"I believe that the development of a new major integrating science and business is long overdue. The [ISBM] is a major accomplishment because it addresses business skills early on in the science graduate's education, at the time [students] are working on their bachelor's degree."
Dr. John Tsapogas, program officer, NSF Division of Science Resource Studies, August, 1999.
Introduction
The Integrated Science-Business Major (ISBM) combines the disciplines of science and business into an interdisciplinary program.
Specifically, the ISBM prepares students for careers as managers in firms operating in technology-based industries. The ISBM provides a strong foundation in the sciences (32 credits) as well as basic background in business (36 credits). At the end of the program three capstone courses serve to link these science and business understandings and prepare students for subsequent employment.
Students in the ISBM program learn business management skills along with the principles of basic science involved in the development and management of products, services, and production processes utilized by a variety of technology-based institutions, organizations, and corporations. With this preparation, students can become managers in charge of product or service planning and development or directors of research and development (R&D).
In addition, they can compete for positions in charge of technology assessment, technology transfer, and high technology marketing. They may also choose to function as cost, technology, venture capital, and diversification analysts.
Traditionally students of science and business have been educated separately. Today, technology impacts almost every aspect of society. In order to join tomorrow's workforce, graduates need to be versatile and adaptable. Managerial positions in technologically-oriented industries require the integration and understanding of relevant scientific principles with basic management skills. The ISBM is designed to equip students to compete and prosper in the new technology-intensive, global marketplace.
NEW! The Water Resources Emphasis of the ISB major is specifically geared toward students interested in working in water-related businesses. Introductory courses in Biology, Chemistry and Physical Geography (20 units) are combined with relevant upper level courses (12 units) to give students a broad background in the science of water. In addition, the emphasis requires core business courses (30 units) combined with upper level courses addressing topics relevant to the business of water (6 units). At the end of the program, capstone courses, including an internship and senior project, directly link science and business and prepare students for subsequent employment in water-related businesses. Graduates of the program will be highly competitive for employment with environmental consulting firms, water utilities, municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities, and water technology companies. Graduates may be hired by such businesses as environmental scientists, R&D scientists, operators, project managers, marketing managers, and technology analysts. For more information on the requirements of this new emphasis, consult the Course Checklist and 4 Year Plan of Courses on the Curriculum site.
For recent news coverage of the emphasis, see articles in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Milwaukee Business Journal
