At a glance: International Business and Economics

"My relationships with alumni, professors and students proved invaluable in allowing me to pursue my dreams. I know I would not be where I am today without these individuals in my life."

Stephanie Bell, BSBA ’08
Investment analyst, J.P. Morgan Chase Private Wealth Group, Chicago, Ill.

Known as IBEC around The James F. Dicke College of Business Administration, international business and economics involves the study of global business issues in increasingly interdependent world markets. IBEC professionals understand the interlocking nature of culture, economics, exporting, finance, language, management and marketing. Visit the department's web site.

Degrees offered

International business and economics majors earn a bachelors of science degree.

Distinctive features

IBEC majors participate in a four-credit-hour internship and a study-abroad program during their junior or senior year, or IBEC majors may participate in a study-abroad/ internship combination. This international-experience dimension helps broaden students’ international perspective and fosters understanding and appreciation of other cultures. Study-abroad programs provide unique opportunities for individual growth and intellectual development.

IBEC majors pursue courses that enable them to understand and analyze the nature and causes of change in the global market. Majors learn the nuances of international business and management, international trade and finance, logistics, import-export and services within private industries and various government and international agencies. The IBEC program requires a second course of study in a foreign language.

Facilities

Opened in 2003, James F. Dicke Hall offers “smart” classrooms equipped with the latest instructional technology. Open computer labs have the latest hardware and software for student use. A cast-bronze polar bear greets visitors to the two-story glass faced atrium, known as the “Central Business District,” which also has a real-time stock ticker. Throughout the building, beautiful artwork graces the walls, and there are comfortable alcoves for informal gatherings.

Student organizations

Students from all majors are invited to join the International Business Club (IBC), which promotes interest in business-related internships and study-abroad opportunities. Additionally, IBC hosts speakers on international topics. Members have the opportunity to work on the Global Business Issues Journal, an annual peer-reviewed academic journal for student and faculty/student work.

Program outcomes

The College of Business Administration has programs in place, including a full-time director of experiential learning, to assist students with internship acquisition, job placement upon graduation and student-employer networking events held in major cities.

Professional placement

Current trends in business globalization indicate that IBEC majors have a wealth of opportunities on a domestic and global scale. Career avenues include working for a U.S-based company that does business abroad, traveling abroad to work as an expatriate, or working for various government and international agencies.

Graduate schools

Some graduates have gone on to get advanced degrees at Case Western Reserve University, University of Notre Dame, University of Colorado, University of South Carolina MIBS, University of Virginia and Indiana University.