A Strong Foundation in the Liberal Arts: Webster’s Global Citizenship Program
The Global Citizenship Program (GCP) is the cornerstone of every undergraduate experience at Webster University, embodying the transformative power of a liberal arts education. As Webster’s signature academic program, the GCP sets us apart, offering a dynamic approach to learning that prepares students for success in a diverse and ever-evolving global landscape.
“What are the liberal arts? The liberal arts are a way of learning that helps you think critically, solve problems and communicate effectively. Instead of focusing on just one subject, the liberal arts include a variety of fields like history, science, literature, art, math and philosophy. The idea is to give you a broad education that prepares you for many different careers and life challenges. You’ll learn how to ask big questions, understand the world around you, and connect ideas from different areas. In simple terms, the liberal arts help you grow as a thinker, communicator and problem-solver — skills that are valuable no matter where life takes you.”
Designed to expand your perspective and sharpen essential skills, the GCP equips you with the critical thinking, communication skills, ethical reasoning and cultural fluency needed for today’s complex careers. Through its interdisciplinary courses, the program cultivates the competencies that define responsible global citizens — individuals who not only navigate the world’s challenges but lead with purpose and vision.
Webster’s GCP doesn’t just broaden your horizons; it positions you to excel and make an impact wherever your ambitions take you.
A Global Academic Experience for Every Webster Student
At Webster University, the Global Citizenship Program (GCP) unites all bachelor’s students across our international campuses in a shared journey of intellectual growth and discovery.
From your very first semester, you’ll engage in a thoughtfully designed series of courses that expand your understanding of the world while building essential skills for lifelong success. The GCP curriculum spans six key knowledge areas, ensuring a well-rounded and impactful education:
- Roots of Cultures (ROC): Explore the roots of cultures and what shapes our collective identities.
- Social Systems and Human Behavior (SSHB): Examine social systems and human behavior to understand the dynamics of societies.
- Physical and Natural World (PNW): Investigate the principles governing our natural environment.
- Global Understanding (GLBL): Develop global understanding through the study of diverse languages and cultures.
- Arts Appreciation (ARTS): Unlock creativity and insight through artistic engagement.
- Quantitative Literacy (QL): Build analytical skills to interpret data and solve real-world problems.
The GCP isn’t just a set of courses — it’s a global foundation that connects every Webster student to a shared mission of academic excellence and responsible global citizenship.
Image Transcript
Six circles interlock to form a circle. At the center is Global Citizenship Program.
Each of the interlocking circles include a knowledge area and a representative icon. Starting at the top center, Global Understanding, Quantitative Literacy, Roots of Cultures, Social Systems and Human Behavior, Physical and Natural World, and Arts Appreciation.
Building Skills for Life and Career Success
The Global Citizenship Program (GCP) goes beyond knowledge, equipping you with essential transversal skills that drive personal growth and professional achievement. Through the GCP, you’ll master five core skill areas critical for thriving in today’s world:
- Critical Thinking (CRI): Analyze complex problems and craft innovative solutions.
- Oral Communication (OCOM): Develop confidence in presenting and articulating your thoughts.
- Written Communication (WCOM): Express your ideas with clarity and impact.
- Ethical Reasoning (ETH): Navigate challenges with integrity and sound judgment.
- Intercultural Competence (INTC): Engage effectively in diverse cultural settings.
These skills form the foundation for success in any career, empowering you to lead, adapt, and make meaningful contributions in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Guided Support for a Well-Rounded Education
Throughout your bachelor’s degree, your academic advisors will be your partners in success, helping you select courses that fulfill both the requirements of the Global Citizenship Program (GCP) and your major. Each semester, you will strike a balance between advancing in your field of study and building the broad, interdisciplinary skills that the GCP provides — ensuring a dynamic and enriching academic journey.
Program Head Julianna Sandholm-Bark on What to Expect at Webster
Transcript
[Music]
Text on screen: Webster Geneva Campus Faculty Spotlight
[Professor Julianna Sandholm Bark sits in a plush red chair behind a textured beige wall.]
Text on screen: Julianna Sandholm Bark, Head of Global Citizenship Program
Hi, I'm Julianna Sandholm-Bark, and I'm the head of the Global Citizenship program at Webster Geneva.
