Why Major in Global Leadership Studies?
Global Leadership Studies equips you with the skills and knowledge to shape new solutions to some of the world's most pressing problems. This interdisciplinary major immerses you in important issues that are global in scope, such as human trafficking, economic inequality, refugees, climate change, peace and security, gender inequality and more. The skills you’ll acquire in this exciting field position you as a leader and decision-maker in an increasingly global workplace.
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Interdisciplinary and Innovative
Successfully addressing global issues depends on a mindset much broader than any one discipline or department can offer. That’s why global leadership studies cultivates an interdisciplinary way of thinking that blends insights from multiple perspectives.
From Nashville to the World
The Global Leadership Studies major is as much about experiencing the world as it is about engaging in the classroom.
In Belmont’s hometown of Nashville and in cities around the world, you’ll get to apply classroom knowledge to real-world settings from day one through internships, service opportunities and a required study abroad experience.
What You'll Learn
The major draws from three of Belmont’s undergraduate colleges to provide a well-rounded, interdisciplinary curriculum. As a global leadership studies major at Belmont, you’ll get a strong foundation in leadership, communication, business, political science, psychology, history, religion, and language.
A concentrated area emphasis and a required minor allow you to focus on areas of potential specialty or region. The top double majors and minors for GLS students include:
- Organizational Communication
- Economics
- Social Justice
- Marketing
- Foreign Languages
Career Possibilities
A strong academic and experiential foundation in global awareness, cultural identity and leadership prepares you for a vast amount of career options.
The area emphasis of the major and the minor you choose, combined with your unique study abroad and internship experiences, equip you with a customized set of skills that are valuable to organizations with a global footprint.
As a graduate of the program, you'll be prepared for a wide variety of careers in the following areas:
- Government and foreign service
- Non-profit sector
- International business
- Humanitarian organizations working with worldwide issues
- Foreign affairs and diplomacy
- Human rights activism and social justice
- Language translation
- Global media and corporate communications
- Marketing management
- Missions
- Economics
- Transportation, travel and hospitality industries
- Education
- Global social work
- Law
Program Details
Curious about your coursework? View requirements for this degree in the course catalog.
Beyond the classroom, you’ll find many ways to explore your global passions, make connections and discover your purpose.
- Explore the World: In addition to studying abroad as part of your coursework, you can pursue international internships and additional study abroad opportunities. You can also find global internships in corporations, NGO’s, government organizations and more through Belmont USA study away programs in NYC, LA and Washington D.C.
- Gain hands-on experience: Take on an internship through our many Nashville opportunities! Our students have interned in the Metro Nashville Mayor’s Office - Office of Neighborhood and Community Engagement, Nations Ministry Center for Refugees, Tennessee Baptist Mission, EXILE International, Thistle Farms, Nashville Public Defenders Office and Novel Hand.com, an online community and blog that focuses on global humanitarian issues
- Join a Student Organization: Choose from 180+ student organizations, including ones focused on global issues like International Justice Mission, Enactus, Global Medical Brigade, United Nations Association, UNICEF and more.
Shannon Fish
Global Leadership Studies
Advancement Specialist | MASS Design Group
“This major was a gateway to allow me to step into the international field with developed cultural awareness and emotional intelligence. Through my advisor's encouragement and help, I obtained wonderful internships, developed a supportive network for post-graduation and most importantly, learned the impact women can have in executive leadership positions.”
Learn from the Best
Over the last decade Dr. Pethel has emerged as a prolific author, public speaker, and interdisciplinary practitioner. Her work includes several published several essays and five books. Her most recent book, Title IX, Pat Summitt, and Tennessee's Trailblazers, was awarded the Tennessee History Award in 2022. She is also the executive director of a walking and driving digital platform called NashvilleSites.org, which offers more than 35 free, self-guided, mobile-friendly tours in Nashville. Through NashvilleSites.org, Dr. Pethel works with local experts as well as students and faculty at Belmont, Vanderbilt, Middle Tennessee State, Tennessee State, and Fisk Universities.
Email: maryellen.pethel@belmont.edu
