Our Mission

The International and Global Studies Program educates and empowers students to be engaged global citizens. 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.  Advanced foreign language proficiency and intercultural competency gained through transformative experiences such as study abroad and service within our culturally diverse community are also integral components of the Program. We therefore prepare our students for a variety of public- and private-sector careers where these skills, qualities, and experiences are valued, as well as for graduate and professional studies in fields with an international or global focus. 

Program Objectives

In order to achieve its Mission, the IGS Program is designed to meet 5 core objectives:

OBJECTIVE 1:  Research: Students will be able to locate and comprehend information provided by a range of authoritative sources pertinent to the study of international and global issues.

OBJECTIVE 2: Critical Analysis and Evaluation: Students will be able to analyze critically and evaluate international and global issues through the application of research.

OBJECTIVE 3:  Intercultural Competence: Students will have the capability to understand accurately and adapt behavior appropriately to cultural difference and commonality.

OBJECTIVE 4:  Communication Skills: Students will be able to communicate relevant facts and argue positions, orally and in writing, in a clear and persuasive manner, appropriate to a given audience and occasion, relating to international and global topics.

OBJECTIVE 5:  Foreign Language: Students will attain an “advanced-level” proficiency of a foreign language.

For information on the structure of the IGS Program, see Concentrations.