Master of Arts in Global Studies - Global Service: Preparing to Work With Non-Profits

As even casual attention to recent mass media outlets attests, the term "globalization" is widely used to refer to diverse—possibly even unconnected—processes in the economic, cultural, political, and environmental domains. What seems to characterize "global" phenomena such as climate change, transnational capital flow, and the internet, for example, is that their causes and effects ramify all across the earth, viewed both as a bio-physical totality and as a social space. In doing so, these and other global phenomena reveal unprecedented levels of interconnectedness that bring into play institutional agents and institutions that transcend local, national, and regional boundaries. The program in Global Studies is designed to provide students with analytical and methodological skills to investigate globalization both specifically and generally—specifically, by offering advanced training in one relevant academic concentration and independent research leading to a Master’s Thesis; and generally, by exposing students to a broad range of elective courses taught by faculty from the university’s School of Arts and Sciences, Heller School of Social Policy and Management, and International Business School. The program prepares students for a variety of professional and academic trajectories. For some students the MA degree will be an important credential for advancement in already-chosen career paths in government, NGOs, think tanks; for others the degree will be preparation for advanced professional degree programs in law, diplomacy, international health, etc.; and for others their Brandeis experience will be a stepping stone toward admission to the most selective doctoral programs. Global Service: Preparing to Work With Non-Profits The Global Service track develops the tools needed to analyze, define, and address the most significant global issues emerging in the 21st century--- from human trafficking and refugees to global health and the environment. Our NGO Speakers' Series offers exposure to leaders and professionals who discuss the benefits and challenges of careers in the non-governmental sector. Preparing students to move from theory to practice is one of the defining features of the Global Service track, where students gain critical skills that provide traction in the job market. The Global Service track offers: Intensive training in research, analysis, and writing; Solid foundation in the theories and practices related to global issues; Development of skills and expertise valued within a broad range of professions impacted by globalization, such as non-profits, NGOs, and international service agencies; Evidence-based practices, including program management and assessment; Practical exercises related to NGO development, fund raising, building boards of directors, and connecting with a broad network of practitioners in the field; Op-eds and policy memo exercises designed to build communication skills with broader audiences; Speakers' series providing exposure to NGO and government representatives across a range of institutions offering in-depth knowledge about their field.