What is the M.A. in Global Thought?
The Master of Arts in Global Thought takes an interdisciplinary approach to exploring critical global issues. This academic program challenges students to engage with new concepts and generate innovative questions as they examine the complexities of our interconnected and always evolving world. Students take courses taught by members of the Committee on Global Thought, an international roster of renowned scholars from across Columbia University.

This is a challenging and customizable program, designed for global citizens who are ready to rethink conventional paradigms, tackle urgent questions, and take full advantage of New York City and Columbia University’s resources and professional opportunities.
1 year-long seminar – introduces students to CGT faculty and supports them in conceptualizing, researching, and writing their MA capstone essays
3 core courses – provide broad conceptual and transdisciplinary foundations in global governance, political economy, and cultural politics
5 electives – allow students to design their education to reflect their professional goals.
9 months – students complete their MA research and degree in one academic year
10 graduate schools – offer a wealth of course offerings and opportunities
At the heart of the program, the capstone MA essay asks students to develop an original research question, hone their scholarly skills, and produce an analytical essay with publishing potential. See past essay titles in alumni class profiles.
Understanding global thinking as a process rather than a product, the Committee on Global Thought supports students in their development of insights about the changing world, drawing upon local views of global processes that affect all of us, if not in the same way.
Renowned Global Scholars
Throughout the degree, students develop their ideas in conversation with some of the university’s most accomplished scholars from around the world, including CGT members and other Columbia faculty, including Neil Aggarwal, Kevin Funk, Kian Tajbakhsh, David Park, Carol Gluck and Vishakha Desai. The core seminar introduces students to a variety of CGT members, from world famous scholars to new thinkers doing cutting-edge research.

Global Columbia
New York City, one of the world’s most vibrant and global cities, is a unique place from which to think about our shared future.
Columbia University is a pioneer in creating a globally structured and oriented university for the 21st century.
The Committee on Global Thought, established by Columbia President Lee C. Bollinger in 2006, brings together diverse scholars to seek new analytic categories and concepts to comprehend the changing and increasingly globalized world.
Global Thought students enjoy access to Columbia’s resources in the academic and professional schools, expansive library collections, and a full calendar of campus events. They take advantage of their NYC location to connect with organizations, institutions, and opportunities across the city. On campus, their diverse cohort provides a dynamic learning community.
41nationalities among alumni |
33%of graduates work outside the US |
Professionalization and Careers
An innovative academic offering, the M.A. in Global Thought prepares students for a wide range of future careers in development, nongovernmental organizations, government, public policy, academia, research, and the private sector.
The combined focus on developing nuanced research and broadly ranging knowledge prepares students for employment, as well as for further study in professional schools or Ph.D. programs.
During or after the program, students pursue internships and volunteer positions at UNICEF, UNDP, Bain Capital, The Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies, International Chamber of Commerce, Wondersauce, and more.
Global Thought alumni provide a robust and growing network of savvy mentors around the world.

Private, Public, and Nonprofit
Albright Stonebridge Group
Andela
APMG Nebular
Applied Intuition
Ascolta Ventures, LLC
Bergeson, LLP
British Diplomatic Services
BVR Media
Carrefour China
Cerillion Technologies
Choco
China Merchant Bank
Church World Service
Civil Aviation Authority, Singapore
Cloudberry Creative
CollegeVine
Crisp
E3G
ESCAL Communication
European Commission
Fragomen
Girl Rising
German Development Cooperation
Google
Grant Thornton LLP
Graphika, Inc.
Hangsterfer’s Laboratories
Heritage Experiential Learning School
Houlihan Lokey
HSBC
J.P. Morgan
J.S. Johnson investments
Joongaifg Ilbo
JRI America
Kukje Academy
Lumiere Education
New York Common Pantry
Nevada Assembly, Democratic Caucus
NGO Sustainability
NYSC
Office of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs of Mexico (SRE)
One to World
PiLnet
Pontoka
PwC
Rabin Martin
Reflections of War Initiative
Rockefeller Foundation
Saga Education
Save the Children UK
Sia Partners
Singapore Civil Service, Maritime & Port Authority
Singapore Civil Service, Ministry of Education
Singapore Civil Service, Ministry of Finance
Singapore Civil Service, Ministry of Home Affairs
Singtel
SRI
StartUp Health
Statista
SupChina
Teach for America
Teach for Qatar
Teneo
UberEATS
UNCDF
UNDP
UNICEF
United Nations
UN Migration Agency
Waterbrook Consultants
VISA
Wondersauce
Women’s Education Project
Women’s Equality Center
World Education Services
WPP
Research and Further Study
Brown University, Graduate School
Columbia University, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation
Columbia University, Teacher’s College
Fordham, School of Law
Fulbright Program
London School of Economics and Political Science
Syracuse University, The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs
Tsinghua University, School of Law
Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona
University of Cambridge
University of Chicago
University of Melbourne
University of Minnesota
University.of Pennsylvania, School of Sociology