Business, Society and the Economy
Developing students’ entrepreneurial mindset
Introduction
With a rise in globalization has come a rise in competition. To succeed in this environment, both businesses and individuals must embrace innovation and entrepreneurship. Each of us is continuously challenged to effectively lead, work on teams and collaborate with other individuals.
Business, Society and the Economy (BSE) explores the world of commerce and teaches students the fundamentals of business today. Through team projects, simulations and case competitions, students examine:
- The concept of leadership and the elements required to be a leader, in business or in society;
- The interpersonal and organization-wide communications processes that affect a company's operations; and
- Corporate and individual impact.
Students in BSE enjoy opportunities to meet alumni and other professional leaders in the United States and around the globe, allowing them to develop a broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities found in the world of business.
BSE is ideal for any student, regardless of their major, seeking opportunities to develop their leadership and networking skills.
Colloquium and Lecture Topics
- Seeing the invisible: Elon Musk, Ted Turner, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs
- Company transformation
- Building a brand, for a business, for an industry
- Managing risk
I thought I was joining a group that enjoyed learning about general business topics. What I didn’t know was that I was joining a program that would polish me into an innovative scholar who was ready to tackle any situation in a constantly changing world—and who met some of his closest friends along the way.
Other Learning Opportunities
BSE offers a variety of opportunities to reinforce what students learn in class. As a BSE’er, you will:
- Participate in urban team activities, management assessments and decision-making simulations, and even tackle business challenges for real-world clients;
- Take behind-the-scenes tours with corporate leaders in Washington, New York and Pennsylvania;
- Enjoy the support of a vast alumni network as well as opportunities to work with BSE sophomores as a freshman (and vice versa as a sophomore); and
- Participate in several student-driven service-learning opportunities throughout the year, such as service shifts at A Wider Circle in Silver Spring, Maryland, and winter coat drives.
Further, BSE is a campus leader in implementing global learning opportunities, through virtual and in-person international travel experiences. Students have studied the similarities and differences in business environments in Australia, New Zealand, United Arab Emirates and several nations in Southeast Asia, for example. Virtual global opportunities have included a consultation project with DubaiExpo2020.
Curriculum Overview
Over the two-year program experience (four semesters), students will complete a 3-credit supporting course that will count toward their BSE Scholars citation. In most cases, it will also fulfill General Education requirements. Note that your Scholars courses—colloquium, practicum and supporting course(s)—will generally be in addition to any courses you take to satisfy major requirements.
The following table outlines a typical two-year curriculum, but individual schedules may vary. Details about courses and requirements can be found on the BSE Citation Checklist.
| SEMESTER | COURSES | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman Fall | Scholars Colloquium | 1 credit |
| Exploring Leadership | 3 credits | |
| 3–4 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course) | 9–12 credits | |
| Freshman Spring | Scholars Colloquium | 1 credit |
| Academic Writing | 3 credits | |
| 3–4 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course) | 9–12 credits | |
| Sophomore Fall | Enterprise Communications | 3 credits |
| 4–5 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course) | 12–15 credits | |
| Sophomore Spring | Scholars Practicum | 1–3 credits |
| 4–5 courses toward degree and major requirements (including possible supporting course if not already completed) | 12–15 credits |
Sponsoring College
Residence Hall
Cambridge Hall
Office Address
1122 Cambridge Hall
Office Phone
Faculty
Obioma Akaigwe
Social Media Etc.
Office of International Affairs: Mourning the Loss of International Educator Mark Wellman, January 2022
Robert H. Smith School of Business: Tributes, Memories for Professor Mark Wellman, January 2022
Padlet: Remembering Mark Wellman, January 2022
Robert H. Smith School of Business: Undergrads Partner with Fox Sports U, July 2021
Business, Society and the Economy News
Scholars Launch Food Truck Business
Two graduates of the College Park Scholars program have channeled their entrepreneurial passions in the launch of their new food truck business. The Q Truck officially launched Sept. 2, along with several other popular trucks from the DMV area. Former Environment, Technology and the Economy Scholar David Engle and senior Business, Society and the Economy Scholar Chris Szeluga decided to start this new business venture soon after new legislation in Prince George’s County allowed food trucks in designated Food Truck Hubs, Engle said.