COURSE CURRICULUM

The Interdisciplinary Major with a focus in Business and Social Entrepreneurship at St. Thomas University is a unique program offered within the Bachelor of Arts degree. It integrates the university’s strong commitment to social and environmental values with practical and theoretical knowledge that prepares students to work in or lead social enterprises and nonprofit organizations. This 36-credit-hour major is designed for students who seek to use business strategies to address social challenges. Of the total credits, 30 must be earned through courses above the introductory level, ensuring a depth of study and skill development. The program begins with two foundational first-year courses: BUSI 1003, Introduction to Social Enterprise, and BUSI 1013, Contemporary Case Studies in Social Enterprise. These courses introduce students to the basic principles and real-world examples of mission-driven businesses. Students then move on to five core upper-level courses, including Building the Social Enterprise, Marketing for the Social Enterprise, Nonprofit Management, Finance and Fundraising for Social Enterprises, and a Work-Study Placement that provides practical experience in the field. In addition to these required courses, students choose 15 credit hours of electives from a diverse list that spans multiple disciplines, such as Economics, Environmental Studies, Human Rights, Philosophy, and Sociology. These electives allow students to explore topics like inequality, ecological economics, sustainability, and human rights advocacy, reinforcing the interdisciplinary nature of the program. This structure equips students with both business acumen and a broader liberal arts perspective, encouraging them to think critically about how enterprises can be used as tools for social change. Upon graduation, students are well-prepared for careers in nonprofit management, social entrepreneurship, community development, or further studies in areas such as public policy or sustainable development.