Major Monday: World Bachelor in Business
Major: The World Bachelor in Business (WBB) program is housed in the Marshall School of Business at USC. WBB is a one-of-a-kind academic opportunity for undergraduates to study business administration through a remarkably global lens. Students in this program will study at three world-class universities, on three continents, and earn not one, but three Business Administration degrees. The major is open only to applying first-year students.
Overview: The World Bachelor in Business program is global in every sense of the word. Students admitted to this unique program will spend their first-year of undergraduate study at the Marshall School of Business at USC in Los Angeles, their second year at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in Hong Kong, their third year at Bocconi University in Milan, and their fourth year at any of the three previously mentioned institutions. The program runs on a cohort model – 45 students will spend their first three years around the world together and then make individual choices as to where they will spend their final year of university.
Curriculum: This program is the only undergraduate program of its kind in the world, and it connects world-class academic opportunity with cultural immersion and experiential learning. The WBB curriculum allows students to graduate earning three degrees, one from each institution that they experience. Students will become versed in the business fundamentals of North America, Asia, and Europe and become global citizens quite fluent in international business.
Students will study in three globalized cities that are connected to the international realm of business.
University of Southern California – Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is where a student’s journey begins. Los Angeles is the United States’ second largest city and metropolitan area, and serves as a global force in many industries including health care, entertainment, communications, biotechnology, and more. Los Angeles is a dynamic, multicultural city that provides students with significant opportunity to learn and explore in and outside of the classroom.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology – Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the world’s most important financial and business hubs, strategically located right in the heart of Asia. Students have quick and easy access to important business centers like Korea, Japan, and Singapore. Hong Kong itself is a compact, exciting, and vibrant metropolis where both Chinese and Western influences merge. It boasts one of the largest foreign exchange markets in the world and is rated as one of the world’s most competitive economies.
Bocconi University – Milan, Italy
Milan is located in northern Italy and serves as Italy’s primary international economic and financial hub. It also serves as the fashion and industrial capital of the European Union. Milan itself is known for its fast paced and hardworking culture, while boasting numerous opportunities to explore Italian culture, cuisine, and nightlife. Students also have easy access to many major European business hubs within a few short hours of the city via rail or air.
Admission Process: The World Bachelor in Business program is a unique, one-of-a-kind program that attracts a very specific type of student. The program seeks to attract and admit students that want to be global citizens and to use the knowledge, expertise and experiences gained through their undergraduate career to make an impact in international business. To apply, students must submit the USC Common Application with all of the other materials that USC requires (a transcript, letters of recommendation, and international applicants must also submit financial documentation and English proficiency exam scores). In addition to the Common Application, students are asked to submit supplemental materials specifically for the WBB selection committee, namely a resume/C.V., a video interview, and a personal statement. Students must apply by November 1 to be considered. For more information on the WBB application process, you can view the World Bachelor in Business admission page.
Want to Learn More?
Interested in hearing from WBB students? Follow WBB on Instagram or visit the WBB Student Experiences page.
Written by: Nathan Mack, Associate Director - USC Office of Admission
Edited by: Audrey Burba, Assistant Director - USC Office of Admission