Liberal Studies (A.A.) with Specialization in Global Studies

About the Degree
Career Information
Program & General Education Requirements  

CCV’s Liberal Studies degree with a specialization in Global Studies affords you the benefits of a broad grounding in the liberal arts, combined with a timely focus on the global aspects and implications of your studies. As businesses and organizations increasingly seek staff with international experience and competencies, you will find that the skills and understanding you gain from this specialization will help you in securing employment and benefiting from the diversity of cultures and languages within your community and workplaces. You’ll become acquainted with the nature and extent of the serious issues that affect the globe and many of its peoples. You will develop a basic knowledge of diverse cultural practices, values, and differences that allows you to engage effectively in working relationships with a range of populations.

The specialization in Global Studies comprises 18 credits in courses with a global focus and is designed to work within the student’s Liberal Studies degree program and General Education requirements.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Liberal Studies program will be able to:

• develop written work with a clear thesis, organize supporting arguments, and employ correct syntax, mechanics, and disciplinary conventions;
• prepare, organize, support, and orally present ideas that engage an audience and employ appropriate tone, language, and delivery style;
• identify the information needed to approach a problem analytically; discover and evaluate academic resources using appropriate search strategies; and responsibly incorporate, represent, and cite source materials in student work;
• use quantitative models, methods, and tools to evaluate information, draw conclusions, and provide supporting evidence for applications across a variety of disciplines;
• identify and use appropriate technologies to locate, manage, and represent information electronically;
• apply an interdisciplinary approach to learning, drawing from various disciplines, such as science, humanities, and social sciences, to cultivate multiple perspectives on problems, issues, and topics;
• articulate a learning rationale for and the outcomes of their individual course choices in the Liberal Studies program;
• demonstrate knowledge of diverse cultural practices, histories and values, the range of problems that affect the globe, and the role of the United States in the world;
• demonstrate academic skills required of all CCV graduates in writing, information literacy, oral communication, and quantitative reasoning; and
• explore pathways for educational and career development in the student’s field of study.

This program is great for you if:

• you have an interest in learning more about the world beyond our borders;
• you would like to travel internationally or work abroad;
• you feel a strong sense of global responsibility and citizenship;
• you understand the value of broad cultural knowledge and conversing in a foreign language;
• you wish to enhance your employment opportunities in workplaces with diverse staff, markets, and/or clientele;
• you plan to transfer to a four year degree program in global studies, anthropology, international relations, or a related field; and
• you are preparing for a career that requires some knowledge of foreign languages, diversity issues, intercultural communication skills, and global competencies.

Key information and advice for students in the Liberal Studies degree with a specialization in Global Studies:

• The Specialization in Global Studies is taken as part of a Liberal Studies degree and cannot be completed alone.
• Students must complete 12 credits of required global studies classes, and can choose from a broad range of global courses in other areas to fulfill remaining program requirements according to their particular schedules, interests, and ambitions.
• Many global courses are easily accessible and the program can be completed with a minimum of travelling.
• Participating in a Study Abroad program at CCV is an excellent way to enhance a Global Studies concentration.
• Global competence is now broadly viewed as a vital 21st century skill set that a wide range of employers in business, economics, government, education, media and communications, transportation, tourism, and nonprofit organizations are demanding.
• The specialization allows students to gain additional global competencies in areas cited by employers as being particularly desirable such as foreign language; intercultural communication skills; awareness, sensitivity, and tolerance of differences in values and cultural practices; an international perspective; and an understanding of the United States’ role in the world.

The Liberal Studies degree with a specialization in Global Studies prepares you for careers such as:

• Translator and Interpreter
• Diversity Manager
• Community Advocate
• Media and Public Relations Specialist
• Immigration Official
• Foreign Correspondent

Job outlook in Global Studies in the state of Vermont:
 

Title	Median Salary	Projected Growth (10 Yrs)
Translator/Interpreter (with further study)	$37,360	2.8%
Equal Opportunity Officer	$59,440	1.1%
Immigration & Customs Inspector	$73,140	-.3%
Public Relations Specialist	$46,980	1.3%
Social Services Specialist	$34,660	.9%

Source: Vermont Department of Labor, http://www.vtlmi.info/oic3.cfm

Transfer Options:

The Vermont State Colleges System’s (VSCS) Direct Admissions program gives CCV students guaranteed transfer admission to Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, or Vermont Tech. Direct Admissions students follow course maps that ensure classes taken apply to both their bachelor and CCV associate degree, saving them time and money.

CCV also has transfer agreements with 4-year colleges and universities throughout Vermont. Visit our transfer page for additional information and to view all of our transfer maps on one Excel spreadsheet.