Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Area Studies - International Business and Economics Concentration

The BA in International Area Studies is an interdisciplinary, intercultural and interactive major that links language study with other academic disciplines such as politics, history, economics, sociology, anthropology, literature and philosophy. Students develop intercultural awareness and the critical knowledge and skills necessary to understand current global political, social and economic trends. The major prepares students to become responsible citizens who are aware of larger world issues and local concerns, and who are able to draw on their knowledge of the humanities, social sciences and sciences when considering these issues. The interdisciplinary nature of IAS in particular is a key strength: rather than focusing on a single field (e.g., politics or anthropology), students can create a cohesive course of study while sampling classes from around the University. This concentration is for students interested in careers linked to the global economy, where regional knowledge, intercultural competency, and writing and language skills are highly valued. Students gain the social, political and historical knowledge needed to better understand international business trends, as well as grounding in basic business and economics. The concentration also introduces students to the challenges of transitional economies and third world development programs, and calls attention to the ethical and cultural issues facing international agencies. Unlike traditional business school programs, this concentration offers a liberal arts focus for careers in multinational companies, development agencies, government and international organizations. It encourages students to take advanced language courses specifically designed for international business and to study abroad in the language of their specialty area.