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Components of the IB major
Up one levelFAQ overview
- Is the International Business a stand alone major?
- What is the intent of the core IB course?
- What is the intent of the elective IB courses?
- Why a functional minor?
Is the International Business a stand alone major?
No, the study of international business should be undertaken in conjunction with a strong functional program (initially in either marketing or finance). While international business specialists are increasingly attractive to many firms, many entry-level positions are still in the functional business areas.
What is the intent of the core IB course?
The intent of the core courses is to provide our students an eclectic understanding of political, social and economic dimensions of international business. We place the Multinational Corporation as the focal actor and host and home governments, local societies, and consumers as key supporting players. The International Competitive Course is an information intensive course that includes international team projects, a practicum and a variety of written and oral assignments. Collectively, the core courses provide the fundamental building blocks for the functional minors as well as the students’ chosen elective courses.
What is the intent of the elective IB courses?
The elective courses provide student breadth in the study of international business. Students are to choose courses from five different areas, three of which are in the Zicklin School of Business, while two of which are not. These courses provide a broad spectrum of topics including law, supply chain management, technology, intercultural communications and political organizations. Two additional courses are offered, the first is a special topics courses that would be taught by Zicklin faculty and would address timely emerging areas in the discipline. The second would offer a student the opportunity to engage in a research project sponsored by a professor in an area of mutual interest. Students are free to select any three of these electives to fulfill the requirements for an International Business major.
Why a functional minor?
A minor in a functional area is required. The international business major and finance and marketing are complements for several profession areas such as commodity analysis, import/export trading, diamond merchandising, etc. For many large organizations, students must be able to demonstrate an understanding of a functional area to be seriously considered for employment. International business is often a specialization in one of these areas. For other positions, such as consulting, a functional area still helps, but these companies are mainly looking for well round individuals with broad experience including a foreign language. Each minor consists of 9 credits. Students can choose between a minor in Marketing or Finance.
