International Business Major (serves as a second major only with a BS in Business Administration)

Global trade affects all businesses, even those focused on the domestic market. For students to succeed in this environment, they must have an understanding of cross-border political, legal, economic, social and financial issues. A worldwide perspective is necessary to meet the challenges of our current and developing global workplace, and a requisite knowledge and specialized skills are necessary to prosper in today's global business environment.

A degree in International Business is designed to prepare students for an international career in variety of business fields. Haslam's International Business degree is designed to accompany a second major within the Haslam College of Business, which equips them with specific functional skills that enhance their effectiveness as business professionals, while incorporating advanced foreign language requirements and a mandatory semester study abroad experience. Students will develop their international business knowledge, their intercultural fluencies, their technical functional skills, and their communication skills in both English and their chosen second language.

In addition to the double major, students are also required to complete a collateral in a foreign language. This collateral requires at least three courses at the 300+ level. Proficiency in a foreign language is integral to understanding social and historical nuances for foreign cultures. It also positions students to better integrate into their host countries and build meaningful working relationships and successful transcontinental careers.

Finally, students are also required to study abroad for a full semester in an approved destination and program. Through the study abroad requirement, students will gain a deeper knowledge, understanding, and open-mindedness for other cultures and their shared behaviors, beliefs and values. They will also develop different perspectives in regard to other nations and global issues while expanding their capacity to consider, appreciate, and analyze issues for different and even competing viewpoints.

Given the requirements for completion of all aspects of this degree, students must apply for and gain acceptance into the major to ensure appropriate and on-time progression through the coursework. Interested applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to ensure semester abroad viability. A typical application and selection process will occur in the first semester of the sophomore year, for full integration into the major beginning in the sophomore spring.

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a major in International Business must have a primary major elsewhere within the Haslam College of Business.

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