The Global Program
The Global Program offers students theoretically grounded frameworks that strengthen their understanding of international order-making, great power competition, state-building, economic development, and social change. Through interdisciplinary coursework and immersive international experiences, students develop the intercultural, strategic, and foresight competencies needed to communicate, plan, and lead effectively in complex international environments.
What do I study in the Global Program?
Topics of study are highlighted below in relation to the Lauder Institute’s four geopolitical themes. This is not a complete list, nor is this how the courses are structured. These topics will be covered during the 2-year degree. Language of instruction is English. Syllabi are subject to change.
Strategic Decision-Making in a Multipolar World
Explore the shifting distribution of global power, and how leaders and states navigate political conflict and transnational institutions to advance their interests. Learn leading strategic foresight tools, including scenario-planning, to hedge against global geopolitical risks. Acquire an understanding of economic statecraft and its impact on global business.
Data-Driven Societies and Economies
Examine the impact of media, information wars, and AI governance on global and national politics. Learn how emerging technologies impact great power competition and market governance. Evaluate how acts of category-making and classification shape economic and social formations in historically significant ways.
Economic Inclusion and Development
Examine cross-regional models of economic development and industrial policy to assess their applicability to current country cases. Explore how democracy, authoritarianism, and populism shape economic and political outcomes at the national, local, and individual levels. Learn how models of governance influence patterns of inclusion, social and economic inequality, collective action, and political influence.
Resource Management and Interdependencies
Study the geopolitics of natural resources, including critical minerals, to explore the increasing leverage of resource-rich countries and the ever-shifting dynamics of great power competition. Evaluate how business, state, and non-state actors influence the governance of global supply chains. Apply theories of collective action and game theory to understand multilateral governance and its challenges.
Sonia Alb
“Lauder’s Global Program has broadened my worldview and added a powerful dimension to my Wharton education. Its blend of economics, geopolitics, and culture deepened my understanding of global business dynamics, especially in finance, technology, and consumer markets. The intimate cohort setting and engagement with business leaders has made the experience especially meaningful.”
Patrick Vencovsky Moura Miranda
“The Global Program has been an unparalleled complement to my Wharton experience, sharpening my ability to deconstruct complex empirical puzzles and analyze issues through political, sociological, and anthropological lenses. In just a short period, the program has expanded my toolkit and increased my awareness of how global dynamics, societal forces, and business strategy intersect in nuanced and meaningful ways.”
Lucia Yang
“The Global program at Lauder is unique and irreplaceable. Immersion and classroom discussions have helped me connect countries and peoples in ways I had never considered, exploring critical political and sociological issues from multifaceted and thought-provoking perspectives. This program has greatly accelerated my journey toward becoming a true global citizen.”
Language Requirements
For admission to the Global Program, fluency in English as well as a Superior level OPI rating in any language other than English is required.
Degree Requirements*
Lauder Institute students need 14 credit units (CUs) to graduate with a Masters in International Studies. Learn about the course sequence of the Global Program and the specific requirements for degree completion.
Are You Ready?
Are you ready to take your career to the next level with the Lauder Institute joint-degree? Get in touch with our admissions team or click below to sign up for an info session.
