Why World Studies?

In the School of World Studies we explore what it means to be human.

Using anthropology, foreign languages, international studies and religious studies, we investigate the depth and breadth of the human experience so we can address the challenges we face as global citizens. Our programs begin with basic questions about humanity: Who are we? Where did we come from? What do we believe? How do we communicate and negotiate meaning? What is our responsibility as world citizens? 

Learn more about the value of a degree in a World Studies program.

News

Bridget Ferguson interned as an interpreter with the Chesterfield County Office of the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission and the Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. (Photo by Kevin Morley, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

March 6, 2023

Class of 2023: Bridget Ferguson is providing much-needed Spanish interpretation services in the legal system

Ferguson, a student in VCU’s Spanish-English Translation Interpretation Certificate program, says it feels “meaningful and rewarding to be able to put my abilities to use in a way that helps people and helps to maintain the integrity of our legal system.”

Among four research projects receiving funding from the Transdisciplinary Environmental Research Incubator is an effort studying Black-led urban agricultural spaces. (Getty Images)

Feb. 2, 2023

Transdisciplinary Environmental Research Incubator funds four new research collaborations

“The incubator will soon become a model for future research collaborations across the university,” said Cristina Stanciu, Ph.D., director of the Humanities Research Center.

2020 Virginia Commonwealth University alum Kelly Nguyen is a recipient of a Charles B. Rangel International Affairs fellowship, which supports individuals who want to pursue a career in the foreign service of the U.S. Department of State. Contributed photo.

March 10, 2022

VCU alum is the recipient of a Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program fellowship

Studies at VCU helped lay the foundation for the work Kelly Nguyen hopes to do with the U.S. foreign service.

World Studies Spotlight

Events

Collaboration and sharing are at the core of our mission.

Student-led and RVA ecojustice organizations are holding a major Climate Teach-in on Friday, March 31st from 12-4 in Cabell Library, Room 303. Join leaders and learners to find out about the climate crisis, and the power we are building to fight back.

RVA Climate Teach-In

Date: Friday, Mar 31, 2023

Join leaders and learners to find out about the climate crisis and the power we are building to fight back.