Bachelor of Arts
Studies of Global Media
About the Program
How do various forms of media connect the global community on the big challenges of the day, such as the impact of climate change, poverty, inequality, the pandemic, record numbers of refugees and political discord?
The Bachelor of Arts in Studies of Global Media prepares students to analyze, verify, study and communicate information about varying global issues in an effective, ethical and culturally aware manner. Courses examine the transformation of media systems in historical and contemporary contexts. Students build analytical skills coupled with conceptual knowledge of real-time and emerging issues, such as digital inequity, surveillance, censorship, disinformation and misinformation. Students will study with faculty who have conducted research and other work for news media or other organizations around the world.
The program’s broad selection of courses focuses on comparative media systems, practices, values and laws that influence political, cultural, social and economic institutions. Students critically evaluate relationships among media, the public, policy makers and other entities in rapidly evolving events and issues.
Our flexible curriculum allows students to study many forms of media and their influence on societies around the world through classes such as Media and the Environment; Disinformation and Information Security; Media, War and Peace; Media and Human Rights; and Social Movement Media in a Global Context.
Career Opportunities
Students will graduate with deep professional knowledge of the diversity of influences on media in a global environment, which will prepare them to engage with and meet the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Graduates will be able to step into jobs in nonprofit organizations, think tanks, government, politics, intergovernmental agencies and other international entities that require strong writing, analytical, verbal and research skills. Virtually every job sector has individuals working in media in some form. Students in the program also can strategically take courses that prepare them for a doctoral program.
Course Outline
Our B.A. in Studies of Global Media (GLO) requires a minimum of 30 credits (of the 120 credits needed for graduation). The program has only three required courses (9 credits) and a minimum of seven electives (21 credits), thus offering students great flexibility to take Studies of Global Media electives and electives in their other areas of interest. Part-time students are welcome. A minor in the program and dual-B.A. degrees are available.
GLO classes are online, but students on the main campus can take in-person JOUR courses as electives and other courses.
What Can We Offer You?
Flexible Program. New courses are offered every seven-and-a-half weeks, giving students six entry points a year to join the program in the fall, spring and summer semesters. None of our courses has a prerequisite. In addition, all classes are asynchronous so students in any global time zone can easily fit their studies around jobs, family needs or other schedules.
Welcoming School and Alum Culture. Our program affords frequent opportunities to engage with a broad network of faculty, students, staff and alums based in the U.S. and around the world.
Our Center for Border & Global Journalism offers outreach programming online. Students are invited to join several social media groups where they can participate in frequent continuing education webinars posted on a host of issues.
Interdisciplinary and Intercultural Approach. Courses examine the transformation of media systems in historical and contemporary contexts. Students build analytical skills coupled with conceptual knowledge of real-time and emerging issues, such as digital inequity, surveillance, censorship, disinformation and misinformation.
Globally Oriented Faculty. The school’s faculty all have backgrounds in global reporting, research, teaching and training in Asia, North America, Latin America, the Middle East, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa
GLO classes will start every 7 1/2 weeks. Start dates in the spring term are every January and March. In the fall term, start dates are in August and October. Courses also are offered in the summer.
Double Major in GLO and Journalism
Consider the school’s new B.A. double major — Journalism and Studies of Global Media — all within credits students already would be taking. Make an appointment with Academic Advisor Vanessa DeCardenas if interested.
Contact Us
For more information contact:
Vanessa DeCardenas
Undergraduate Academic Advisor
vmdecardenas@arizona.edu
Meredith Parker
Senior Academic Advisor
mvparker@arizona.edu