Globalization brings extraordinary changes in international economic relations. Concepts of time, distance, and markets have changed dramatically due to innovation in communications, transportation, and information technology. As a result, companies need new kinds of managers - individuals who not only have strong business skills, but who are comfortable managing and communicating across cultures. These individuals understand the potential and risks of new markets and have the ability to think globally while acting locally. Students must take the International Business (IB) co-major in conjunction with their primary major within VSB. A minor in IB will supplement a business degree by providing cross-cultural skills valued by global companies.
IB Co-Major Requirements
Three (3) international business elective courses from at least two different disciplines:
Note: IB co-majors are required to take an international course in their major discipline if such a course is offered. An international course in each major is reqired if a student has more than one major. The course(s) will also satisfy a major elective requirement.
One (1) international-related History or international-related social science selected from geography and the environment, history, psychology, political science, or sociology.
Language Requirement: Successful completion of placement beyond the intermediate levels on language placement exam administred by Villanova University OR two semesters of a foreign language (minimum of 6 credits) at or above intermediate level if French, Greek, Italian, Latin, Portuguese, or Spanish is chosen OR two semesters at the introduction level if Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Hindustani, Japanese, or Russian is chosen, provided the student has not taken the language in high school for two years or more.
Approved international study experience.
International Minor Requirements
Two (2) International Business elective courses from at least two different disciplines:
Note: IB minors are required to take an international course in their major discipline if such a course is offered. An international course in each major is required if student has more than one major. This course(s) will also satisfy a major elective requirement.
One (1) international-related History or international-related social science selected from geography and the environment, history, psychology, political science, or sociology.
Language Requirement: If students have two years of a foreign language in high school, the language requirement is waived; otherwise, students are required to take two semester of a foreign language (minimum 6 credits) at or above the introductory level.
International study experience is OPTIONAL.
Student Societies and Extracurricular Activities
The International Business Society is a student-run organization that brings guest speakers to campus to discuss international business practices and career opportunities. Study abroad programs allow students to study in another country for academic credit. Approximately 50 percent of VSB students study abroad during their programs. The Center for Global Leadership (CGL) is a resource for students interested in international careers. The CGL actively supports student research, sponsors international business plan competitions, and brings renowned speakers to campus.
Study Abroad Opportunities
VSB offers a wide range of international opportunities including semester study abroad, summer study abroad and internship placements. The more popular VSB summer study abroad programs include:
- London School of Economics, London, England
- John Cabot University, Rome, Italy
- American University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
For more information, please visit the Office of International Studies.
Type of Job Opportunities
Because most companies participate in global markets, students who have skills in and knowledge about international business practices and cross-cultural management have a distinct advantage in the business world. Thus, a co-major in International Business facilitates success in a wide variety of careers. As the IB co-major must be combined with a primary major in another discipline, the types of jobs available to students will initially depend on that primary major.
