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

Blakely Wright sits in the grass outside of Shafer Court

Sept. 22, 2026

Blakely Wright combines history and anthropology to better understand the past

Wright focuses on marginalized and underrepresented Indigenous histories

VCU researchers Qingguo Xu, Michael Kiefer, Priscilla Hwang and Amy Rector took part in the 14th annual Rally for Medical Research on Thursday. (Photo contributed by Denver Supinger, VCU Office of Government Relations)

Sept. 18, 2026

VCU researchers join national call for NIH funding

The annual Rally for Medical Research urges Congress to support biomedical innovation and the STEM workforce.

The VCU Convergence Team Planning Grant Program is reserved for projects of three or more full-time faculty from at least two different schools or colleges that focus on problems that defy single-discipline solutions. (Adobe Stock)

Aug. 26, 2026

VCU Convergence awards nearly 70 faculty members $150,000 in seed grants

The projects supported through the grants bring different perspectives together to tackle complex, ‘wicked problems’ that no single discipline can solve.

World Studies Spotlight

Events

Collaboration and sharing are at the core of our mission.

Illustration of Black Revolutionary War soldiers with text that reads, Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War a documentary film screening, Tuesday October 13 5:30 PM

Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War

Date: Tuesday, Oct 13, 2026

In partnership with the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs and Virginia Public Media (VPM), the College of Humanities and Sciences presents a screening of the documentary “Declarations: Black Americans and the Revolutionary War” from VPM and director Stacey L. Holman.