The Global School




Engaging Locally and Globally for a More Just, Ethical, and Thriving World
Urgent global challenges require the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) practitioners to collaborate for a better world. This calls for education in inclusive globally minded approaches informed by the social sciences, humanities, and arts.
The Global School responds to that need—as only WPI can.
Working in partnership with communities, The Global School empowers and inspires students to become civically engaged, compassionate and globally aware individuals.
Rigorous academic preparation in the Department of Integrative and Global Studies–from the Great Problems Seminar in the first year and immersive field work through the Global Projects Program to our innovative graduate programs–gives students the critical knowledge, collaborative mindset, and methodological tools they need to advance progressive global research and meaningful community partnerships.
The Global School’s undergraduate and graduate programs, founded on the university’s half-century of leadership in project-based learning, foster interdisciplinary, purpose-driven global research that is tied to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Our Degree Programs

MS in Science and Technology for Innovation in Global Development
The global MS in science and technology for innovation gives students the opportunity to explore and apply knowledge in design thinking, global technology and development, and technological and scientific innovation to create real change with and within communities. Working collaboratively, student teams, faculty, and community partners identify and work to implement sustainable solutions that promote resilience and change that makes a positive difference for people.

MS in Community Climate Adaptation
With a collaborative and research-based focus, the Community Climate Adaptation MS degree program helps students gain the knowledge and field experience to address one of the great problems of our time. This is a joint-degree program offered through the Department of Integrative & Global Studies (DIGS) and the 土木工程系 & Environmental Engineering (CEE) where students work closely with each other, faculty, and community partners to address climate change and its impacts.
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See More EventsProject Work in the Global School
The Global School rests on a foundation of extraordinary project work conducted over the past half century and is bolstered with WPI's academic offerings and The Global School's intensive, field-based research approach. To prepare for meaningful careers where they can make real change in the world, students, faculty, and community partners collaborate on team-based, interdisciplinary projects that address real issues in more than 50 communities from the local Worcester region to as far away as Australia. This approach of co-creation transforms lives with ethical and sustainable solutions.
Students work with the university's Global Experience Office to ensure they are fully prepared for their global projects.

Great Problems Seminar Celebrates 15 Years
WPI's Great Problems Seminar (GPS) immerses first-year students in university-level research for complex global challenges. This signature program recently marked 15 years of preparing students for developing ethical global solutions, and it also has a new director.
Research in The Global School
Every student at WPI participates in The Global School research throughout their years here and particularly with their work in the Global Projects Program. The Global School crosses all disciplines to create a network of rich research opportunities and results that foster community-based action. Drawing on deep area knowledge and concern for social justice, our interdisciplinary research, in collaboration with governments, NGOs, and other global organizations, uses design thinking to develop solutions that support community needs and aspirations.
The Student and Alumni Perspective

Alum Success Story: Jacob Morse '21, MS '23
Jacob wants to help cities adapt to climate change

Student Impact
Martin Thulani Milanzi Brings STEM to Refugees in Zambia

Fulbright Scholar Solange Uwera's Path to WPI
Uwera came to WPI as a Fulbright Scholar and is finding an ideal fit between her ambitious academic pursuits and her varied personal interests.
Project Work Offers an Immersive, Interdisciplinary Experience

Preserving the Beauty of Venice
The Venice Project Center offers students the opportunity to complete projects focusing on everything from mobility and city history and art to technology and data management, all with the common goal of improving living conditions in Venice.

Sustainability of the Built Environment
Researchers seek solutions for a source of 40 percent of carbon emissions worldwide—human-made infrastructure.

2023 IIE Heiskell Award for Innovation in International Education
The award recognizes and showcases innovative and successful models for developing and expanding international education opportunities. WPI was selected for its commitment to the Global Projects Program and specifically the Global Projects for All initiative.
Do you need more information?
For international research opportunities or institutional collaborations with The Global School contact Dean Mimi Sheller.
For Global Projects Program partnership or project sponsor opportunities, contact Associate Dean Kent Rissmiller.
For graduate studies information in The Global School, contact Professor Sarah Strauss.
For graduate admissions information, contact Graduate Admissions.
For general information, contact Dawn Farmer.
Four Schools. One WPI.