Text on screen: Why Webster Geneva Campus?
Webster has a wonderful curriculum based on an interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum, which means that students come to study here, and they’re, of course, pursuing their major degree. At the same time, they get to acquire a set of skills, and the job market right now is really interested in people who have a diverse skill set. So communication skills, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, negotiation skills, presentation skills, research skills, foreign language proficiency, cultural literacy, emotional intelligence and leadership, all of these are very valuable in our culture today.
At Webster, we really think it’s important to educate people for democracy and global citizenship. Students have to come and learn to listen, to argue, to listen to each other and to different points of view, to reflect on other points of view, and to do all of that in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect. Which, we really think of the classroom as a kind of microcosm for society. So the students come, they practice these skills in the classroom, and hopefully, export them in society.
Text on screen: Why should I attend your classes?
So I teach several classes. I think the one that all freshmen tend to take with me because they have to is this Liberal Arts Lab class. So they come, and they practice all the skills that I was talking about earlier, so these liberal arts skills, you know, communication, critical thinking, and so on. I think that’s a really essential class because students come from different educational backgrounds, and it’s important to give them a common understanding of what’s expected of them at university.
The other classes I teach tend to be more artistic. So art history classes is a wonderful subject to teach — it connects you to a history of human creativity. I teach several different types of art appreciation class. So one that focuses on art and crime, another one that focuses on the art market, so looking at what art sells today and how the art market system works. I also teach an art appreciation course that has a study trip attached to it, which focuses on the cultural heritage of Paris. And I'm preparing one right now that has to do with fashion.
Text on screen: Webster Geneva Campus
“The faculty teaching GCP courses are committed to helping you sharpen your intellectual agility, a capacity for independent learning, and an enthusiasm for collaboration — all of which are closely aligned with professional effectiveness and personal fulfillment through lifelong learning.” — Julianna Sandholm-Bark, Head of the Global Citizenship Program
Global Citizenship Program Learning Outcomes
In addition to the knowledge you learn in the GCP, you will also develop transversal skills that support your personal and professional development:
Five Skills Areas
- Written Communication
- Oral Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Ethical Reasoning
- Intercultural Competence
Electives and Sample Courses
In addition to the courses that fulfill the GCP requirements, the department offers courses in a range of elective areas. Primary themes for elective courses include:
- French language and culture
- Ethics and philosophy
- Science and sustainability
- The arts (creative writing, visual arts, acting)
These aligns with our institutional effort to create a culture of “respect, wellness and sustainability” at Webster Geneva Campus. In addition, many courses are directly related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), expanding your awareness of global challenges, and building upon your capacity to contribute as a global citizen in your future career.
The GCP program also houses an academic Minor in French, which is important because it gives you a chance to improve your language skills to better integrate into the Swiss job market.
Sample Courses Offered in the GCP include:
Get a deeper understanding of the causes, consequences and prevention of crime, equipping them with critical thinking skills to analyze social issues. It also offers valuable insights for careers in law, public policy, social work or criminal justice.
Approach the choices you make with confidence, clarity, and critical thinking. Whether you're choosing a career path, solving complex problems or managing everyday challenges, this course helps you develop the skills to make thoughtful, informed decisions that lead to better outcomes in both your personal and professional life.
Why should you take Elementary French? Because we are living in a French-speaking part of Switzerland and because learning a new language will enrich your life and sharpen your skills, whether for travel, career advancement or personal growth.
Why should you take Science in the News? To help you critically evaluate scientific information presented in the media, helping you become more informed and discerning citizens. It also bridges the gap between complex scientific research and everyday life, showing how science impacts current events and public policy.
Understand and appreciate how artistic traditions across cultures have evolved, influenced and shaped one another over time. This course will broaden your global perspective and will foster your appreciation for diversity through the lens of visual expression.
Why should you take Public Speaking? To help you build confidence and communication skills, to learn to express emotions, work collaboratively and think on your feet — skills that enhance both personal growth and professional success.
Some Global Citizenship Program requirements can actually "double-count," to support your choice of a second major, a minor or certificate program. In other words, your choices in the GCP can open up some interesting possibilities for you as students.