Honor Societies

Student Association of Global Affairs (SAGA)
Model United Nations
Sigma Iota Rho Honor Society for International Studies
Phi Beta Delta Honor Society for International Scholars

Scholarships

The School of Global Studies Graduate Program offers a number of fellowships and scholarships to students every year. To apply, students will submit one application, which will consider them for all scholarships and fellowships. Applications must be submitted to i-study@okstate.edu or in person to 204 Wes Watkins Center.

  • Dambach Endowed Peacebuilder Fellowships
  • The Lawrence L. Boger Distinguished Graduate Fellowship
  • The Wes and Lou Watkins Distinguished Graduate Fellowship
  • The Dr. James G. Hromas Distinguished Graduate Fellowship
  • Hugh Rouk Fellowship
  • Jud and Vera Milburn Fellowship
  • Meredith Woodruff and Donald Garner Endowed Scholarship
  • Raymond Sidwell Family Endowment for International Outreach Scholarship
  • Emma Adele and Thomas Bennett Endowed Scholarship
  • Cole-Hamm Scholarship in Global Studies
  • Les Martin Endowed Graduate Fellowship
  • Hyatt Distinguished Graduate Fellowship
  • Wes Watkins Global Trade Fellowship

Undergraduate Minor in International Studies

The minor in international studies provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to include an international dimension to any academic major. This interdisciplinary minor offers flexible course selection outside of the major and encourages students to understand social, political, economic and cultural contrasts throughout the world. The minor is designed to give students a background in global studies to supplement their chosen career path. Students should contact their undergraduate advisor to declare the minor. The minor must be declared prior to the semester of graduation.

Students structure the minor from courses containing the international dimension designation (12 hours) as well as one core course in Global Studies (GS 2013, 3 hours) and one international experience (3 hours), such as study abroad. No more than 6 hours of coursework may be taken in any single discipline (course prefix). In addition, each student must complete 6 credit hours of a foreign language or provide proof of foreign language competency. A minimum grade-point average of 2.0 is required in coursework to complete the minor.

GS 2013 UN Sustainable Development Goals (I)

Description: This course examines current issues and problems facing the globe and introduces students to the historical, geopolitical and cultural aspects surrounding these issues. The course is structured around the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), which are a universal call to action that unite the world in addressing some of the world's most complex issues.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

General Education and other Course Attributes: International Dimension

GS 4020 Independent Study

Prerequisites: Instructor Permission.

Description: Directed study in student’s area of interest. Offered for variable credit, 1-3 credit hours, maximum of 3 credit hours. Previously offered as INTL 4020.

Credit hours: 1-3

Contact hours: Contact: 1-3 Other: 1-3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Independent Study

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 4070 Special Topics in International Studies

Description: Selected topics in Global Studies. Course content varies by semester. Possible course topics include, International Business and Trade, Public Diplomacy, International Communications, International Development and Leadership, Global Crisis Response and Management. Offered for variable credit, 1-6 credit hours, maximum of 6 credit hours. May not be used for degree credit with GS 5070.

Credit hours: 1-6

Contact hours: Lecture: 1-6 Contact: 1-6

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 4110 Internship in Global Studies

Prerequisites: Instructor Permission.

Description: Internship in Global Studies. Offered for variable credit, 1-3 credit hours, maximum of 6 credit hours. Previously offered as INTL 4110.

Credit hours: 1-3

Contact hours: Contact: 1-3 Other: 1-3

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Independent Study

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 4200 Study Abroad

Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and consent of SGSP Director of Academic Programs.

Description: Academic work abroad on either a group or individual basis. Offered for variable credit, 1-6 credit hours, maximum of 6 credit hours. Previously offered as INTL 4200. May not be offered for degree credit with GS 5200.

Credit hours: 1-6

Contact hours: Contact: 1-6 Other: 1-6

Levels: Undergraduate

Schedule types: Independent Study

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5000 Master's Thesis

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of advisor.

Description: For students studying for a master’s degree in global studies under the thesis option. Offered for variable credit, 1-6 credit hours, maximum of 6 credit hours. Previously offered as INTL 5000.

Credit hours: 1-6

Contact hours: Contact: 1-6 Other: 1-6

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Independent Study

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5013 Contemporary Issues in Global Studies

Prerequisites: Enrollment in MS program in Global Studies or enrollment in an OSU graduate program and consent of instructor.

