Interdisciplinary Business Studies, BSBA

Overview

In an era characterized by rapid technological advancements, demographic shifts, and intense global competition studying Interdisciplinary Business Studies program is very viable.  This approach caters to learners who recognize the need for versatile skills to thrive in a competitive global environment. Interdisciplinary Business Studies majors have the opportunity to tailor their education by selecting courses from a variety of disciplines that align with their career interests.

Future business leaders must possess a combination of broad managerial skills and specialized knowledge. The Interdisciplinary Business Studies major empowers learners to meet these challenges head-on. By embracing a multidisciplinary approach, learners gain a comprehensive understanding of various fields and develop the adaptability required to navigate the ever-changing business world.

Interdisciplinary Business Studies majors develop a customized program of study, choosing courses from several disciplines to satisfy their career interests. The challenges of an increasingly global, competitive business environment, innovations in technology and changes in demographic diversity, require future business leaders to have broad managerial skills as well as specialized knowledge in business. The major in Interdisciplinary Business Studies permits learners to respond to these challenges.

Learners who wish to explore multidisciplinary studies in business take courses from more than one business discipline. Some combination of courses that learners may wish to consider are:

Information Systems and Financial Technology: This combination integrates information systems and financial services, leveraging technology-driven solutions like financial analytics and fintech platforms to enhance financial operations and decision-making.

Business Analytics and Strategy: This interdisciplinary combination equips learners with skills in data analysis, statistical modeling, and predictive analytics, enabling them to make data driven decisions and develop effective business strategies.

Sustainable Business and Green Technology: In this program, students would learn how to lead businesses toward a more sustainable future. Courses would cover clean energy technologies, global strategy, corporate social responsibility, and how to make environmentally friendly practices profitable.

Luxury Brand Management: Designed for students with an eye for style, this program would explore the unique business challenges faced by luxury brands. Students would learn about luxury marketing strategies, brand management, and customer service in high-end markets.

The Interdisciplinary Business Studies program offers entrepreneurial learners a diverse range of options. Those involved in family businesses, managing small enterprises, or embarking on new corporate ventures can select courses in entrepreneurship, information systems, small business management, finance, or marketing. This multidisciplinary approach appeals to learners seeking to combine international business studies with specialized functional areas. Faculty from various disciplines teach special topics courses that provide an integrative business education, fostering strong leadership and decision-making skills. Learners are encouraged to pursue internships, practicums applying business concepts across disciplines for practical experience. The program empowers learners with an entrepreneurial mindset, enabling them to navigate the dynamic business landscape.

Degree Requirements

Learners can earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with this major. See the requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree.

Required Courses (18 credits)

Interdisciplinary Business Studies Required Courses

Six courses, beyond the business core courses, are completed by learners in this major. Learners must complete advanced courses from at least two business disciplines offered in the Sawyer Business School. A customized Program of Study is developed in consultation with the Sawyer Business School Dean’s Office and Undergraduate Academic Advising Center. Courses may not be double counted towards the requirements for business minors. 

Learning Goals and Objectives

Learning goals and objectives reflect the educational outcomes achieved by learners through the completion of this program. These transferable skills prepare Suffolk learners for success in the workplace, in graduate school, and in their local and global communities.

Learning Goals	Learning Objectives
Learners will...	Upon completion of the program, each learner should be able to...
Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of business concepts across various disciplines	- Showcase the integration of different disciplines and fields by connecting the concepts and theories. - Apply the inter-disciplinary knowledge to eclectic experiential projects.
Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills	- Ability to apply interdisciplinary knowledge and the linkage between disciplines to solves complex problems by using meta cognitive skills.
Demonstrate communication and collaboration skills	- Put together a clear and focused presentation, fitted to its purpose. - Create a presentation that is appropriate to the audience and occasion. - Use effective supporting material. - Demonstrate overall delivery with strong story telling and data visualization skills. - Demonstrate awareness of context, audience, and purpose. - Organize written communication effectively and logically. - Support arguments by evidence both orally and written. - Employ grammar and style to convey meaning. - Follow formatting and citation rules. - Ability to work with diverse backgrounds and use of cutting0edge conflict resolution skills.
Demonstrate proficiency in global mindset and system thinking abilities by integrating different disciplines	- Showcase how business processes apply in global context. - Demonstrate the ability to contextualize business problems globally. Demonstrate an understanding of how culture, economic and political issues affect overall business decisions. - Articulate fundamental challenges of global business. - Ability to analyze and apply the interconnectedness and interdependencies within organizations and its broader business environment.
Demonstrate proficiency in ethical awareness	- Appreciate that ethical norms vary across different countries and cultures. - Demonstrate overall applied business ethics skills.
Demonstrate proficiency in stakeholder view	- Demonstrate the ability to identify and take into account the interests of different stakeholders. - Understand how business strategies that facilitate "doing good" can be made consistent with profitability by taking stakeholder view into account.