International Studies BA/MBA Brochure

Rowan offers an Accelerated Dual Degree (ADD) dual degree program where students earn a BA in International Studies with a Concentration (formerly known as "Specialization") in International Business & Economics and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in five years. Students in this program may take 12 credits of the 36 credit MBA program as a senior, saving time - and over $10,000 - on their MBA tuition and fees.

• Application Process
• Requirements for Beginning the MBA Program as a Senior
• Requirements for Graduation
• Contingency for Students who do not Complete the MBA program
• Program Guide (pdf)

Whether a company is headquartered in Glassboro N.J., New York, or Hong Kong, almost every business enterprise today has a global aspect. This Accelerated Dual Degree program—a BA in International Studies with an International Business & Economics Concentration and MBA—offers an exciting curriculum that responds to the needs of this globalized economy. As markets and economies become increasingly connected and integrated, employers need people with strong communication skills, interdisciplinary training, and familiarity with the politics, economies, cultures, languages, and professional and business practices of countries around the world. At the same time, they seek graduates who have acquired the practical business and analytical skills needed to succeed in the corporate world. 

The ADD program prepares students for a wide range of positions in local, regional, national, and international companies as well as international organizations and NGOs, including positions in international marketing, banking, finance, trade and customs, management, and consulting, and international development. The program combines the broadened outlook, critical thinking, and communication skills acquired from an intensive and rigorous liberal arts education with advanced professional training. It draws on the expertise of hundreds of Rowan faculty members in numerous departments and colleges across campus: the university is rich in scholars who are experts in many areas of the world and who produce nationally and internationally recognized research. (Back to top)

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. If you're interested in applying for this program, begin the application process by emailing the Coordinator of International Studies, Carla Lewandowski (lewandowskic@rowan.edu) to discuss the BA/MBA program.

Junior Admission: After earning 60 credits, students who wish to apply to the BA/MBA program must meet the criteria listed below to ensure that they can finish undergraduate requirements within 4 years. Transfer students who have fulfilled the requirements may also apply.

• International Studies major with an International Business & Economics Concentration;
• Minimum overall GPA of 3.3 in undergraduate coursework with at least a C in MBA prerequisite courses and at least a C- in all courses that count towards the International Studies major.
• Completion of at least five of the MBA prerequisite courses listed below with at least a C in each course:
  • Calculus: Techniques and Applications (MATH03.125) OR Calculus I (MATH01.130)
  • Statistics I (STAT02.260)
  • Introduction to Macroeconomics* (ECON04.101)
  • Introduction to Microeconomics* (ECON04.102)
  • Principles of Accounting I** (ACC03.210)
  • Principles of Accounting II** (ACC03.211)
• Completion of the International Studies requirements listed below: 
  • At least one year of Foreign Language study (or equivalent placement testing)
  • At least three of the International Studies core courses (see program guide)
  • At least one course that counts towards the International Business & Economics Concentration.

* Macroeconomics & Microeconomics can both also be satisfied by taking one course, ECON 04303 Principles of Economics: A Survey, at Rowan University.

** Accounting I & Accounting II can both also be satisfied by taking one course, ACC 03405 Foundations of Accounting, at Rowan University.

Requirements for beginning MBA program as a senior (90 credits):

To begin taking MBA courses during their senior year, students who have been accepted into this accelerated dual degree program must meet the criteria listed below by the spring of their junior year.

• At least 90 credits (counting credits from spring semester) with a 3.3 overall GPA (GMATs are waived for MBA applicants with at least a 3.3 GPA);
• Completed all prerequisites for the MBA with a grade of at least C (or enrolled in these courses for spring):
  • Calculus: Techniques and Applications (MATH03.125) OR Calculus I (MATH01.130)
  • Statistics I (STAT02.260)
  • Introduction to Macroeconomics* (ECON04.101)
  • Introduction to Microeconomics* (ECON04.102)
  • Principles of Accounting I** (ACC03.210)
  • Principles of Accounting II** (ACC03.211)
  • Principles of Marketing (MKT09.200)
  • Operations Management (MGT 06.305)
  • Principles of Finance (FIN04.300)
• Completed or enrolled in the International Studies requirements listed below:
  • Two years of a foreign language or at least intermediate level proficiency in a foreign language
  • At least four of the six International Studies core requirements (see program guide), including Introduction to International Studies (IS25.300)
  • At least two of the five required courses for the International Business & Economics Concentration (see program guide).

* Macroeconomics & Microeconomics can both also be satisfied by taking one course, ECON 04303 Principles of Economics: A Survey, at Rowan University.

** Accounting I & Accounting II can both also be satisfied by taking one course, ACC 03405 Foundations of Accounting, at Rowan University.

Students who meet these criteria should submit to the Coordinator of International Studies the material listed below, preferably in January of their junior year.

• A statement of purpose (300-500 words);
• Names and email addresses of two professors who will provide letters of recommendation (preferably one from the Rohrer College of Business). Ask your recommenders to send their recommendations—which may be in email form rather than a formal letter—to the Coordinator of International Studies via email or in hard copy if they prefer.

Students who have completed the requirements listed above and gained permission to take MBA courses as a senior will then meet with the Director of the MBA program, preferably prior to registrationation, to review coursework and requirements for the MBA Students enrolled in this accelerated BA/MBA program may take up to 12 credits of graduate courses at the undergraduate rate in their senior year (two in fall and two in spring), providing they meet the criteria listed above. Beyond this, students will pay graduate tuition rates for their MBA courses. 

The International Studies coordinator will meet with students who do not meet the criteria and have not gained permission to take MBA courses to discuss the best alternative for the student, e.g. graduating with a BA in International Studies with a Concentration in International Business and Economics and possibly a minor in business. (Back to top)

To graduate from this Accelerated Dual Degree program with a BA and an MBA, students must:

• Complete all requirements for the International Studies BA with an International Business & Economics Concentration, including General Education and Rowan Experience requirements, as outlined above;
• Earn a grade of C- or better in all undergraduate foundational, core, and concentration courses.
• Complete all prerequisites for the MBA program;
• Complete all requirements for the MBA, which is a level III program at Rowan. In level III programs, students must achieve a 3.0 overall GPA with no grade lower than C and no more than two Cs.

Contingency for Students who do not complete the MBA program:

Students who are dropped from the graduate program or choose not to complete the BA/MBA program may earn a BA in International Studies with a Concentration in International Business & Economics (or any other International Studies concentration) once they have completed all requirements for that undergraduate degree, achieved at least a 2.0 GPA, and earned at least 120 credits. Students may count up to 12 credits of their graduate courses towards their BA requirements; these courses will count as free electives towards the 120 credits required for a BA

(Back to top)