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Program Details
According to the executive summary of the “White Paper” on International Development Studies in Canada published by the Canadian Association for the Study of International Development (CASID) and the North-South Institute in October 2003, “the study of development provides a window on the world of inequality and the possibilities of overcoming it both internationally and domestically.” At Carleton, students pursuing the Global Development specialization will gain a multidisciplinary perspective on this broad and important field by taking foundational courses in anthropology, economics, geography, and political science.
The program’s core courses together with a rich selection of electives will help students understand the way the world is unfolding in the face of increasingly urgent challenges from climate change to human security to global epidemics.
This specialization will be of particular interest to students who aspire to work on development issues in various government departments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and certain types of companies operating internationally.
Language Requirement
The BGInS program features a second-language requirement that can be taken, for example in Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and/or American Sign Language. Students may also take other languages at other institutions of higher education with prior approval.
International Experience Requirement
The BGInS program features an international experience requirement as an integral part of the program. The options for fulfilling this requirement include: studying abroad under one of Carleton’s international exchange agreements, undertaking an international internship, completing a Carleton University course abroad, or taking our international group project course at Carleton.
Work Experience
A Co-op option is available. Co-op is the opportunity to get a head start on a career. Co-op work terms allow for the development of key employability skills, exploration of career options and graduation with tangible, workplace experience.
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Career Outcomes
Explore your passions, refine new skills and discover the career that’s right for you.
The critical skills gained from BGInS will prepare you for a wide variety of careers.
Sample Careers
- Administration
- Advocacy
- Business
- Civil Service
- Conservation
- Consulting
- Diplomacy
- Education
- Finance
- Foreign Service
- Government
- International Development
- International Relations
- Journalism
- Law
- Lobbying
- Media
- Museums and Historical Sites
- Non-Governmental Organizations
- Non-Profit Sector
- Policy Analysis
- Politics
- Polling
- Public Service
- Research
- Teaching
- Tourism
Sample Courses
GINS 1010 - International Law and Politics
Introduction to the evolution of the international system, including the rise of the state, sovereignty, and the challenge of international cooperation. The role of international law in addressing global issues such as human rights, security and trade.
GINS 3020 - Places, Boundaries, Movements and Global Environmental Change
Examination of the relationship between individual places and global social and environmental processes. The changing nature of regions, states and political boundaries in the context of political and economic globalization and international migration. Social science perspectives on climate change vulnerability, adaptation and mitigation.
Visit the Undergraduate Calendar to view a comprehensive list of course offerings for this program and discover the exciting things Carleton students are learning in the classroom!
Global and International Studies allowed me to explore various aspects of global issues while honing my communication skills. I worked on a project with an international NGO based out of Italy that made direct impact to the local communities. My international experience allowed me to engage with various stakeholders from Nairobi, Nigeria, Germany, Italy and many other surrounding regions focusing on advocacy. I worked on communication strategies to raise awareness about providing education for immigrants, refugees and those living in war-torn countries — an opportunity that had opened many doors for me. It was incredibly rewarding to apply the theoretical knowledge gained in my program to real-world issues and make a tangible impact. Being exposed to diverse perspectives and global issues enhanced my cultural competence and adaptability, preparing me for a wide range of future career opportunities in fields such as international relations, journalism or public relations and stakeholder engagement.
