THE NSU EDGE ON A GLOBAL SCALE
NSU Sharks are, by nature, agents of change. If you’re dedicated to raising awareness around global issues and passionate about building a diverse community, then the Hochberg-Miniaci Razor’s Edge Global Scholars Program at Nova Southeastern University is for you.
As a Global Scholar, you’ll develop skills that will prepare you to make an impact in your community while also building the potential for an international career. You’ll also receive a $22,000 - $25,000 annual scholarship package and earn a minor in Global Engagement. Previous scholars have landed positions working abroad and earned fellowships with international organizations.
Program Overview and Objectives
“This program has taught me to reach the baseline with people, try to understand their backgrounds, and embrace them for who they are.”
Maria V. | Pre-Law, Global Engagement
Key Skills and Experience Gained
- Global Engagement
- Citizen Diplomacy
- Servant Leadership
- Access and Equity
- Environmental Sustainability
- Professionalism and Career Readiness
The NSU Edge Advantage
Global Scholars are empowered to engage in campus internationalization and build cross-cultural understanding. Through studies in global leadership and international relations, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to leave your mark on the world.
YEAR ONE: Discover
Year one is all about introducing Global Scholars to the Razor’s Edge Global community with program-based networking and mentorship. You’ll begin to establish yourself as a student leader through a self-designed Community Impact Project (CIP).
Coursework
• RAZG 1500—Global Leadership
• INST 1500—Global Issues
Experiential Learning: Community Impact
CIPs are initiatives aimed at the betterment of NSU and local communities. Examples of past CIPs include events and new sustainability policies—all proposed, organized, managed, and evaluated by Razor’s Edge Global Scholars.
YEAR TWO: Build
In year two of the Razor’s Edge Global Scholars Program, you’ll expand your service beyond the local community and begin to engage on a global scale.
Coursework
• RAZG1502—Multiculturalism & Diversity Issues
• COMM2300—Intercultural Communication
Experiential Learning: Addressing Multicultural and Diversity Issues
In your second year, you will demonstrate true servant leadership by taking what you learn about bias and social injustices in class and spearheading an initiative on campus. You will use leadership skills, communication skills, conflict resolution, and global sensitivity to gain hands-on experience and influence your peers.
YEAR THREE: Experience
This year, Global Scholars start to apply the knowledge they’ve accumulated during the first two years of the program. You’ll use global leadership, multicultural competency, global awareness, and intercultural communication to complete a Global Engagement Project.
Coursework
• RAZG 1501—Global Engagement
• RAZG 1503-Global Engagement Portfolio (with optional international spring break trip)
Experiential Learning: Global Engagement
The Global Engagement Project is a culmination of work spanning the first three years of the program. You’ll design and execute your own projects or participate in the travel study program. Previous Global Engagement projects have included:
- volcano clean-ups in El Salvador
- virtual English tutoring for refugees
- revitalizing an orphanage in Peru
YEAR FOUR: Mentor
In year four you transform into a global leader—taking all you have learned and passing that expertise along to the next generation of Global Scholars.
Coursework
Preapproved Elective Credit
Experiential Learning: Global Leadership
Year four is the culmination of your hard work. With all the experience and knowledge you’ve acquired during your first three years, you’re well prepared to guide younger Global Scholars. Your responsibilities will include:
- mentoring and supporting underclassmen with their impact projects
- mentoring underclassmen on how to be successful in college while keeping an open mind
- serving in leadership roles to shape and evolve the program
Razor’s Edge Global Scholars Get Tools to Make an International Impact
Program and Minor Requirements
Earn a Minor in Global Engagement
As a Global Scholar, you can immerse yourself in any major that serves your interests, but we do require you to minor in global engagement. This minor is designed to provide learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. You’ll be involved in global leadership and engagement activities on campus and at the local, state, national, and international levels.
Requirements for the minor include completing 10 credits from the required course core and 6 credits from the elective courses.
Core Courses
- COMM 2300 Intercultural Communication (3 credits)
- INST 1500 Global Issues (3 credits)
- RAZG 1500 Global Leadership (1 credit)
- RAZG 1501 Global Engagement (1 credit)
- RAZG 1502 Multicultural and Diversity Issues (1 credit)
- RAZG 1503 Global Engagement Portfolio (1 credit)
- Elective Courses (6 credits from the following courses)
Elective Courses
- HIST 3400 U.S. Foreign Relations (3 credits)
- HUMM 1200 Introduction to World Religions (3 credits)
- LITR 2031 World Literature II (3 credits)
- POLS 2300 International Relations (3 credits)
- FOREIGN LANGUAGE* (3–6 credits)
- STUDY ABROAD* (3–6 credits)
*Language must be approved by program director.
Required GPA: Earn a grade of “B” (3.0) or better in each undergraduate course used to satisfy the minor, and maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA.
What Else do we expect from Razor’s Edge Global Scholars?
Our globally minded Sharks are sharp, fast, and prepared to dominate international waters with diplomacy and grace.
Community Engagement
Razor’s Edge Global Scholars lead by example, champion diversity, and get directly involved in global causes.
Academic Excellence
Global Scholars are among our top students, committed to excelling in a rigorous curriculum. Along with their chosen majors, our Sharks are tasked with taking on a challenging minor.
Cocurricular Participation
Global Scholars are expected to engage in campus activities with an international flavor, such as International Education Week, International Student Orientation, Sharks Abroad Fair, and Sharks Abroad Week. They also complete an annual impact project that helps NSU’s international community.
Serve as a Student Success Mentor
In your first year, you’ll receive training on how to be a student success mentor. In your second and third years, you’ll serve as an active mentor. In your fourth year, it will be your turn to train members of the incoming Razor’s Edge class and share what you’ve learned during your time as a mentor.
Academic Requirements at a Glance
Connect with the Razor’s Edge Global Program
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Program Contact
If you have any questions about the program, please email razorsedgeglobal@nova.edu or call (954) 262-7420.
Prospective Students
Connect with an admissions counselor to learn more about the application process.
Learn How to ApplyCurrent Razor’s Edge Global Scholars
Get in touch with your career and academic success coach if you have questions about coursework or to chat about future career goals.
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