SIU's mission to educate world citizens explores the potential of globalization in the educational experience, whether online or on-campus. Every degree program has a core of courses based on SIU's global philosophy, so students can be prepared to address international issues with the depth and breadth of knowledge that underscores the strength of the traditional American melting pot. In addition, the university's dedicated faculty and staff make SIU's rural West Virginia setting as synonymous with “globally competitive” as it is with “almost heaven” by embodying the spirit of internationalism.

SIU is an accredited, established university that will continue to adapt to the rapidly changing world. Since 1888, SIU has transitioned seamlessly from decade to decade, century to century, adapting to the times, and to the needs of each generation's students.