International Studies & Business

Program Focus

  • Emphasis on several different global themes

  • Educational experiences with in-industry and in-field experts

  • Creation of project-based presentations on current international and economic issues

  • Extensive use of reading, writing, research, verbal communication, presentation, and critical thinking skills

International Studies and Business Information

Core Honors Courses

Students in the International Studies and Business Program take special core honors courses in Critical Global Issues UP, Finance UP, Global Economy UP, and 21st Century Issues UP: International Law and Human Rights. They discuss such critical topics as global warming, urbanization, world hunger, emerging markets, global income distribution, human rights, bioterrorism, the International Criminal Court, the European Union, and maritime and space law. International Studies and Business students also take honors course in Accounting UP and a specialized cohort of World History Honors. In addition, in their senior year, they join other University Program students in a Philosophy of Knowledge UP course.

Skills for Scholarship

The University Program in International Studies and Business provides students with extensive experience in research, analysis, and presentation through the use of critical thinking skills, historical reasoning, chronicle perspectives, rules of evidence, publications, technology, jury critiques, summit meetings, primary source documents, guest speakers, and more.

Educational Experiences

Students may have the opportunity to participate in industry experiences. Past experiences have included the Federal Reserve Bank, the New York Stock Exchange, Princeton University, Washington DC, Standard and Poors, Drew University, and Tiffany and Co.


Academic Competitions

Students are expected to participate in all aspects of school life through sports, clubs, and educational competitions, such as the Model United Nations and the Mock Trial Competition.


Technology Use

Courses include the extensive use of technology. Students regularly research topics on the internet and present examples of their learning by preparing and broadcasting news programs, creating and publishing newsletters and brochures, and developing multimedia presentations.

Special Admission Criteria for UPISB

  • Independent research and study skills

  • Computer and media literacy, including familiarity with data bases, internet use, spreadsheets, and the creation of presentations, graphs, and newsletters

  • Interest and awareness of current national and global issues, and the ability to articulate positions on these issues

  • Demonstrated examples of leadership, service, or individual initiative

Students must also meet Eligibility Criteria for all UP Programs.