Description: Examination of major transnational issues and associated problems of international cooperation, including ethnic conflicts, environmental degradation, global standards for human rights, and economic globalization. Previously offered as INTL 5010 and INTL 5013.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5020 Independent Study

Prerequisites: Consent of supervising faculty member.

Description: Readings and directed study in student’s focus area. Offered for variable credit, 1-6 credit hours, maximum of 6 credit hours. Previously offered as INTL 5020.

Credit hours: 1-6

Contact hours: Contact: 1-6 Other: 1-6

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Independent Study

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

Additional Fees: Study Abroad fee of $200 applies.

GS 5043 Politics of the Global Economy

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Description: Theory and practice of international political economics. The patterns and associations between political and market-based processes among nation states. Emphasis on interactions among advanced industrial states, transnational phenomena, and opportunities and pitfalls in north-south relations. Same course as POLS 4043. Previously offered as INTL 5213 and INTL 5043.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5070 Special Topics in Global Studies

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Description: Selected topics in Global Studies. Course content varies by semester. Possible course topics include, International Business and Trade, Public Diplomacy, International Communications, International Development and Leadership, Global Crisis Response and Management. Offered for variable credit, 1-6 credit hours, maximum of 6 credit hours. May not be used for degree credit with GS 4070.

Credit hours: 1-6

Contact hours: Lecture: 1-6 Contact: 1-6

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5100 Research in Global Studies

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Description: Individually supervised research on topic within the student’s focus area for the Global Studies Program. Offered for variable credit, 3-6 credit hours, maximum of 6 credit hours. Previously offered as INTL 5100.

Credit hours: 3-6

Contact hours: Contact: 3-6 Other: 3-6

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Independent Study

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5110 Internship in Global Studies

Prerequisites: Graduate standing and consent of Director.

Description: Individually supervised internships in international career areas. Offered for variable credit, 1-6 credit hours, maximum of 6 credit hours. Previously offered as INTL 5110.

Credit hours: 1-6

Contact hours: Contact: 1-6 Other: 1-6

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Independent Study

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5133 Research Design and Methods for Global Studies

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Description: This course is designed to provide graduate students with training in how to design and complete an independent research project in Global Studies. This includes formulation of a research question or topic, conducting a literature review, planning the logistics of research, writing in a scholarly fashion, and seeking to publish the results.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5200 Study Abroad

Prerequisites: Graduate standing, consent of instructor, and consent of SGSP Director of Academic Programs.

Description: Academic work abroad on either a group or individual basis. Offered for variable credit, 1-6 credit hours, maximum of 6 credit hours. Previously offered as INTL 5200. May not be offered for degree credit with GS 4200.

Credit hours: 1-6

Contact hours: Contact: 1-6 Other: 1-6

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Independent Study

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

Additional Fees: Study Abroad fee of $200 applies.

GS 5213 Global Trade Economics

Prerequisites: Honors College participation.

Description: This course presents an introduction to economic issues from a global perspective for the non-specialist. It emphasizes the problems and challenges the process of globalization poses to national economies. The first part of the course presents the main theories of international trade and their relevance to explaining current global trade patterns. The second part of the course examines the foreign exchange markets. It covers various international financial issues such as global current account imbalances, the role of the dollar in international financial markets and trade finance. Same course as ECON 5603.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5223 Culture, History and World Systems

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Description: Study of the impact and influence of culture and history on the development of contemporary world systems with future projections. Same course as SOC 5223. Previously offered as INTL 5223.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5233 Global Competitive Environment

Description: Development of a global business strategy for the organization. Issues of highly diversified markets and business environments, global competition, financial markets, and complex organizational relationships. Same course as MKTG 5233. Previously offered as INTL 5233.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5243 Trade and Investment Promotion

Description: The purpose of this course is to help students develop an understanding of the factors and processes that shape global investment and trade promotion policies across all sectors of an economy. The course will delve into how various factors work together to influence a country's attraction as an investment destination and the policies used to retain and sustain foreign investments in host countries.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5313 Global Communication and Public Diplomacy

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Description: Global media organizations have become players in international politics, and in how cultures define themselves. This course will explore a number of intersections of culture, media, and communication, with particular emphasis on the role of media and communication in public diplomacy. By examining the academic and popular literature on global media, international relations, and globalization.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5323 Nation Branding

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Description: Nation branding is defined for this course as the strategic act of shaping a country’s reputation and country image through the use of branding techniques. This course will explore America’s image abroad and attempt to understand the recent rise of anti-Americanism, as well as look at nation branding in other countries. May not be used for degree credit with MC 5323.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5333 Certified Global Business Professional

