Academic Programs
Master in Global Studies
Overview
Expand Your Perspective. Lead Across Cultures. Make a Global Impact.
The Whigham School’s partnership with Bluefield University on the Master in Global Studies (MGS) reflects a shared commitment to preparing principled leaders who serve others and make a meaningful difference in the world. Whigham emphasizes global understanding, cultural awareness, and leadership grounded in integrity and service. Together, the institutions connect academic learning with a broader sense of purpose, preparing graduates to engage thoughtfully across cultures and contribute to the communities and organizations they serve.
Master of Global Studies Degree Opportunities
At Bluefield, your education goes beyond theory. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of global dynamics while developing the practical skills needed to lead in diverse, cross-cultural settings.
In this program, you will:
- Explore global political, economic, and cultural systems
- Develop intercultural communication and leadership skills
- Analyze global issues through ethical and faith-based perspectives
- Engage in experiential learning opportunities and case studies
- Prepare for impactful careers both locally and globally
Whether your calling leads you overseas or into culturally diverse communities at home, this degree prepares you to lead with confidence and insight.
This 45-credit-hour master’s is built around immersive, place-based learning across multiple regions of the world. Students study language, culture, economics, politics, religion, and society in context.
The program is designed for graduates who want a rigorous education that strengthens leadership capacity, intercultural competence, and practical service-minded impact.
Travel footprint:
- Edinburgh, Scotland (Orientation)
- France and Turkey (Europe residency)
- Uruguay and Costa Rica (South and Central America residency)
- China (East Asia and Australasia residency)
- Egypt and United Arab Emirates (Middle East and South Asia residency)
- Short-term residencies across Africa in Arabic-, English-, French-, and Spanish-speaking countries (Africa residency)
- United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands (North America and Caribbean residency)
Quick Program Details
Online Tuition: $250,000 for the program
Next Start Online: December 2026
Time to Complete: 24 Months
*Time to complete can be reduced with prior learning and transfer credits
Career Outlook
Graduates of Bluefield University’s Master in Global Studies are prepared for a wide range of careers, including:
- International nonprofit leadership
- Missions and ministry leadership
- Global business and consulting
- Government and public policy roles
- Education and academic research
- Community development and advocacy
This degree empowers you to pursue careers that influence communities, organizations, and nations.
Courses & Competencies
Master in Global Studies
Total Credits: 45
For a full breakdown of each course, reference the academic catalog located in Academic Resources.
Global Studies Core Curriculum
- Experiential European Studies
- Regional analysis with emphasis on France and optional EU excursions, with additional study connected to Turkey. Includes French language training to an intermediate level.
- Experiential South American Studies
- Regional analysis with emphasis on Uruguay and Costa Rica and optional excursions. Includes Spanish language training to an intermediate level.
- Experiential East Asian & Australian Studies
- Regional analysis with emphasis on China and optional excursions. Includes Mandarin language training to an intermediate level.
- Experiential Middle Eastern & South Asian Studies
- Regional analysis with emphasis on Egypt and the UAE and optional excursions. Includes Masri Arabic language training to an intermediate level.
- Experiential African Studies
- Regional analysis with short-term residencies in Arabic-, English-, French-, and Spanish-speaking African countries and optional excursions. Includes language review and synthesis of Arabic, French, and Spanish.
- Experiential North American & Caribbean Studies
- Regional analysis focused on the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands, with guided synthesis of prior studies in an anglophone context.
- Global Leadership Seminar
- Leadership formation grounded in a defined leader archetype and practiced throughout the program.
- Global Benevolence Seminar
- Engagement with charitable organizations leading to a thesis, capstone project, or business portfolio aligned to select UN Sustainable Development Goals.