Bachelor of Arts, Major, Minor in Global Studies enjoying the beautiful Nanaimo campus

Global Studies (BA)

Program calendar icon Program Length

  • 4 Years

Program credential icon Credential

  • Bachelor Degree

Program option icon Options

  • Major
  • Minor

Program location icon Fully Available at

  • Nanaimo

Program location icon Partially Available at

  • Cowichan
  • tiwšɛmawtxʷ (Powell River)

Internationalization is changing the world at a rapid pace. A Global Studies degree can provide you with the broader perspective needed to become a truly global citizen.

VIU’s Global Studies program examines the causes and effects of, and responses to, globalization from a multi-disciplinary perspective, including the academic disciplines of anthropology, economics, geography, political science and sociology. The program also includes a robust internship component, allowing successful applicants to work in a variety of international environments.

Graduates have gone on to stimulating careers in international development and globalization, international relations, government policy analysis and various positions with non-governmental organizations, to name a few.


The Global Studies (BA) Program

Globalization is changing who we are and how and where we live and work. To act responsibly in this new world it is becoming increasingly important to be able to view it globally, and to develop knowledge and skills oriented toward ecological and social sustainability.

The Global Studies program examines the causes and effects of, and responses to, globalization from a multidisciplinary perspective, drawing on insights from the academic disciplines of anthropology, economics, geography, political science, and sociology. Courses are individually and/or team-taught by faculty from these social science disciplines and create an inclusive learning and social environment that provides, by its nature, an opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to learn from each other.

The program is designed to impart skills and knowledge to understand, live and work in an increasingly interdependent and changing world, and focuses on:

  • International flows of capital and labour, emergence of transnational corporations, trading blocs, international economic organizations, international business practices and issues, current and alternative economic indicators.
  • Social and cultural changes, inequality and social justice concerns, ethnic and intercultural relations, population and health issues, technology and society, social movements, community and international development alternatives.
  • World regions of the biophysical and human environments; distribution, supply, and use of natural resources; environmental change, sustainability and human impact; land, agriculture and water development issues; environmental analysis methods.
  • Contemporary political systems, prospects for state sovereignty and political change, international conflict, international governmental and non-governmental organizations, prospects for world order, and the continuing development of international law in a variety of key areas, including the environment, human rights, and non-governmental organizations.

Research will be undertaken in applied settings such as fieldwork abroad and service with non-governmental organizations.

Vancouver Island University also provides students with opportunities for international experience and skill development both in Canada and abroad through:

  • internships with governmental, non-governmental, and private organizations engaged in international development work;
  • work study abroad;
  • language training abroad;
  • field school experience.

Global Studies provides excellent preparation for further study or careers in fields such as law, journalism, international business and marketing, international economic and social development, and areas of human rights and social justice.

Requirements for a Major

Students must fulfill all the Institutional BA degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:

Note: Students should choose elective courses carefully to complete prerequisites of upper-level courses.

Requirements for a Minor

Students must fulfill all the Institutional B.A. degree requirements, including Degree English Requirements and courses listed below:

Note: Students should choose elective courses carefully to complete prerequisites of upper-level courses.

Domestic Fees | International Fees

Domestic Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year* Amount
Tuition (30 credits x $169.73 per credit) 5,091.90
Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) 162.96
Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) 179.92
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) 230.96
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 285.00
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year 1,500.00
Notes

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.  

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.


International Fees

Tuition and Other Mandatory Student Fees

When applying to the program, applicants will be charged a non-refundable application fee.

When applying to graduate, students will be charged a non-refundable graduation and alumni fee.

Some courses have additional fees to pay for extraordinary class–related expenses.

Fees for One Year* Amount
Tuition (30 credits x $815.77 per credit) 24,473.10
Student Activity fee (8 months x $20.37 per month) 162.96
Student Services fee (8 months x $22.49 per month) 179.92
VIU Students' Union fee (8 months x $28.87 per month) 230.96
Health and Dental Plan fee ($285.00 per year) 285.00
Approximate cost for books and supplies for one year 1,500.00
Notes

The VIUSU Health and Dental Plan fee is assessed for all students enrolled in 6 credits or more per term, or in Trades/Vocational programs of 5 months or longer.  

All fees are subject to change without prior notice and are expected to increase by 2% each year on April 1.

Domestic (Canadian)

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus
Next Intake(s):

The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June. 

Application Fee:
46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk
Phone: 250.746.3512
Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:

Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca.

Next Intake(s):

The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June. 

Application Fee:
46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk
Phone: 250.746.3512
Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:

Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca.

Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Application Fee:
$46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Erin Johnson
Phone: 604.485.8033
Email: Erin.Johnson@viu.ca
Comments:

Please consult Student Services/Advising at 604.485.2878 or email PR.StudentAffairs@viu.ca for more information on program or admission requirements.

Next Intake(s):

The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June. 

Application Fee:
46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk
Phone: 250.746.3512
Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:

Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca.

Next Intake(s):

The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June. 

Application Fee:
46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk
Phone: 250.746.3512
Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:

Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca.

Next Intake(s):

The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June. 

Application Fee:
45.16
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk
Phone: 250.746.3512
Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:

Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca.

Next Intake(s):

The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June. 

Application Fee:
46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk
Phone: 250.746.3512
Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:

Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca.

Next Intake(s):

The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June. 

Application Fee:
46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk
Phone: 250.746.3512
Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:

Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca.

Next Intake(s):

The Bachelor of Arts Program has four intakes per year; September, January, May, and June. 

Application Fee:
46.06
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Testing Required:
No
Admissions Officer:
Name: Erica Ellenchuk
Phone: 250.746.3512
Email: Erica.Ellenchuk@viu.ca
Comments:

Questions about becoming a student can be directed to the Office of Future Students at 250.740.6672 or email Connect@viu.ca.

International

Program Start Date Accepting Applications Campus
Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):

The Bachelor of Arts program has one intake each Fall and one intake each Spring.

Application Fee:
$153
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Elham Akhoundi
Phone: 250.740.6400
Email: Study@viu.ca
Comments:

For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca.

Anticipated intake for someone applying today:
Next Intake(s):

The Bachelor of Arts program has one intake each Fall and one intake each Spring.

Application Fee:
$153
Accepting Late Applications:
Yes
Waitlist:
No
Testing Required:
No
International Admissions Officer Contact:
Name: Elham Akhoundi
Phone: 250.740.6400
Email: Study@viu.ca
Comments:

For prospective international applicants, please send your inquiries to WorldVIU@viu.ca.

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