Oct 06, 2024  
Course Catalog 2024-2025 
    
Course Catalog 2024-2025

Business Integrative Concentration


The integrative concentration consists of a minimum of 5 full courses (or the equivalent), 1 experiential component, and 1 learning portfolio.

Note: Students must earn minimum grades of C- or P for all courses that apply toward the integrative concentration.


arrow View the catalog page for the business program.  


The integrative concentration in business allows both Arts and Sciences and Conservatory students to combine core business management and financial skills with their liberal arts major or conservatory specialization. It provides students with foundational knowledge and skills to prepare them for internships and jobs in business, as well as in a variety of careers, from the music and entertainment industries, to entrepreneurship, to government and non-profit sectors. Oberlin’s design for business education focuses on integrating academic courses and real-world experience within a guided educational pathway.

Note(s) on Requirements


  • Because BUSI 116  is a half course, students who take BUSI 116  but not ECON 099  must take an additional course from the applied course list to reach the required 20 credits for the concentration.
  • If a student wishes to count a course that is not listed below toward the concentration, they can petition the concentration chair(s) for approval to apply the completed or in-progress course toward their concentration.
  • In planning their schedules, students should be aware that some of the courses listed below have prerequisites.

Declaring the Integrative Concentration


Students wishing to complete the business integrative concentration should consult with a member of the concentration advisory group and complete the integrative concentration declaration/change form. The form requires the signature of one of the concentration co-chairs.

Co-Chairs
John V. Duca, Robert S. Danforth and Ben W. Lewis Professor of Economics
Eric Lin, Associate Professor of Business

arrow See the full list of Business Studies Program Committee members.

Preparation for Post-Graduate Education and Careers


  • Students interested in applying to business school will require additional courses in mathematics and economics. Please consult with your business integrative concentration advisor if you are considering pursuing graduate studies in business.
  • Students considering potential careers in international business are strongly encouraged to study a foreign language at Oberlin.

Detailed Integrative Concentration Requirements


Business Integrative Concentration Course Lists


Applied Courses


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Students complete the integrative concentration by choosing at least one course (four credits) that explores a specific business application. The following courses are organized by possible topics. This is not an exhaustive list of options. However, students wishing to propose alternative courses that befit their chosen focus within business must receive approval from the concentration chair.

Experiential Component


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The experiential component provides students immersive and formative experiences in the world of business. Students can fulfill this requirement through such programs and opportunities as the Ashby Business Scholars program and the Pathfinder program. Students interested in exploring internship opportunities to fulfill this requirement are encouraged to join a relevant career community in such areas as Arts and Creative ProfessionsBusiness, Finance and ConsultingMusic LeadershipNonprofit and the Public Sector; and Science and Technology. Additionally, students may independently identify and secure internships that are vetted and found acceptable by the business curricular committee.

Learning Portfolio


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Students will be required to maintain a learning portfolio which will include signature course work as well as pre- and post-internship reflection. The portfolio is designed to support students’ appreciation of business as an area of rich intellectual engagement, as well as, how to launch from college to career. Vital to this integration is the student’s understanding of how the range of skills acquired through liberal arts learning are transferable to the workplace. The integrative component will be overseen by the student’s faculty advisor for the concentration.  

Business Studies Program Committee


John V. Duca, Robert S. Danforth and Ben W. Lewis Professor of Economics; co-chair
Eric Lin, Associate Professor of Business; co-chair

Ron Cheung, Professor of Economics
Nancy E. Darling, Professor of Psychology
Adam D. Eck, David H. and Margaret W. Barker Associate Professor of Computer Science
Todd S. Ganson, Professor of Philosophy
Dana E. Jessen, Associate Professor of Contemporary Music and Improvisation and Director of Professional Development
Udara Peiris, Associate Professor of Financial Economics