With programs in American Indian Studies, Global Studies, History, Legal Studies, Modern Languages (French, German, Lakota, Spanish), Philosophy, Political Science and Religion, the School is the intellectual and cultural core of SDSU. Our mission is to prepare engaged, interculturally competent citizens and critical thinkers who can help solve the grand challenges of an every-changing and interconnected world. Alongside award-winning faculty, our students study the cultural, historical, linguistic, philosophical, political and religious systems that sustain U.S. and global societies. As the state’s largest university and the region’s premier land-grant institution, our faculty and students routinely engage in innovative service and outreach—experiential learning—that benefits South Dakota, the nation and the world.
Our undergraduate students work and learn with our faculty both in and out of the classroom. Through faculty-led study abroad programs and several research and outreach centers housed in the School, our students gain hands-on research and job skills that will advance their future careers or graduate studies. Students can work and learn with faculty mentors in the SDSU Ethics Lab (Philosophy), the Center for New Americans and American Culture (Languages and Global Studies) and The South Dakota Polling Project (Political Science). The work conducted in these research and outreach centers addresses real-world issues such as mass migration, changing demographics, public opinion and policymaking, cultural difference or the rise of populism. The research, teaching and outreach conducted in the School of American and Global Studies advance the habits of mind, professionalism and analytical skills required to live and thrive in the 21st century.
Our students receive significant financial support in the form of academic and study abroad scholarships, international internship scholarships, paid internships and paid research assistantships. 100% of our global studies students participate in a cross-cultural experience and 100% of our internships in Pierre are paid.
Please take a few moments to explore the information on our website. The site serves as an introduction to our degree options, scholarship programs, faculty expertise and co-curricular opportunities. We believe you will soon understand why so many students choose SDSU, and why they choose to study in the School of American and Global Studies.
If you have any questions about our majors, minors, study abroad opportunities or our scholarship application process, do not hesitate to contact me directly. Are you coming to campus soon? Visit our program while you are here. Set up your visit by calling the SDSU Admissions office at 800-952-3541 or sign up online.
Christi Garst-Santos, Ph.D.
Director, School of American and Global Studies
605-688-5101