Bachelor's in Liberal and Interdisciplinary Studies - International and Global Arts and Belief Systems

Explore the beliefs, traditions, and creative expressions that shape cultures around the world. The International and Global Studies Arts and Belief Systems concentration in UNC Greensboro’s Bachelor of Liberal and Interdisciplinary Studies program examines how art, religion, philosophy, and cultural practices influence societies across time and place. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of global cultures while building critical thinking, communication, and cross-cultural skills that are valuable in today’s interconnected world.

The International and Global Studies Arts and Belief Systems concentration is one of six concentrations available through the International and Global Studies (IGS) program. Our interdisciplinary, liberal arts approach promotes skills in research, critical thinking, and communication that ensure students can analyze, evaluate, and express positions on international and global issues and the complexity and interconnectedness of world regions and populations.

International and Global Arts and Belief Systems Concentration Highlights

• Study the beliefs and worldviews that shape human experience. Analyze religious traditions, philosophical thought, cultural practices, and systems of meaning across diverse historical and contemporary contexts.
• Develop skills valued in a globally connected world. Strengthen your abilities in critical thinking, intercultural communication, research, and the analysis of complex cultural and social issues.
• Examine the connections between culture, creativity, and society. Explore how art, literature, religion, and philosophy influence communities, social change, and global understanding.
• Customize your studies across disciplines. Build a broad understanding of global cultures through coursework drawn from areas such as religious studies, philosophy, history, anthropology, languages, literature, and related fields.
• Prepare for careers that require cultural awareness and global understanding. Gain knowledge and transferable skills that support work in education, nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions, public service, international programs, communications, and other fields where cross-cultural engagement is essential.

THE International and Global Arts and Belief Systems STUDENT EXPERIENCE

• Expand your perspective through immersive global experiences. Study abroad opportunities help you develop intercultural competence while experiencing different cultures, traditions, and ways of life firsthand.
• Strengthen your language and cultural fluency. Complete advanced foreign language coursework that enhances your ability to communicate and engage across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
• Conduct independent research. Complete a senior research project guided by a faculty mentor that allows you to explore a topic related to global cultures, belief systems, the arts, or human experience in depth.
• Connect global learning to local communities. Volunteer and internship opportunities with organizations serving refugee and immigrant populations help you apply classroom learning while supporting diverse communities.
• Join a community of globally engaged scholars. Students regularly earn membership in Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Beta Delta and participate in UNCG’s Global Leadership Program.
• Compete for prestigious international scholarships and awards. Students have pursued opportunities such as Fulbright research and teaching awards and U.S. State Department Critical Language Scholarships, further expanding their global experiences and professional development.

AFTER GRADUATINg with A B.A. in LiBeral & Interdisciplinary Arts — International and Global Arts and Belief Systems degree

After graduating from UNC Greensboro with a concentration in International and Global Arts and Belief Systems, you’ll be prepared to navigate cultural differences and build connections across communities. Through the study of art, religion, philosophy, language, and culture, you’ll develop strong communication, critical thinking, and intercultural skills.

Graduates work in public, private, nonprofit, educational, and cultural organizations. Potential employers include the U.S. Department of State, Amnesty International, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, Booz Allen Hamilton, and the German Marshall Fund. The concentration also provides excellent preparation for graduate study in fields such as international development, international human rights, peace and conflict studies, history, counseling, and criminal justice.

Potential Career Paths

Get more information About The International and Global Arts and Belief Systems Concentration