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Program Overview
The globalization of markets, trade and production is growing at unprecedented speed and changing the foundation of modern business. The international business program is designed to lead students to an understanding of the important issues and strategies utilized by global organizations to manage in a cross-cultural environment.
The program examines the global business environment as a whole, with an emphasis on multinational organizations, economic and political systems, socio-cultural structures, and diversities with operational significance for international business.
Drawing from a diverse and interdisciplinary faculty, you are pushed to think critically, work to solve global problems, and promote social justice and service. This perspective aims to provide you with an awareness of global interdependence and the socio-political and economic environments of different countries. To broaden the scope of study, the program includes first-hand learning opportunities through studying abroad, internships with international businesses, and advanced language training courses.
As a graduate of the program, you are equipped with a broad knowledge of the social, cultural, political and economic influences of the international business world. These skills prepare you well for furthering your studies in a graduate program or becoming a professional in a variety of business fields.
Contact Us
Helena Glebocki Keefe
Co-Director of International Business
Associate Professor
Economics and International Business
Office of Undergraduate Admission
P: (203) 254-4100
F: (203) 254-4199
admis@fairfield.edu
Fairfield Dolan Rankings
#3
Best Colleges for Business in Connecticut
- Niche
#9
Best Colleges for Business Majors
- 2019 Money Magazine
#28
Best Schools for Business Majors
- 2020 PayScale
Student Learning Outcomes
1
2
Identify
Identify different "theories", analyses, or perspectives on social behavior.
3
Analyze
Accurately juxtapose two different analyses of a situation or event.
4
Draw Conclusions
Demonstrate an understanding of the linkages between local phenomena and global processes.
Requirements & Curriculum
Complementary Studies and International Opportunities
The International Studies Program reinforces multidimensional learning with real-world experience through foreign language studies, service learning, Model United Nations, the Undergraduate Journal of Global Citizenship, the International Business/International Studies Club, internships and study abroad opportunities, and through work with our faculty in research projects and as student teaching assistants.
International Business courses completed abroad must be pre-approved by the assistant dean of the Dolan School of Business and the Director of International Studies.
Graduation with Honors in International Studies
Fairfield University has a campus chapter of Sigma Iota Rho, the national honor society for international studies. Students must have attained a junior standing and completed at least twenty-one hours of course work toward the International Studies/Business major or the International Studies minor. Students with an overall GPA of 3.3 or greater and a GPA of 3.4 or higher in their International Studies/Business major, International Studies minor are nominated for membership.
Required Courses
| [Thirty-three (33) Business Core Requirements] |
| Introduction to International Business |
| People, Places, and Global Issues |
| International Relations: Theories and Challenges |
| Culture and Political Economy |
| International Business Capstone |
| Two Electives |
| Intro to Micro and Macroeconomics |
| People, Places, and Global Issues |
| International Relations: Theories and Challenges |
| Culture and Political Economy |
| Introduction to International Business |
| One (1) International Business elective course |
A detailed list of course requirements, offerings, and more can be viewed in the University’s course catalog.
Stag Spotlight
Abigail Dovan
Class of '20
Name: Abigail Dovan
Undergrad Degree: International Business and Business Management double major with a minor in Spanish
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Extracurricular Activities: International Business & Studies Club, Women’s Rugby Team, Dolan School of Business Dean’s Student Advisory Board
Why did I choose Fairfield?
Fairfield has a great business program, amazing study abroad opportunities, and a gorgeous campus. I met kind people right off the bat and felt at home despite being six hours away. I was enchanted by the opportunities of being close to NYC and all that the classrooms had to offer.
What interested you about the International Business Program?
My passion for travel has always been apparent and something that I would like to maintain in my future career. International business seemed like the best way to incorporate my passions and grow in the classroom.
Are there any classes you've really enjoyed so far or are looking forward to taking?
I enjoyed taking “Negotiating Skills” while studying abroad in Barcelona and learning how to better handle myself in all different types of relationships. I am looking forward to taking “International Law” this coming fall and learning more about the field. I am also excited to begin working on my capstone!
What is something unique that you bring to the International Business program?
Since my freshman year, I have worked hard to help build and develop the International Business and Studies Club. While there have been many bumps along the way, we have cultivated a fun club that aims to provide useful events and resources for our fellow classmates.
What are your future plans?
I will graduate next May and plan to branch out into the business world with a job that requires traveling and meeting professionals of other cultures.
Anything else you'd like other potential International Business students to know about you?
I love to travel and have done two abroad experiences through Fairfield. The first was the faculty-led Russian history course in St. Petersburg, which was a truly unforgettable experience. The second was a full spring semester in Barcelona, Spain where I made the most amazing memories and learned more than any semester before.
Latest International Business News
Charles F. Dolan School of Business
More About International Business
International Business/Studies Club
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International Business/Studies Club
The International Business and International Studies Club supports networking and career building activities among students interested in the global context of International Business. Students of all majors are welcome to join. The club offer mentoring, events, contacts, and advice on internships, study abroad, career preparation, leadership, and life at Fairfield.
Internships
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Internships
Global Fairfield
Internships provide students with practical skills and the beginning of a professional network, both of which are essential for a successful transition to employment. We encourage all of our majors to have at least one internship that complements their interests in international business.
For help finding an internship, or to register, please contact Associate Director, Anita Deeg-Carlin.
Career & Professional Opportunities
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Career & Professional Opportunities
International Studies/Business graduates pursue careers in a myriad of international-related career options. Recent graduates have taken positions in the private sector with companies such as:
- Goldman Sachs
- GE Capital
- Bridgewater
- Synchrony
- UBS
- OMD Worldwide
- Regan Communications
The International Studies/Business program has an outstanding record of Fulbright awards for students to conduct research abroad after they graduate from Fairfield. Students also pursue graduate degrees at leading institutions, including recently at:
- Fairfield University
- Rutgers University
- Hofstra University
- Pace University
- University of Connecticut
The Dolan Career Development Center provides professional development services for undergraduate and graduate students that enrich their academic experiences and inspire tomorrow's business leaders. These opportunities allow students to learn about themselves, and about the business world, as well as to apply what they're learning in the classroom.
Peace Corps Prep Program
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Peace Corps Prep Program
Fairfield University is pleased to collaborate with the Peace Corps to offer a unique interdisciplinary preparatory program which prepares students for international development fieldwork and potential Peace Corps service.
Student Resources
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Student Resources
Academic Information
Best Bets Research Guide – International Studies
Fairfield Fulbrights
Fellowships and Scholarships
Center For Social Impact
Study Abroad
Writing Center
Summer International Internships
Please see our Global Fairfield Program website for more information about this exciting new program.
Scholarships and Fellowships
For useful information on scholarships and fellowships related to global learning, please refer to the Office of Scholarly Development page.
For information regarding grants and fellowships for graduate students, please see: Fellowship Finder
Professional Associations and Organizations
The following international institutions and organizations are relevant to the field of International Studies:
Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs (APSIA)
International Monetary Fund (IMF)
International Studies Association (ISA)
United Nations (UN)
United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
The World Bank Group
Diversity and Inclusive Excellence
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Diversity and Inclusive Excellence
As a Jesuit, Catholic university, Fairfield is dedicated to diversity and inclusion; to radical hospitality in service of racial, social, and economic justice.
Faculty
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Faculty
Fairfield University’s Charles F. Dolan School of Business boasts experienced Finance faculty who teach students the fundamentals, ethics, and new developments in business on a local and global scale, supported by our amazing administration. Meet the International Business faculty.