The most significant transformation that the world economy has experienced during the second half of the 20th century has been the internationalization of business.  International trade and investment activities are predicted to increase in the future, especially for US businesses, as a result of increased opportunities overseas combined with the competitive advantages of US firms.  In 1995, 23% of the US economy was linked to exports plus imports.  By the year 2005, it could be 30%.  Joseph Quinlan believes that the US is on "the cusp of a golden age of exports."  [Barron’s, Jan. 20, 1997]

The increase in international business activity will create a growing demand for individuals who are properly trained in the area of international business.  While all firms will be seeking such assistance, this may especially be the case with small and medium sized firms.  Not only are these firms most in need of international expertise, but these are also the firms that have been doing most of the hiring recently and where the job opportunities in the future lie.  A minor in international business may provide a student with an edge in obtaining a position with such a firm.  As a result of global linkages found in today’s market and the rapid changes taking place, a background in international business is highly desirable for business students seeking employment.  Marketing majors are particularly encouraged to consider this minor.

To enhance a student’s ability to operate successfully in a global business environment, the Gannon Dahlkemper School of Business (DSB) offers a minor in International Business (IB) which includes advanced course work in the DSB as well as course offerings in Humanities.  The International Business Minor requires the following 18 credit hours:

• 12 credit hours of international business courses, and
• 6 credit hours of international, non business, courses

International business courses from which the student may select to satisfy the first of the above requirements include the following (not inclusive):

BK 306 - International Business (which is part of the business core)

BD 419 - International Investments

BC 241 - International Economics

BF 310 -  International Management

BG 345 - International Marketing

BG 255 - Principles of Exporting

BG 357 - Global Sourcing

BK 217 - Canadian Studies

BD 318 - International Financial Management

BI 375 - International Business Seminar/Internship (for which BG 255, BG 345, & BK 306 are prerequisites)

BI 376 - International Business Internship (for which BI 375 is a prerequisite)

BI 377 - Independent International Business Internship (proposed)

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International, non-business, courses outside the DSB, which satisfy the second requirement above,  may be selected from such areas as foreign languages, political science, geography, and history, and  include the following (not inclusive):

HH, HJ, H3 - Foreign Language
HI 201 - World Geography
HI 221-241 - Regional Geography
HM 242 - English History from 1603
HM 252 - 20th Century Russia
HM 271 - History of Latin America
HM 285 - History of Canada
HM 420 - History of the Contemporary World
HX 220 - Comparative Government
HX 240 - International Relations
HX 321 - Far East Governments
HX 322 - Regional Studies
HX 341 - The UN and International Organizations
HX 343 - US Foreign Policy
H6 361 - World Religions
HY 390 - Cross Cultural Psychology
H8 392  - International Studies

Suggestions for students seeking a minor in IB

In partial fulfillment of the international business course requirement, consider using the IB Internship Program, a description of which is also contained in a brochure available from the bulletin board to be located outside A. J. Palumbo Center  2212, which consists of the following two semester sequence of courses:

• The first semester course, BI 375, consists of two parts.
• In the first eight weeks of this course the student is presented with a series of seminars on specialized international business topics and job seeking skills.
• In the second part of the course, the student gains hands on experience assisting the Gannon Small Business Development Center’s International Business Center in their provision of consulting services to local international business firms.
 
• In the second semester course of the sequence, BI 376, the student is placed with a local international business firm where they assist that firm in various areas related to international business.
 
Schedule BK 306 in the second semester of the sophomore year or first semester of junior year, as it is a prerequisite for the IB elective courses, including BC 241, BG 345, BD 419, and BD 318.
 
Consider a foreign Study Tour or Study Abroad.
 
Students interested in the minor are advised to consult with the Director of the IB Program.

In order to declare a minor, a student must complete a "Declaration of Minor" form which must be signed by the minor director/chairperson and may be obtained in the office of the Dean, College of Humanities, Business and Education ( A. J. Palumbo Center 1202).

As an example of the opportunities that an IB minor presents, click here to learn more about  the experience of Dan Valentine.

For additional information refer to the handout that is available on the bulletin board outside A. J. Palumbo Center 2212 or contact Gary P. Mahan, Ph.D., Director, IB Program, using one of the following methods:

Office:  A. J. Palumbo Center 2212
email:  mahan@mail1.gannon.edu
telephone:  (814) 871-7588
fax:  (814) 871-7210

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If you have comments or suggestions, email  mahan@gannon.edu