Across programs offered by the Business, Government, and Society (BGS) department, you’ll gain the skills to lead in a world where business decisions are shaped not just by markets, but by regulation, politics, culture, and ethics. You’ll learn how to navigate complex regulatory and social environments, manage stakeholder and government relationships, operate across borders, and understand the broader political and economic forces that influence organizations. Our faculty experts prepare students to lead with judgment, integrity, and a deep understanding of how business and society are intertwined.
BGS: Undergraduate
The BGS department offers a multitude of options for undergraduate students, including several programs that are open to all UT stuendts. Our undergraduate major and minor program curricula are designed to verse students in political science, business, law, economics, international business, public relations, and more.
Major: International Business
Program type: Bachelor of Business Administration
Open to: McCombs students
Career outcomes: International business majors have gone on to hold titles such as consultant, attorney, financial analyst, communications specialist, strategic developer, real estate agent, and business developer.
Program goal: The International Business major addresses the goals of students considering international careers by offering two ways to focus: on language and culture or on hard business skills. With additional support from the Center for Global Business, including mentorships and advising, international business majors are ready for the world.
Minor: Business and Public Policy
Program type: 15 credit hour certificate
Open to: All UT students
Career outcomes: The BPP minor is beneficial for students seeking a career in law, governmental and non-governmental organizations, or nonprofit organizations.
Program goal: Students pursuing the BPP Minor will understand the impact of the political process on business, and firms’ need to manage relationships with their numerous stakeholders. Students complete an intense curriculum of political science, business, law, economics, international business, and public relations.
Center for Global Business Minors
In addition to the minor in Business and Public Policy, the BGS department offers three minor programs through the Center for Global Business Minors (CGB). These programs are open to all UT students who want to supplement their undergraduate degree with practical skills and a global mindset. They also offer opportunities for students to study abroad.
BGS: Graduate
Get ready for today’s fast-changing business world by adding a concentration in ethics and corporate social responsibility or public and governmental affairs to your MBA. As regulations evolve and stakeholders expect more transparency and accountability, this focus helps you lead with integrity and make smarter, more informed decisions. It’s a practical way to boost the value of your degree while positioning yourself to make a meaningful impact in any organization.
MBA Concentration: Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility
Program type: 12 credit hour MBA concentration
Open to: Currently enrolled MBA students
Career outcomes: Corporate governance analyst, community relations manager, corporate social responsibility manager, education analyst, environment impact analyst, non-profit manager, public-policy analyst, sustainability consultant.
Program goal: The Texas MBA concentration in Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) equips students with the tools and knowledge to lead on ethics, CSR, and sustainability in today’s global business environment. The program prepares students for roles focused on managing social responsibility initiatives within firms and integrating ethical considerations into business strategy.
Explore the MBA in Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility →
MBA Concentration: Public & Government Affairs
Program type: 12 credit hour MBA concentration
Open to: Currently enrolled MBA students
Career outcomes: Public affairs manager, government relations manager, regulatory affairs manager, public policy analyst, director of government affairs, compliance manager, corporate political strategy advisor.
Program goal: The Texas MBA concentration in Public & Governmental Affairs equips students with the tools and knowledge to navigate the legal, regulatory, and political environments that shape business strategy. The program prepares students for leadership roles in business–government relations and for managing the impact of law and regulation on firm performance.
Washington Campus Program
Every year, McCombs BGS department sends a select group of MBA students to Washington, D.C. During an intensive week in the nation’s capital, students will hear from and interact with leaders from every sector of the Washington power circle. Typical speakers include Senators, Representatives, Congressional staffers, senior policy advisors at Fortune 500 companies, presidents of think tanks, influential lobbyists, and leaders of federal agencies.
