BA Global Development and Sustainability
UG

Global Development and Sustainability, Bachelor of Arts

As the global community becomes increasingly interdependent, we are faced with new political, cultural, economic, social, and environmental realities, along with many new challenges. In response to these challenges, graduates must enhance their knowledge and skills across national and disciplinary boundaries.

As the global community becomes increasingly interdependent, we are faced with new political, cultural, economic, social, and environmental realities, along with many new challenges. In response to these challenges, graduates must enhance their knowledge and skills across national and disciplinary boundaries.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Global Development and Sustainability from St. John’s University, you learn to develop systemic solutions that promote global solidarity and to effectively strategize in response to rapid global change. The program provides you with a broad framework for understanding global and sustainable development, and deepens your knowledge of our global community. You have the option to select either the Science or Social Science program track to fit your individual interests and career goals.

Our thoroughly interdisciplinary curriculum incorporates courses from across the liberal arts. Grounded in our University Mission, the program also incorporates Academic-Service Learning, as well as study abroad and global internship opportunities to enhance your professional and international experience.

Apply Plan your Visit
Degree Type
BA
Area of Interest
Social Sciences
Associated Colleges or Schools
Program Location
  • Queens Campus
Required Credit Hours
120

Additional Information

For more information about admission to this and other acclaimed undergraduate programs at St. John’s University, please visit Undergraduate Admission online.

The B.A. in Global Development and Sustainability curriculum includes an array of interdisciplinary courses from across the liberal arts, an internship experience, and a capstone seminar. You also complete four elective courses from the program track you choose.

Major Requirements

CourseTitleCredits
GDS 1000/ANT 1200Theories in Global and Sustainable Development3
GDS 2000/ANT 2200Health, Food, and the Environment3
ANT/RCT 1155Language and Intercultural Communication3
ECO 3346*Economic Growth and Development3
GOV 3850Politics of Developing Countries3
Language*One language course at the 3000 level3
GDS 4980Internship3
GDS 4990Capstone Seminar in Global and Sustainable Development3
Program ElectivesChoose from among approved electives in either the Social Science or Science track12

Total: 36 credits

Social Science Track Electives

Choose four courses (12 credits) from among the following:

CourseTitleCredits
ANT 1040Culture and Global Change3
ANT 1100Food and Culture3
ANT 2400Anthropology of Development3
COM 3103International Communication and Global Development3
ECO 3306Comparative Economic Systems3
ESP 1020Methods of Environmental Analysis3
GOV 2520Politics of Environment and Development3
GOV 2680Transnational Politics of Gender3
HIS 3160History of Human Rights and Social Justice3
PSY 2010Cross-Cultural Psychology3
PSY 2180International Psychology3
SOC 2020Gender and Development3
SOC 2030Economic Sociology3
SOC 2100Global Poverty3
SOC 2330Human Trafficking3

Science Track Electives

Choose four courses (12 credits) from among the following:

CourseTitleCredits
ANT/ESP 1120Human Ecology3
ANT 2100Anthropology3
BIO 1070Environmental Biology3
CHE 1210Introduction to General Chemistry3
ESP 2020Environmental Analysis3
ESP/GOV 2170Environmental Politics and Policies3
ESP 2410Principles and Practices of Sustainable Development3
GEO 1001World Regional Geography3
GEO 2001Natural Resources and World Development3
GEO 2002Environmental Conversation3
PHY 1080Our Planet3
PHY 1090Science of Weather3
PHY 1120Energy and Environment3
PHY 1520Earth Science3

As a St. John’s University student, you benefit from our enviable location in dynamic New York City. Through our renowned faculty and Office of Career Services, you have access to employers and other professional and educational resources throughout the New York area.

You also have the opportunity for an international academic or internship experience. The University offers extensive study abroad courses during the academic year as well as the winter and summer semesters.

As a graduate with a degree in Global Development and Sustainability, you can pursue domestic or international careers, as well as careers in more socially-oriented occupations or in economically-focused fields. You may find yourself working for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), in government, or in the private sector.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social and community service managers is projected to grow 13 percent through 2028, much faster than the average for all occupations.

The program's internship requirement integrates practical and theoretical knowledge, allowing you to build a network for your career. You may also opt to pursue an advanced degree in Global Development and Social Justice, Government and Politics, or Public Health, all of which are available at St. John's.

Our vibrant service communities and networks throughout New York, Rome, and Paris help connect you with a meaningful career path.

Student Stories

Benjamin Broussard

Prestigious Watson Fellowship Awarded to Global Sustainability Major

Louisiana native Benjamin Broussard came to St. John’s University looking for opportunities both locally and globally. Benjamin, a Global Development and Sustainability major, was recently awarded a 2022 Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship.

Benjamin Broussard St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Highlight

Louisiana native Benjamin Broussard came to St. John’s University looking for opportunities both locally and globally. Benjamin, a Global Development and Sustainability major, was recently awarded a 2022 Jeannette K. Watson Fellowship.

Department Contact

Barbara Koziak

Associate Professor

St. John Hall Room 234 J

718-990-5044

Interested in Social Sciences, but not sure if Global Development and Sustainability, Bachelor of Arts is right for you?

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