IBS Course FAQs

The Interdisciplinary Business Studies (IBS) program is a Bachelor’s degree designed for students interested in a generalist approach to business. Unlike programs focused on one specific business discipline, IBS gives students the flexibility to explore various fields within business, such as marketing, management, finance, and economics, without committing to just one. It’s ideal for students who want a broad foundation in business and the ability to tailor their studies according to their interests.

IBS is unique because it allows students to create a personalized study plan, combining courses from different business areas to match their career goals and interests. This flexibility enables students to gain a more diverse set of skills compared to traditional business programs that are highly specialized. IBS students can select courses from across the Ramon V. Del Rosario - College of Business and also choose minors in fields like Business Management, Economics, Marketing, and more. This interdisciplinary approach is advantageous for students seeking roles that require a broad understanding of business or who may wish to pivot between business sectors during their careers.

Graduates of the IBS program have a wide array of career paths available, thanks to their interdisciplinary background. Some career opportunities include:

• Corporate Management: Roles such as management trainee, project manager, or business development associate.

• Financial Management: Positions in banking, insurance, stock analysis, and real estate.

• Human Resource Management: Roles in talent acquisition, employee engagement, or organizational development.

• Sales and Marketing: Careers in brand management, digital marketing, sales, and customer relations.

• Entrepreneurship: Many IBS students go on to start their own businesses, leveraging their diverse skill set.

• Economic and Marketing Research: Opportunities in market analysis, consumer insights, and research firms.

• Government Service: Positions in policy analysis, regulatory roles, or economic development.

The program’s flexibility also supports students aiming to pursue graduate studies or certification in specialized areas, enhancing their career options.

Electives are courses that students can choose based on their interests and career goals. In the IBS program, electives allow students to explore subjects outside of their core curriculum or college and potentially specialize further in areas like marketing, finance, or entrepreneurship. These electives give students the opportunity to customize their learning experience, gain skills in areas they find most engaging, and increase their employability in specific fields.

The workload in IBS varies depending on the combination of courses chosen by each student. All IBS students complete a 54-unit core curriculum, which includes foundational business courses required for all students in the Ramon V. Del Rosario - College of Business. Additionally, students select courses related to their chosen minors or areas of focus, along with electives. The IBS program’s workload can be managed flexibly, making it a good option for students who are self-motivated and comfortable with independent decision-making. Key subjects in IBS may include business fundamentals, economics, accounting, management, and courses related to chosen minors.

A common misconception about IBS is that it's a program for the “undecided”—for students who don’t know what to study. While IBS does attract students interested in exploring multiple areas of business, it actually requires students to be proactive and intentional in shaping their educational path. Far from being “undecided,” IBS students often choose the program because they value interdisciplinary learning and want the freedom to combine different fields to suit their unique career goals.

Another misconception is that IBS lacks depth or is an “easy” option compared to specialized programs. In reality, IBS demands strong organizational and decision-making skills, as students need to actively choose courses that align with their goals. Finally, some think IBS limits career options, but its interdisciplinary approach actually opens doors to various industries and roles, and many employers value the broad skill set IBS graduates bring to the table.

Yes, IBS students can pursue a minor, but these minors must be in disciplines outside of the College of Business. Students can choose minors from other colleges, such as the College of Liberal Arts, College of Education, College of Economics, College of Engineering, and more. This option allows IBS students to broaden their education by gaining additional skills and knowledge in non-business fields, further enhancing their interdisciplinary experience and versatility in the job market.

The IBS program offers several benefits:

• Flexibility: Students have the freedom to explore various business fields and build a curriculum suited to their career aspirations.

• Broader Skill Set: Graduates develop a well-rounded understanding of different business areas, making them adaptable in various roles.

• Career Versatility: The interdisciplinary knowledge gained in IBS enables students to pursue a diverse range of job opportunities and switch between industries.

• Entrepreneurial Preparation: For students interested in starting their own business, the ability to combine multiple disciplines can be particularly beneficial.

• Customizable Learning: The program allows students to pursue minors or even double majors, expanding their expertise.