Global Business
The global business (GBUS) major at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service prepares you to become a changemaker at the intersection of business, politics, economics and culture.
In today’s globalized world, the private sector is essential in shaping international affairs through interactions with governmental and non-governmental actors. Our major in global business equips you with the training needed in international strategy, corporate ethics and social responsibility, helping you navigate these complex exchanges in productive, mutually beneficial ways.
The GBUS major integrates courses from the McDonough School of Business (MSB) and the SFS, giving you a comprehensive, interdisciplinary education. This combination of business and international relations offers a deeper understanding of multinational firms’ behavior and equips you with the tools necessary to succeed in global markets.
Major overview
Major declaration dates
Sophomore year
- Begins: After the add-drop in September
- Ends: Friday before Spring Break
Curricular dean
Credits
- 25 – 31
Concentrations
- Business standard track
- Business finance track
Program outcomes
When you graduate, you will tackle the broader implications of business activities on international relations and global policy. Our program’s focus on the interplay between business and international affairs distinguishes it from traditional business degrees. It helps you think critically about business in the context of global issues, such as international development and social responsibility.
As a GBUS major, you will gain valuable skills that prepare you for leadership roles in the private and public sectors. Upon completing the program, you will:
- Integrate business disciplines with courses in the humanities and social sciences
- Acquire analytical tools in accounting, finance, marketing and operations
- Analyze the interactions of businesses and governments in public sector policy-making
- Explore strategic considerations such as corporate ethics, social responsibility and environmental impact
Career paths
Graduates of the global business major bring an international perspective to business, economics and politics. This unique skill set enables you to pursue careers in the private sector, public policy, consulting and more. Integrating analytical business skills with a global lens prepares you to navigate complex international markets and develop innovative solutions in business and governance.
Academics
The global business major features an interdisciplinary curriculum from the McDonough School of Business and the School of Foreign Service. You’ll take courses in international trade, finance, marketing and operations, as well as classes on the social, political and economic context of global business.
In our major you can customize your academic experience based on your interests and goals. Whether you select the standard business core track or the finance-focused track, you’ll acquire analytical tools to understand multinational firms in the global marketplace.
Courses
To get the most up-to-date list of courses available in the GBUS program, as well as past course offerings, visit GU Experience and follow these steps:
- Go to GU Experience > registration dashboard
- Under the schedule of classes section, select browse classes
- Select term
- In the subject menu, choose global business
- Scroll down and click the class search button to explore available classes
I was attracted by the interdisciplinary aspect of the GBUS major. It gave me the opportunity to cross over two schools and to fully take advantage of my Georgetown experience. GBUS gave me access to a greater pool of resources and opportunities and allowed me to learn about the variety of business.
Alima Travaly (GBUS’21)
I knew I wanted to go into business with an emphasis on impact, but beyond the foundational business courses, I wanted to develop a stronger worldview and critical thinking skills through the SFS core that nurtures an intellectual mindset.
Esther Li (GBUS’22)
Though Georgetown is often celebrated for its academic rigor, my Georgetown is one of belly laughs, rich friendships, bright conversations and warmth in love. The people at Georgetown cultivate the soul as much as they do the mind.
One of my favorite classes at Georgetown was called Investments in Emerging Markets because it gave me the opportunity to study what I am most passionate about: the intersection of global business and politics.
Emily Gaven (GBUS’23)
I never thought I’d be building and modeling an ESG-conscious financial portfolio, but I’m so happy there were classes at Georgetown that really allowed me to explore my interests.
Faculty
Our faculty in the global business major have more than just academic expertise to share with their students; they draw upon their backgrounds as global trade negotiators, international bankers, government advisors and corporate leaders to provide you with a real-world perspective on the realities of global business in today’s world.
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Xiang Ding
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Mario Ramirez
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Gerald Solomon -
Dale Murphy
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Lindsay Oldenski
Alumni
A global business major prepares you for many career pathways in the private and public sectors, nonprofits and academia. It allows you to move freely among these sectors as your career evolves.
Global business stories
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Naina Bhamidipati (SFS’25) finds purpose in challenging unjust systems
Naina Bhamidipati (SFS’25) asks tough questions—tackling wrongful convictions, systemic bias and high-level research as a global business major.
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Georgie Wilson (SFS’24) on expanding possibilities and experiences at Georgetown
Wilson, originally from Sydney, Australia, and now living in Moorestown, New Jersey, is graduating this spring with a major in global business and a minor in Latin American studies.