WPI's Department of Integrative & Global Studies (DIGS) is a unique academic department that functions as a gateway for students and faculty to connect with and make a difference in communities around the world.
As part of The Global School at WPI, the department serves three vital components of WPI’s project-based learning model. These are: the Great Problems Seminar, a program that gives students and faculty the opportunity to combine disciplinary lenses to explore holistic approaches to global problem solving; the Interactive Qualifying Project, a distinctive interdisciplinary project experience that challenges students to examine the impact of science and technology on society to address social issues and human needs; and the Global Projects Program, WPI’s signature study and work away program.
Building on WPI’s distinctive interdisciplinary, project-based approach to education, a Community Climate Adaptation (CCA) Master’s program—a joint program between the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and DIGS—offers students training to support communities and organizations as they adapt to the impacts of a changing climate around the globe. Students also have the opportunity to pursue Individually Designed Interdisciplinary Majors that are approved, supported and overseen through the department.
Through DIGS, new research and academic programs will continue to emerge and develop through a dedication to interdisciplinary research with real-world impacts.
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In the Great Problems Seminar (GPS), first-year students tackle some of the world’s most pressing problems, helping them to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed not only for the rest of their college career, but for life. This two-term, introductory project-based course—taught by two professors from different disciplines—allows students to step outside their disciplines, work in teams, and delve into issues of global importance.
WPI students aren’t your typical learners, and the Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) is not your typical study abroad. Each term, students and faculty members travel to one of 40+ project centers around the country and the world to put theory into practice. Follow 20 students and one faculty member as they travel to Bar Harbor, Maine and embark on a distinctive immersive project experience working with a local sponsoring organization.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship supports undergraduate U.S. citizens of limited financial means to study abroad with the goal to “reshape study abroad to make it more accessible and inclusive for American students.” WPI was named a Top Producing Institution for the 2018—2019 academic year, earning additional recognition as a top producer of STEM students as well among medium-sized colleges and universities that produced scholarship winners.
Since 2016, IIE has recognized the U.S. colleges and universities that have made strategic commitments to the Generation Study Abroad initiative and achieved their goal of increasing the number of U.S. students studying abroad from their campus before the end of the decade. This year, 28 campuses, including WPI, were recognized by IIE for meeting their Generation Study Abroad commitments and successfully increasing the numbers of students participating in study abroad.
Inside Higher Ed's Academic Minute featured Kent Rissmiller, dean of interdisciplinary and global studies ad interim, who explores how project-based learning can set students up for success outside school.
Inside Higher Ed featured an audio segment by Geoffrey Pfeifer, associate teaching professor, in its Academic Minute section.
