Integrated Business & Humanities

The Integrated Business and Humanities (IBH) program seeks to develop graduates that will make both a personal and social impact through a combination of course and co-curricular work.

This interdisciplinary program will foster the growth of 21st century problem solvers that recognize both the needs of individuals and business to generate the most value for both. For example: A Business graduate may ask “What is the Return on Investment?” An IBH graduate asks the same questions, but also asks, “What is the Return to Society?”

A background in Humanities provides students with the skills and knowledge to recognize, understand and constructively engage with complex social needs and diverse perspectives. Through their background in Business, students will develop a way to solve those problems.

Why Integrated Business & Humanities At McMaster?

• Limited entry program
• Small class sizes and a more personal classroom experience means more personal interaction with professors and a close knit community that helps grow the best you.
• Each senior student will be nominated to attend a conference on a global or community issue they are passionate about. This allows for the opportunity to demonstrate leadership and enhance personal learning.
• Unique teaching style. This includes both blended learning and team taught classes, that offer an interdisciplinary perspective on societal issues.
• All students will gain global perspective and experience through international exchanges, study trips and/or conferences.

AACSB Accredited

AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) International accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools. Less than 15 percent of business schools worldwide have earned AACSB Accreditation – the hallmark of excellence in management education.

Commerce Internship Program

The Commerce Internship Program offers 12-16 months of paid work experience with an average salary of $39,804. Students have the opportunity to work with top employers. This allows Commerce students to apply classroom knowledge and gain important career skills.

Leadership Coaching

In first year, students go through a Transformative Learning Experience (TLE) which acts as a leadership development foundation. Throughout the four years of their program, students participate in leadership workshops and document their leadership journey. In fourth year, all students take “Leadership Coaching B” which builds upon the seven TLE Reports they have completed and informs individual action steps for their final term.

Community Engagement

Students complete field studies on a topic they are passionate about while interacting with businesses from the local community. Through a combination of experiential learning and research, students will gain an understanding of issues facing businesses today while also giving back to the community.

Social Enterprise

Students are introduced to the concept of social enterprise in their first year. In second year, students are required to participate in a mandatory social enterprise international field trip facilitated by the Canadian social enterprise and development organization, ME to WE. In third and fourth year, students will take courses on social entrepreneurship, strategic management for for-profit and nonprofit organizations, and a capstone on social enterprise.