Global Thought Scholars

Applications are now closed for the 2025-2026 Global Thought Scholars Program. Application details for the 2026-2027 Global Thought Scholars Program will be available by Fall 2026.

Urgent challenges confronting our world today require new and cross-cutting ways of thinking and acting. Global Thought Scholars are trained to think globally about issues of importance to them and to develop their own research projects in collaboration with classmates of diverse majors and disciplinary approaches.

The program welcomes sophomores and juniors of all majors from Columbia College, General Studies, SEAS, and Barnard. Scholars will be chosen for their academic record, commitment to new ways of learning, and diversity of backgrounds and disciplines.

Program structure:

  • First Fall: Sophomores and juniors apply for the program and Global Thought Scholars are selected and announced.
  • Spring: Global Thought Scholars enroll in CGTH 3600: Approaches to Global Thought to investigate transdisciplinary approaches to contemporary questions and develop collaborative research projects.
  • Summer: Global Thought Scholars receive stipends to conduct research with their project teams.
  • Second Fall: Global Thought Scholars participate in a Symposium where they will present their completed projects.
  • Throughout their time, Global Thought Scholars will benefit from close faculty mentoring and activities with their cohort in Global New York.

Benefits:

  • Membership in a diverse cohort of globally-minded students
  • Mentorship from Global Thought faculty
  • Training in transdisciplinary thinking and teamwork with the aim of developing a broader horizon of understanding and engagement than a conventional major alone can provide
  • Opportunity to engage in collaborative work on projects that aim to have an impact beyond the university
  • Activities in Global New York City
  • Summer research stipends

Applicants should:

  • Apply in their sophomore and junior years
  • Complete the application and upload a resume and transcript (unofficial is fine)

Questions?

Please email the CGT Assistant Director of Academic Programs, Farryl Last, at fl2608@columbia.edu with any questions.