Overview

The Global Cultures programme at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) is an innovative major designed to examine the processes of globalisation from a humanistic perspective. Students develop critical analytical skills and a deep understanding of the diverse world, equipping them for success in various professional fields. The curriculum is multidisciplinary, drawing expertise from across the School of Humanities and the Social Sciences.

Why Global Cultures at University of California, Irvine (UCI)?

Studying at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) offers students access to a high-quality learning environment featuring expert lectures and interactive small-group seminars. The programme is uniquely flexible, allowing students to choose primary and secondary geographic emphases or design their own specialisation in consultation with faculty advisors. This approach ensures a personalised academic journey that draws on multiple departments, including History, Art History, and Political Science. Furthermore, the university strongly encourages participation in the UC Education Abroad Programme, enabling students to gain first-hand international experience while fulfilling major requirements.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 56682 per year
National fee: USD 56682 per year
Local fee: USD 19080 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires 14 courses in total, focusing on global innovations, empires, and modern rights. Modules may include:

World: Innovations
World: Empires and Revolutions
World: Nation, War, and Rights
Global Cultures
Medical Anthropology
Feminisms of Color
Multicultural Education in K-12 Schools
Transnational Gangs
Senior Seminar: Topics in Global Cultures

Careers with Global Cultures

Graduates from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) with a degree in this field are well-prepared for roles requiring sophisticated analysis, judgment, and a broad global perspective. The programme provides a strong foundation for practice in both domestic and international occupations. Graduates often find success in the following sectors:

National and international business and management
Legal services and public policy
Primary and secondary education
Foreign service and political organisations
Print media, television, and communications
Tourism and the travel industry

The major also serves as an excellent gateway to advanced graduate studies in law, business, and the humanities. Students can utilise the university's career pathways services for support with job searches, interview techniques, and resume preparation to transition effectively into the global workforce.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

World
Innovations

World: Empires and Revolutions

World: Nation, War, and Rights

Global
Cultures

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Irvine, United States

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies View 808 other Bachelors in Area & Cultural Studies in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

You must receive a 3.0 GPA (3.4 for non-California residents) or higher in the 15 required “a-g” subject courses, with no grade lower than a C.

UCI will not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship purposes. After enrollment, exams may be used for class placement or some graduation requirements.

Personal Insight Questions (your personal insight questions should be exactly that – personal. This is your opportunity to tell us about yourself, what matters to you, your hopes, ambitions, life experiences, and inspirations. Key points about the personal insight questions include: freshman applicants choose four out of eight questions to answer, each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words. We encourage you to take your time. Be open, be reflective, and be honest. Your personal insight questions provide context for the rest of your application.)

English proficiency requirements

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

56682 USD / year

≈ 56682 USD / year
Out-of-State

56682 USD / year

≈ 56682 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

19080 USD / year

≈ 19080 USD / year

Living costs

Irvine

United States

1560 - 2585 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Global Cultures.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Irvine

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners