Integrative programs in international business: The development of undergraduate cohort programs

This article describes the University of South Carolina's (USC) International Business and Chinese Enterprise (IBCE) program, an integrated 5-year initiative which combines an undergraduate International Business major and a 1-year pre-work experience Masters degree. The program involves the creation of a cohort of students drawn from two different institutions located in two different countries—USC and the Chinese University of Hong Kong—who share a common undergraduate experience. Five pedagogical approaches important to leadership development are identified, and this methodology is applied to the IBCE program. Detailed descriptions of the curriculum, requisite and elective coursework, and other degree requirements are included, as well as the program's objectives and underlying assumptions. Challenges facing the cohort program are considered, with a particular focus on student selection.