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The Institute for Innovation and Global Engagement is home to academic and professional programs, offering students distinction pathways through its Global Honors and NextGen Civic Leader Corps Programs and professional development through its Global Innovation and Design Lab. Our students are problem solvers in an interdependent world, developing an empathetic understanding of cultures and systems through interdisciplinary research, travel, and community engagement. Well-resourced and experientially rich pathways in honors, global engagement, innovation and design, and public service, together with applied community projects, prepare students for graduate studies and careers across industry, government, and nonprofit sectors.
Global Honors is UW Tacoma's only interdisciplinary campus honors program, adding distinction to the bachelor's degree. Generous funding, small cohorts, and seminar style classes contribute to a supportive and inclusive environment.
The Global Innovation and Design (GID) Lab is a space for creative problem solving. Faculty and design practitioners provide workshops and training in human centered design for community and campus clients. The GID Internship Program brings students into a professional environment where they receive training in design thinking and participatory design methodologies to assist in workshops and interdisciplinary projects. Community connections and portfolios provide interns with a valuable lead into careers in design, user research, and related areas. Interns may earn a Digital Badge in design thinking.
The Global Honors Program extends its benefits to all UW Tacoma students through two Minors. Students are eligible for a range of financial awards and build career connections through the IIGE's professional network.
The IIGE offers microcredentials in two high value programs that connect student to careers in innovation and design, public service, and civic engagement. Microcredentials are shorter-term, specialized learning opportunities that give students the skills and connections they need to graduate to careers in their chosen field of study. Students earn digital badges that effectively convey the learning undertaken. The IIGE's microcredentials are awarded by a faculty executive committee of its representative Faculty Council.
