Regional Tracks

In addition to completing two years of study in a single language (i.e., the successful completion of a fourth semester college course, or the equivalent), students need to choose a regional track related to their foreign language, and must take courses specifically related to it in conversation, culture, geography, history, and political science. These courses then count towards the 14-credit requirements of approved nonbusiness electives.

Students with special interests may create an alternative course of study with a general regional track, but these courses must be approved in advance, and in writing, by an international business major advisor.  For students studying abroad, transferring from other programs, or in other unusual circumstances, some substitutions to the requirements for these concentrations and regional tracks may be possible, if approved in writing by an international business major advisor and/or the college's advising office.

Students studying the Spanish language should focus on either Latin America or Europe, but not both. Students studying French, German, or Italian should take courses related to the specific country, where available, or to Europe in general. The university also offers courses in Japanese and Chinese, along with courses in other departments related to these areas. Foreign students who use their native language to satisfy their foreign language requirements may wish to work with their advisors to create a North American track, taking courses giving them a better understanding of the United States.

If students have taken MATH 126 as a prerequisite for MATH 176, this course is accepted as an nonbusiness elective.  Other elective courses must approved as part of the regional track, and be at the 200-level or above.  At least one nonbusiness course must be an approved General Capstone.

There are many courses available in the university, and students may have some flexibility in choosing which courses they take as long as these courses relate to their regional track and help the student better understand the countries in which they may be doing business. These courses must be either listed as part of an approved regional track, or pre-approved by the IB major advisor. Typically, a student might take 2-3 credits of foreign language conversation, a culture course, history, and a political science capstone. Because these courses are offered by departments outside the College of Business, course offerings may vary and students are encouraged to consult the university catalog and recent course schedules.

Beyond the two-year foreign language requirement and three credits of conversation, additional language courses (i.e., either third-year language and composition or a second foreign language) generally do not count as approved nonbusiness electives, though there are one or two exceptions.

The Department of World Languages and Literatures offers minors in Chinese, French, Japanese Studies, Spanish, and more. There are also interdisciplinary minors available in Basque Studies, International Affairs, and Latin American Studies. Some of the requirements of these minors may already count towards the IB major’s foreign language and nonbusiness elective requirements, while others may require additional credits. IB majors are encouraged to consider one of these minors if they are consistent with the student’s regional track.

International Business Major Checklists 

Regional Track Checklists