Integrated Science-Business

The Integrated Science-Business Major (ISBM) combines the disciplines of science and business into an interdisciplinary program. Historically, graduate programs have been the domain for combining science and business and programs are well established at a number of schools but students with the B.S./MBA dual degree generally enter middle management after several years of industry experience. The focus of an integrated science-business undergraduate program is to develop integrated thinking from the initial stages of education and produce skilled graduates that are highly effective in entry-level positions requiring skills in both science and business. The ISBM provides a strong foundation in the sciences (32 credits) as well as a basic background in business (33 credits). At the end of the program, three capstone courses serve to link the science and business knowledge and prepare students for subsequent employment.

ISBM graduates will know more about business and management issues than a typical science or engineering graduate, and have a broader understanding of science and technology than most business majors. In the long term, the ISBM prepares students for careers as managers operating in technology-based industries. As a graduate of Whitewater's ISBM program you might work as a manager in charge of product or service planning in a science-based company, a director of research and development (R&D), a program director at a private research institute or federally funded agency, a science investment consultant to a bank or trust company, or in a law, accountancy, or business consulting firm whose clients are science-based companies.Services to these clients could well go into the areas such as intellectual property, high-tech stocks and mutual funds, venture capital, and economic forecasting. Today, technology impacts almost every aspect of society. In order to join tomorrow's workforce, graduates need to be versatile and adaptable. Managerial positions in technology-oriented industries require the integration and understanding of relevant scientific principles with basic management skills. The ISBM is designed to equip students to compete and prosper in the new technology-intensive, global marketplace.

ACCREDITATION

The College of Business and Economics is fully accredited by the American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business. The College of Letters and Sciences and the College of Business and Economics are both wholly accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

FACULTY

Program faculty are derived from both the College of Letters and Sciences and the College of Business and Economics. The departments/programs specifically included in the Integrated Science and Business major are Accounting, Biological Sciences, Business Education/Office Systems, Chemistry, Economics, Finance and Business Law, Geology, Management, Marketing, and Physics.

HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATION

A well-rounded college preparatory program in high school is appropriate for a prospective ISBM major. Advanced science, mathematics, computing, and business courses are a plus but not required. Writing, communication and leadership skills are extremely important. Through advanced placement, students with a strong background in science or business areas may be eligible for college credits by successful completion of subject exams (e.g., CLEP, CEEB, etc.).

PLACEMENT

While this program is new, informal surveys of industry and regular contacts with industry representatives, including our industrial advisory board, clearly indicate prospective employers are enthusiastic about the program and would likely hire its graduates. Recent graduates are employed at companies including Abbott Laboratories, Kerry Savory and Covance.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

There are numerous student organizations, most with national affiliations, in both the science and business disciplines, including the Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization, the American Marketing Association, Beta Beta Beta (Biological Honors Society), Society of Physics Students, American Chemical Society Student Affiliates, and General Management Organization.

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