The Institute is an academic unit whose primary purpose is to provide students with a set of skills that will foster critical and analytical thinking and problem solving preparing them for responsible global citizenship. Students who elect to major in this highly rigorous and relevant course of study do so under the guidance of a caring, dedicated, and nurturing faculty, highly skilled in their specific disciplines, who also collaborate with each other to help students integrate their coursework. The major consists of 10 courses totaling 36 credit hours to complete the degree program, as well as the writing of a Senior Thesis.

Institute Objectives
The objectives of our institute are to foster:
*Critical Thinking
*Problem Solving
*Responsible Global Citizenship

The central dynamic of the Global Interdisciplinary Studies major is five global interdisciplinary seminars, three of which are mandatory (Introduction to Global Interdisciplinary Studies, the Junior Research Seminar, and the Capstone Colloquium).

In any given curriculum cluster, which is designed by the student, his or her faculty mentor, and the institute director, the student may take up to 10 seminars. Furthermore, students are required to participate in a semester-long study abroad experience, which focuses on language and cultural immersion.

The major in global interdisciplinary studies is a reiteration of the Augustinian vision of an engaged community of learners within the global context. The purpose of the institute centers on the College’s service to the broader University community in the humanization and globalization of the professions and disciplines.

For more information about the Institute for Global Interdisciplinary Studies, please contact Maghan Keita, Ph.D., the Director of the Institute.