SAM AND IRENE BLACK SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies Major (IBE)
Program Chair: Dr. Diane Parente
814-898-6436; dhp3@psu.edu
If you want to work in an interdisciplinary environment, then the IBE Major might be for you. You will be able to work in the business side of a technical organization. The Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies curriculum combines the two largest schools of Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. The dynamic environment of the new Research and Economic Development Center serves as a catalyst to prepare students for positions of tomorrow.
The IBE major prepares students to enter the business side of technical companies. The focus modules enable them to be productive immediately upon entry to the firm. The entire program provides a sound foundation for management in technical organizations.
The IBE program is focused on providing a well-balanced program with significant interaction between the Schools of Business and Engineering. Opportunities for internships, working with industry partners, and working on a new product development project as the capstone experience.
The program is founded on the principle of adding value in organizations by being able to view the business and its problems through multiple lenses. Functional silos are a phenomenon of the past, and today both small and large organizations are finding significant value in employees who can operate across disciplines without the barriers of the functional silos.
In addition to a core set of courses in Business that allow for the IBE degree to be accredited by AACSB, students also are required to be proficient in the engineering mathematics and science as well as a broad array of engineering courses. Students also choose a focus module which is approximately 15-18 additional credits in one of five areas. These areas include: accounting/finance; operations and supply chain; technical sales, quality control; and product design and manufacture.
The IBE major at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, was approved and established in July 2008. The major offers students a program that is unique within Penn State. There are few competitors throughout the U.S.
Graduates of IBE will be well-prepared to complete graduate studies, if they choose. With an appropriate GPA, they will be able to complete the MBA at PS Erie (30 credit hours), the Masters in Project Management (online PSU degree), or the Masters in Manufacturing Management (PSU – University Park).
The degree is administered jointly by the Sam and Irene Black School of Business and the School of Engineering. Anyone interested in learning more about the program can contact Dr. Parente at 814-898-6436 or dhp3@psu.edu.