At the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages, UO students engage with diverse cultures, languages, histories, and lifeways across the world. The school prepares our graduates for life after college with an interdisciplinary curriculum, innovative language teaching, and abundant learning opportunities outside the classroom.
New Schnitzer School:
A World of Opportunity
A landmark $25 million commitment from Jordan Schnitzer and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation is the largest-ever to the University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences and will fuel significant advancements in global education and research.
Meet Jordan Schnitzer
Jordan Schnitzer is a Portland real estate developer, philanthropist and CAS alumnus. He and his family’s legacy of philanthropy and civic service has played a vital role in shaping Oregon.
Throughout Harold and Arlene Schnitzer’s lifetimes, they exemplified a deep commitment to excellence and social responsibility, dedicating their time, wisdom and resources to causes that reflected their values and faith. Their son, Jordan Schnitzer, partnered with them in their philanthropic endeavors and today spearheads the family’s dynamic legacy of support, which extends to the University of Oregon, including a lead gift during the renovation and expansion of the UO’s art museum, which led to its renaming as the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.
On May 13, Schnitzer announced that he and the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation would elevate the university’s global studies programs and help prepare new generations of international leaders by committing to a gift of $25 million. In recognition of the extraordinary investment, the UO’s School of Global Studies and Languages has been renamed the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages.
languages ranked in the top ten for degrees awarded
majors, minors, masters, and PhD programs
What you can do with a Global Studies and Languages degree
Students in the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages graduate with the skills necessary for a robust career in the global sector. Professional Concentration Areas such as Law and Human Rights or Business, Trade and Tourism provide students with career-relevant electives and language learning, all centered on a theme.
How Global Studies and Languages Kick-Starts Your Career
“The coursework in global studies, coupled with Arabic studies and political science, taught me about the origins and current state of our international relations system, as well as cross-cultural communication. My courses and collaboration with peers set me apart from other folks in the DC area who have gone to other universities on the East Coast and gave me a view of what it meant to work in the international affairs world.
"That preparation helped me get a job right after college, starting with the United Nations, and it set me up to succeed in my current position with the British Embassy in Washington, D.C.”
—Amy Schenk, BA, global studies and double minors in Arabic studies and political science, '17
Our Degree Programs
The Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages brings together roughly 100 core faculty members across four language and literature departments, five area studies programs, the Yamada Language Center, and the Department of Global Studies. The school has an integrated curriculum that combines experiential learning programs and new ways to study and apply languages, while incorporating social science education, cultural competency, and professional training to create a hub for global careers and language learning at the UO.
Affiliated Programs, Centers and Institutes
Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages Commencement Ceremony
Sunday, June 15th, 2025
10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
East Campus Green
Learn from Experts in the Field
The School of Global Studies and Languages faculty specialize in a range of research fields that deal with some of the most important contemporary and historical issues, including:
- global health, media, and culture
- environmental studies
- social and political justice
- language and cognition across cultures
- migration
- food studies
Get Real-world Experience
To prepare students to thrive in a globalized workforce, our aim is to provide exceptional academic and professional development opportunities both at home and abroad. A few ways we do this:
- GlobalWorks Internship Program
- Academic Residential Communities
- First-year Interest Groups
- Global Education Oregon centers in Spain, Italy, and the UK
Scholarships and Funding
Our participating departments offer a variety of funding opportunities to undergraduate majors and graduate students. The College of Arts and Sciences and the UO also offer scholarships to all students.
Academic Support
Academic help for undergraduate students is available through Tykeson College and Career Advising. Located in Tykeson, the Global Connections Flight Path serves as a framework for you to explore internationally focused majors and help align your personal interests with a rewarding career track.