While not required, Global Studies students are invited to consider participating in a number of research opportunities to deepen their connection with the major, make connections with faculty and fellow students, and prepare for potential graduate programs in the future. 

Orfalea Undergraduate Research Fellows Program

• What it is: A three-quarter course series designed to support students in developing an independent research project before going abroad the following year through UCEAP to somewhere in the Global South (Latin America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East or India) to conduct the research and complete the project.
• Who's eligible: Students planning to study abroad in one of the countries/regions listed above; GPA requirements are flexible at this time (aim for minimum 3.0) 
• When to participate: Most fellows will complete their 3-course series (Global Studies 196A, B & C) during their sophomore or junior year, then go abroad for some part of their junior/senior year, respectively.
• Major credit? Upper division elective units only (12 units, Global 196A/B/C)
• For more information: Visit this page and contact Omar Mansour at omansour@ucsb.edu

Global Studies Departmental Honors Program

• What it is: A three-quarter course series designed to support students in developing an independent research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor; students present their project at an end-of-the -year student colloquium.
• Who's eligible: By invitation; students with an overall and major GPA of 3.5+, the completion of 2 core courses and 1 elective courses from the department’s upper division offerings, plus a faculty mentor endorsement. 
• When to participate: Fall, winter, and spring quarters of senior year (Global Studies 190AH/BH/CH series plus Global 199 credit each quarter)
• Major credit? Upper division elective units only (15 units total, 3 units of Global 190AH/BH/CH credit spread across 3 quarters + 4 units of Global 199 for each of 3 quarters)

Global Studies 199 (General Independent Study course)

• What it is: Enrollment in a single quarter (or multiple quarters, if applicable) of Global Studies 199 Independent Study credit, wherein students work independently with a Global Studies faculty member of their choice on a student-designed independent project. This is also a current method for earning academic credit for independent student internships (the internship tasks must lend themselves to an academic project, not just work experience.)
• Who's eligible: Upper division students in the Global Studies major 
• When to participate: Any time once upper division standing has been reached (90+ units completed)
• Major credit? Upper division elective units only (1-5 units for each Global 199 course taken, dependent on the scope of project as discussed with the applicable faculty member.)
• For more information: Email global-advising@ucsb.edu