With the addition this fall of economics and international business, University of Houston-Victoria undergraduate business students will have 10 concentrations to choose from in the Bachelor of Business Administration.
The newest concentrations came about because of interest from prospective students and market demand.
“When we sit down to strategically plan the future of the school, we look at a number of factors, including market consideration and societal needs,” said Xavier Garza-Gomez, finance professor and chair of the UHV School of Business Administration Accounting, Economics & Finance Department. “We’ve been considering economics and international business for the past few years, and the timing is right to launch both concentrations.”
Students taking the international business concentration will learn how foreign trade occurs. They also will become more familiar with different cultures and learn how to offer products or services around the world. The program prepares students for finding a job in the global economy.
“With foreign trade increasing, many U.S. corporations will need employees who understand global markets,” said Farhang Niroomand, dean of the UHV School of Business Administration.
“Multinational corporations often hire international business students and ask them to travel or live outside the U.S. Graduates of this degree are in high demand.”
Garza-Gomez said international business is an attractive concentration for UHV’s international students, but he said it also could appeal to students from South Texas who have an interest in importing, exporting and other global business ventures.
“With the number of international companies present in Houston and other parts of Texas, the demand exists for workforce education in global commerce,” he said.
International business students are required to take six courses in the concentration. They have the option to take an advanced foreign language course and a study abroad trip as two of those classes. The UHV School of Business Administration offers an annual summer study abroad program in China.
Students in the economics concentration will learn about government policy and how the state of the economy affects businesses. The program also will teach student how to research and analyze economic data, issues and trends. Students will be able to produce economic reports and give advice about policy or business strategies.
Studying economics can lead to careers in many different areas. For example, it’s often a popular course of study for bankers and leaders in government, Garza-Gomez said. It also provides a strong foundation for students going on to graduate school or law school.
“A comprehensive knowledge of economics can lead to impactful careers in both the public and private sector,” he said.
Economic students must take six classes in the concentration. Among the classes to choose from are courses in healthcare economics, retail economics, banking and economic development.
Students also have the option of minoring in economics. The minor is open to students pursuing degrees in the UHV schools of Arts & Sciences and Education, Health Professions & Human Development.
The classes for both concentrations initially will be offered online, but eventually some of the courses will be available face to face in Victoria and Katy.
Other concentrations in the UHV BBA program are accounting, finance, general business, healthcare administration, human resources management, management, marketing and supply chain management. Students interested in the BBA program should contact an academic advisor at 1-800-687-4293 or busadvisor@uhv.edu.