Global & International Studies (GIST)
Our students learn to think critically about pressing global issues. They gain knowledge and skills to succeed in various world-related careers.
Spring 2026 Conference
Recognition Ceremony
Why GIST?
Interdisciplinary
The GIST program bridges many disciplines around the university. By melding these perspectives, GIST students develop a unique & versatile understanding of global & international issues.
Knowledge
Through a selection of extensive coursework, GIST students gain both a depth & breadth of knowledge in global issues. Students can master Culture, History, Politics, & Economics.
Skills
Carefully designed core GIST courses provide rigorous training in research, analysis, & writing skills, forming a toolkit of qualifications for multiple post-graduation pathways as seen below.
Opportunities
KU offers GIST students a range of opportunities: study abroad, scholarships, internships & professional networking. Our degrees lead to high quality opportunities after graduation.
GIST Enrollment
131
majors
20
masters
29
minors
Recent GIST Graduates went on to:
NGO & Non-Profit
including:
International Relations Council
People to People International
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Teach for America
JET Program
Unbound
City Year
International Relations Council
People to People International
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Teach for America
JET Program
Unbound
City Year
Public Sector
including:
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Central Intelligence Agency
House of Representatives
U. S. Department of State
Peace Corps, Americorps
Fulbright Program
Air Force, Army
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Central Intelligence Agency
House of Representatives
U. S. Department of State
Peace Corps, Americorps
Fulbright Program
Air Force, Army
Graduate School
including:
University of California-Berkeley
London School of Economics
George Mason University
Georgetown University
University of Chicago
Columbia University
Johns Hopkins SAIS
University of California-Berkeley
London School of Economics
George Mason University
Georgetown University
University of Chicago
Columbia University
Johns Hopkins SAIS
Law School
including:
Pennsylvania State University
University of Loyola Chicago
University of Wisconsin
University of Nebraska
University of Brooklyn
University of Indiana
Harvard
Pennsylvania State University
University of Loyola Chicago
University of Wisconsin
University of Nebraska
University of Brooklyn
University of Indiana
Harvard
Explore Our Programs
GIST offers a number of degrees to fit various academic and professional needs. They include a minor, major, traditional MA, and a one-year interagency studies MA.
Learn about GIST ProgramsCenter News
3 GIST students chosen as 2026 University Scholars
The 45th class of University Scholars and their faculty mentors were recognized during a reception hosted by the University of Kansas Honors Program.
GIST student helps bring national recognition to Big Event
The Big Event at KU, a student organization that is centered on non-need-based community service, was awarded “Big Event of the Year” during the 2026 One Big Thanks Conference at the University of Florida.
KU to host Brazilian Studies Association starting July 2026
The University of Kansas has been selected to host the Brazilian Studies Association, an international scholarly organization dedicated to advancing Brazilian studies, for a six-year term beginning this summer under the leadership of KU faculty member Luciano Tosta.
‘No more excuse’: KU professor launches research journal for undergraduates
After years of seeing strong student theses go unpublished, a KU faculty member started an undergraduate journal to showcase international studies research.
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