University of Oregon - Department of Global Studies

About this program

Our MA program offers students the opportunity to study critical global issues in a supportive interdisciplinary environment. Our program is especially strong in the areas of environment, gender, food studies, migration and refugees, humanitarianism, education and global health. Rather than completing a standard curriculum, students work closely with their faculty mentors to tailor their program to meet their own unique goals. Funding opportunities exist for primary research and/or internships both domestically and abroad. Our alumni go on to rewarding careers in nongovernmental organizations, community development, international education, and policy; many pursue PhDs.

The University of Oregon, a comprehensive public research university, has been serving the state, nation and world since 1876. Our motto, "We work at a human scale to generate big ideas," captures how we seek to enrich the human condition through exceptional teaching, discovery, and service.

We value our diversity and seek to foster equity and inclusion in a welcoming, safe, and respectful community. 

The community of Eugene is known for its livability and active arts scene, along with its many parks, bike trails and beautiful riverfront.   Eugene is one hour from the magnificent Oregon coast, and only minutes from mountains, forests, farms and vineyards.

• Year partnership began: 2019
• Fellowships awarded per year (average): 1-2

Application requirements

• Statement of Purpose
• Choice: Either GRE or Written Essay
• Resume
• Personal Statement/Written Essay
• Official College/University Transcripts
• Two (2) Letters of Recommendation. Please provide an academic reference and a professional reference respectively.

Admissions process

If you are a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) and would like to be considered for the Coverdell Fellowship, please:

1. Email your Description of Service (DOS) paperwork (Word .docx, PDF .pdf, or Image .jpeg) to the graduate coordinator at the School of Global Studies and Languages ([email protected]) before starting your application to MA Global Studies program. Please note, you will also upload your Description of Service with your UO application.
2. Upon receipt and confirmation of your DOS, the graduate coordinator will reply with any questions or simply instruct you to start your application to the MA Global Studies program.
3. Once you create your University of Oregon account to submit your application, inform the graduate coordinator and they will initiate the necessary steps for you to receive the application fee waiver.
4. PLEASE NOTE: If you preemptively submit your application and make payment for your application fee, you will be responsible for paying the application fee. No exceptions.

Degrees awarded

Master of Arts (MA)

Benefits and opportunities

Net cost is equal to tuition/fees minus fellowship value. For some universities, the fellowship value includes non-tuition/fee benefits such as health insurance or housing. See cost savings details for more.

Estimated annual cost of living: $19,566

Cost savings details

Full tuition waiver plus Graduate Employment and Health Insurance

Application fee waiver - See below for important details.

Internship

All Global Studies MA students undertake a significant experiential learning experience, such as an internship or research, in consultation with their advisor. Coverdell Fellows will work closely with their faculty advisor to identify an internship that furthers their professional aspirations while serving underserved American communities, where possible. They will have access to our faculty's extensive national and international networks and will be assisted in their efforts to contact organizations and secure an internship position. In addition, they will have access to our alumni network, a valuable resource for connecting students with opportunities. Organizations with which we have successfully placed students as interns or as employees include, for example, organizations serving vulnerable and at-risk youth, community gardens and food banks, international education administration, shelters and medical outreach for the unhoused, assistance with refugee and immigrant support programs, and accessibility projects for persons with disabilities, among many others.

Additional professional support is available with the UO Career Center, which facilitates internship-relevant skills through informational and practice interviews and has its own extensive listing of internship opportunities.

Other opportunities

Jobs for alumni

• Yelena Ablaeva – Director & Educational consultant, Study Abroad
• Laura Burbano, Graduate and Recruitment Specialist, Migrant Education Program (Lane ESD)
• Alejandra Cebreros – Multicultural Academic Advisor, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
• Souphatta Chanphengxay – government official at the Bank of the Lao PDR
• Jean Baptiste Faye – Assistant Prof of Environmental Studies at Centre College
• Inara Fernandez – Stove Team International
• Samantha Gammons – Program Coordinator at Harvard Kennedy School
• Cara Gilpin – Assistant Director at University of North Carolina’s Study Abroad Office in Asheville, NC
• Brianne Holden --  Study Abroad Coordinator and Advisor, University of California, Davis
• Margaret (Margot) Jackson: Northwest Arkansas Council / Engage NWA
• Urooj Mughal: Regional Director, Virginia Senator Tim Kaine
• Caroline Nolan (Dezendorf): Science Education Specialist SF Bay Area
• Kelsey Lynn Provo – Immigration Attorney
• Adam Roberts -- USAID
• Najla Sabri: World Bank - operations analyst - Kabul, Afghanistan
• Sandra Sjogren: Program Manager at Agir Ensemble pour les Droits de l'Homme (AEDH)
• Alexis Stickel: Director of Community Programs at Marion-Polk Food Share
• Joshua West: Director of Business, Career and Technical Programs, Sauk Valley Community College
• Heather Wolford – organizer with Oregon Higher Education Organizing Project (AFT) and UAUO
• Dayna Hansberger, Project Coordinator for WASH programs, Aquaya Institute, INGO

Nontraditional options