The Baylor University Global Scholars Program is a unique four-year educational and professional development opportunity. It is designed to provide students with various cultural perspectives for a robust academic, social, and service experience to build networks with other students, faculty, and alumni worldwide. Through a combination of coursework, research, internships, experiential learning, and interaction with leaders in the global community, Global Scholars will develop as global citizens with the skills and knowledge base necessary to thrive in an increasingly global workforce. As a Global Scholar, you will travel and study abroad, undertake undergraduate research with a faculty mentor, and serve in local and global communities. You will also earn the Certificate in Global Engagement with your degree. As a Global Scholar, you will be immersed in diverse experiences and traditions that provide a unique and rich lens through which to focus your major studies and your future career plans.
Curriculum
| Year | Fall Semester | Spring Semester | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | Abroad (Location: Western Europe), Study Abroad | Baylor, Waco Campus | |
| 2nd Year | Engage Fellows | Engage Fellows | |
| 3rd Year | Second international experience / Undergraduate Research or Civic Engagement (Fall, Spring, or Summer) | ||
| 4th Year | Opportunity to become Provost Scholars | Present Research |
Freshmen Year
Your freshman year will begin in abroad, where you will engage in an immersive semester abroad filled with opportunities for experiential learning, service, and development of the framework for your four years as a Global Scholar. Classes are taught by a blend of local university professors and your Baylor Faculty Director. In addition, Global Scholars will be introduced to the Certificate in Global Engagement program.
Your spring semester will continue back on the Waco campus, taking a cohort class Learning for the World, with your Global Scholars Program Director. You will also be encouraged to live in the Baylor & Beyond Living-Learning Center, Baylor’s comprehensive and intentional community where residents learn with and from each other, encourage and support academic success, embrace the culture of Baylor University, and broaden their cultural understanding.
Sophomore Year
Your sophomore-year students will be encouraged to live in the Baylor & Beyond Living-Learning Center. You will also be invited upon successfully completing Learning for the World to join the Engage Fellows Program which will pair you with a faculty/staff mentor. In line with the goals of the program and as part of earning the Certificate in Global Engagement, Scholars will be required to take at least one course during their Sophomore or Junior year that enhances their global knowledge and cultural competencies. You will also be encouraged to volunteer as peer mentors for the following year’s Global Scholars.
Junior Year
A monthly seminar and faculty mentoring will guide and support students along the pathway of integrating scholarship, citizenship, and leadership and will foster community among fellows. As part of your global studies, you will again travel abroad during your Junior year. Your destination will be based on your academic focus, career goals, and desired study location. This travel experience can be an internship, community engagement, mission trip, group or individual study abroad, or research activity. This can be conducted during the fall, spring, or summer. Global Scholars will also work with their faculty mentors to identify a research topic connected to one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Senior Year
You will enjoy networking opportunities with global professionals in your final year as a Global Scholar. In addition, you will have the opportunity to apply for Provost Scholars. The highest honor of the Engage Fellows Program. Finally, come graduation, you and your cohort will be recognized for your accomplishments as Baylor University Global Scholars and Engage Fellows, as well as receiving cords and a signed certificate recognizing your completion of the Certificate in Global Engagement. From there, you will continue to grow as an individual and a global citizen.
Eligibility
Students must qualify to apply by achieving a minimum of a 3.0 high school GPA. Due to course requirements and sequencing, students studying in certain areas such as Education, Music, and Nursing should work with their academic advisors to see whether the Global Scholars Program can fit into their degree plans. Students must first be accepted to Baylor before receiving admittance to the program.