Abstract

A survey was completed by a probability sample of 374 undergraduate students at a public comprehensive university in Midwestern United States. Survey questions were adapted from the World Values Survey (2009) in order to assess knowledge, understanding, and beliefs about global issues. While most of the respondents identified themselves as citizens of the world, many also expressed a belief that they had little power to fix the world's problems. Specific factors were identified as significant predictors of global citizenship and nihilism, suggesting that universities can do more to help students feel empowered to make the necessary changes in their world.