Dikran Izmirlian Program in Business and Global Affairs
Gain expertise in business, international affairs and the intersection of these fields.
The Dikran Izmirlian Program in Business and Global Affairs (BGA) is a joint major from two world-class schools, the McDonough School of Business and the School of Foreign Service (SFS).
Program outcomes
Our interdisciplinary program equips you with the knowledge and skills to navigate the increasingly interconnected world of business and international affairs. Through a carefully crafted curriculum, you’ll explore the complexities of global markets, politics, leadership, organizational behavior and societal challenges.
By the time you graduate, you’ll have developed expertise in both business and international affairs. You’ll be prepared to approach global challenges with a critical and ethical mindset. This unique combination of knowledge and experience will set you apart in the global job market, making you ready to contribute to diverse cultures, sectors and industries.
Career outcomes
Upon graduation, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue successful careers in a variety of fields, including management consulting, finance, technology, government, legal services, think tanks and nonprofit organizations.
In addition to entering prestigious companies, some graduates have pursued advanced studies, including Fulbright awards, Yengchin Scholarships and law degrees from universities like Columbia and Georgetown.

Academics
The Izmirlian program offers an experiential learning approach that takes you beyond the traditional classroom setting. You’ll engage in international experiences, including an international spring break immersion during your sophomore year, a multi-location study abroad experience at the end of your junior year and one-week international immersions during winter break of your senior year.
You’ll also dive deep into real-world issues by participating in a one-semester course that extends your learning throughout Washington, DC. These hands-on opportunities are designed to help you gain practical insight into the global economy and international policy.
Business and Global Affairs stories
Design your degree
Explore our core curriculum, majors, minors and certificate options and build a degree that aligns with your interests.

Core curriculum
Your academic journey will begin with a multidisciplinary core curriculum that spans key fields such as international affairs, government, economics, history, theology, philosophy and geography.

Majors
Engage with the substance of international affairs scholarship from different angles. Explore our eight majors within the Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service and build the degree that fits your interests and career aspirations.

Certificates
Complement your course of study with an interdisciplinary program where you can focus on a specific thematic or regional area of study.

Minors
Browse minors to complement your degree. Study languages or choose from diverse subjects to broaden your knowledge and skills.