News Releases

New International Dimension Requirement

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Last October, School of Business faculty approved a new International Dimension Requirement (IDR). It will help ensure that all of the School's graduates have some understanding of important issues that impact business in today's highly integrated world economy.

The IDR replaces the previous World Area of Study (WAS) requirement. While the WAS involved more credit hours, it was not required of all Business School graduates and had become complex to administer.

The new IDR gives students the choice of these options:
Option 1: Foreign language. Complete through the fourth level (intermediate II) of a modern foreign language or equivalent proficiency as determined by the appropriate language department.

Option 2: International studies. Complete six credit hours of courses in one or a combination of the following categories: (A) study abroad; (B) contemporary regional/international studies (from an approved course offered outside the School), or international business courses.

The IDR was based on a study of peer universities, according to Carol Rose, Director of the Institute for International Business. "International business has long been one of KU's strengths," she says. "The IDR will enable us to maintain our competitive advantage by simplifying the previous requirements, while providing options that are of timely relevance to business." Rose said that the primary criteria involved in the IDR are 1) it applies to all Business graduates; 2) it will not delay graduation; and 3) foreign language and study abroad continue to be strongly encouraged. "Many students will choose to go beyond these basic requirements," said Rose.


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