Description: This course deals with the practicalities of international trade. Topics include finding appropriate partners, international pricing, legal considerations, tax and accounting issues. International marketing and cultural issues are also addressed. The course is designed to prepare students to successfully complete certification as a Global Business Professional (CGBP certification). Previously offered as INTL 5333.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5343 Geopolitics of New Media

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Description: Examines the geopolitical impact of new media, including satellite television, various digital and internet technologies, and social media by exploring the ways in which the advent and development of new media have shaped larger geopolitical currents. May not be used for degree credit with MC 5343.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5413 Global Development

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Description: Examines effective principles and practices of international development and provides a thorough understanding of current issues in development by guiding students to an understanding of how development issues are being approached, what methodologies are effective, and how to use the tools of development. Same course as AGIN 5413.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5443 Refugees & Forced Migration

Description: Millions of people in the world experience forced displacement from their homes due to intersecting factors like armed conflict, natural disasters, and persecution due to race, religion, nationality — among other threats to their safety and well-being. in this interdisciplinary and cross-regional course, students examine the intersecting legal, political, social, economic, and cultural dimensions of forced migration from the second half of the 20th century to today. Particular attention Is paid to the experiences of refugees, as well as to legal and policy approaches, humanitarian responses, and media and cultural representations.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5513 Global Crisis Management

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Description: Provides graduate introduction to Global Crisis Management. Students will learn about topics ranging from emergency management, disaster management to crisis management on the global stage. This includes examining the global system for dealing with disasters and crises that cross international borders, and the agencies and organizations that respond.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5523 Transnational Criminal Organizations and the War on Drugs

Description: This course will offer an analysis of transnational organized crime and its impact on societies around the world. It will focus on drug trafficking, human trafficking, and arms dealing. It will also examine policy responses and their effectiveness.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5533 Complex Emergencies

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Description: This course examines complex emergencies from an emergency management perspective. We will look at the collapse of governance, the causes of armed conflict, food insecurity, infectious disease, natural disasters, and so on, and examine specific cases in detail. Furthermore, we will look at how the international community responds to these crises, and which agencies are involved in relief efforts. We will apply the traditional four phases of disaster management to these situations. This course is the same as FEMP 5613.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5543 International Dimensions of Fire and Emergency Management

Prerequisites: Graduate standing.

Description: Examines disasters in an international context as well as the theory and practice of international disaster management. This course is the same as FEMP 6313.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

GS 5553 Global Poverty and Inequality

Description: In this course, we will examine the root causes of poverty and inequality on a global scale. We will look at the micro-level, examining coping strategies of the poorest, as well as at the macro level, examining both rich and poor economies.

Credit hours: 3

Contact hours: Lecture: 3 Contact: 3

Levels: Graduate

Schedule types: Lecture

Department/School: Global Studies & Partnerships

Global Studies, MS

The Master of Science degree in Global Studies is designed to prepare students to cope with international responsibilities and address world problems that confront individuals working in the public and private sectors around the world. The curriculum is designed to educate students in the challenges and issues facing local and global communities, with an emphasis on understanding the economic, political, environmental, social, and cultural contexts that drive contemporary society. This interdisciplinary structure allows our students to draw from the best courses that Oklahoma State University has to offer, as well as to develop globalized, multi-skilled talents that will influence the world in a variety of career paths. For MS program requirements, click here.

Global Issues, GCRT

The Global Issues Graduate Certificate allows students to complement their primary area of graduate study with an international dimension. The interdisciplinary curriculum for this program provides students with a better understanding of global problems as well as world politics and culture. The certificate program better prepares graduates to apply their current graduate studies and related real-world experiences to careers in an ever-changing global environment. For Global Issues GCRT requirements, click here

International Disaster and Emergency Management, GCRT 

The Graduate Certificate in International Disaster and Emergency Management (IDEM) prepares students to cope with global crisis and emergency response by examining the global systems for dealing with disasters and crises that cross international borders, and the agencies and organizations that respond. The IDEM Graduate Certificate is a blend of Global Studies courses and Fire and Emergency Management Program (FEMP) courses. Students complete a set of core courses in each program, then select elective courses to focus their studies in topics ranging from emergency management, disaster management to crisis management on the global stage. For International Disaster and Emergency Management GCRT requirements, click here