Smeal College of Business Minors
Information Systems Management (ISM_UMNR) Minor
Overview - The Information Systems Management (ISM_UMNR) minor focuses on IT supported techniques for exploring, analyzing, integrating, and reporting business data for fact-based decisions. The coursework enables students to study basic concepts, principles, and methods for information analysis, design and management, and to gain an understanding of the best practices for aligning IT-supported analytics with business strategy. The minor is not available to students pursuing a Management Information Systems major.
What is Information Systems Management? - This interdisciplinary minor is designed for students of other majors interested in the study of technology-supported techniques for exploring, analyzing, integrating, and reporting business data to facilitate fact-based decisions. The coursework enables you to study basic concepts, principles, and methods for business analytics and to gain an understanding of the best practices for aligning IT-supported analytics with business strategy.
Apply for the ISM_UMNR minor on LionPATH
International Business (IB_UMNR) Minor
Overview - The International Business (IB_UMNR) minor provides students with knowledge, skills, and experiences that prepare them for a business career that might include international responsibilities. Mastery of fundamental business concepts, coursework in international business or economics, foreign language skills, and an approved study abroad experience each contribute to build perspectives about the challenges and opportunities of commercial activity in a global business environment.
The minor is designed to complement studies in business where students seek a deeper understanding of commerce and culture beyond their home country. For those interested in studying abroad, the global immersion track offers the chance to experience and study business, language, and culture for six or more weeks through an approved education abroad program. Others may choose the global business track and focus on a deeper understanding of international business. Either way, students develop a life-long appreciation for global business and culture that prepares them for a career beyond traditional boundaries.
What is International Business? - In an increasingly globalized economy, students are strongly encouraged to internationalize their undergraduate education. International business increases one’s awareness in the global marketplace while broadening perspectives of different business cultures, practices, and challenges. Companies value candidates who have strong business skills and possess intercultural communication skills.
PLEASE NOTE: Beginning summer 2016 and thereafter, credits earned abroad at a non-PSU program will not be accepted toward any Smeal degree requirements including general education and electives
For more information and to apply for the IB_UMNR minor, schedule an appointment with the Smeal College Office of International Programs.
Legal Environment of Business (LEBUS_UMNR) Minor
Overview - The Legal Environment of Business (LEBUS_UMNR) minor presents students with a structured study of the statutory and common law governing the business environment. Students in this program pursue advanced legal subject matter, including business organization structures, employment law, property law, commercial transactions, intellectual property, environmental law, and government regulation. Content is framed around the organization and support of complex business enterprises from a legal perspective. This includes complex legal transactions, litigation support and avoidance, and the development of enterprises. The emphasis on the complex nature of legal organization formation, transactions, and litigation support is provided through a rigorous selection of business law and core business courses.
A grade of C or better is required in all courses used to meet the LEBUS_UMNR minor requirements. For admission to the minor, students must have completed ACCTG 211 (4) and ECON 102 (3) with grades of C or better.
Apply for LEBUS_UMNR minor on LionPATH
Supply Chain, Information Sciences and Technology (SCIST_UMNR) Minor
Overview - The minor in Supply Chain, Information Sciences and Technology (SCIST_UMNR) provides students not majoring in Supply Chain & Information Systems (SCIS_BS) the opportunity to develop working knowledge of information technology, supply chain management, and their interdisciplinary synergies. The joint minor is designed for professional careers in business, information systems, software development, consulting, and government. The successful minor must, at a minimum, possess basic knowledge of quantitative techniques, computer applications, and microeconomics.
What is Supply Chain, Information Sciences and Technology - Supply Chain and Information Systems encompasses some of the largest employment sectors in the U.S. economy and offers advancement opportunities in countries around the world. U.S. News and World Report Career Guide and Working Woman magazines have cited this area as a hot career track. Companies seeking students in this area represent: the services sector, which includes consulting, third-party logistics, transportation, warehousing, and retailing; the manufacturing sector, especially the computer, aerospace, pharmaceutical, electronics, petrochemical, auto, food, and consumer products industries; and the government sector, primarily at the federal and state levels.